After playing Scarista we made our way north to explore Traigh Niosaboist and the turquoise waters of Seilebost Beach. There is an immense inlet, Fadhail Losgaintir estuary, which the A859 follows. It is well worth leaving some time to probe this wonderful area. The road turns inland and the island turns from beach to hilly boulders. Our destination was Tarbert where we caught a ferry to Uig on Skye. No golf on Skye, just passing through to catch the ferry from Armadale back to our starting point, Mallaig. Maybe 10 miles to the south is Traigh Golf Club in a perfectly idyllic location set above several beaches and looking toward the Small Islands of Rum, Eigg and Muck.
A private course was built circa 1900 for the landowner. Jack Shaw Stewart, the land owner, requested Johnny Salveson, former Captain of the R&A to redesign the course in 1993. The charmingly traditional But and Ben clubhouse was built and a small membership was taken on. This is the course we play today with a few minor changes.
Off the charts charming....and manned. While honesty box courses are lionized, it’s much more welcoming to be greeted by someone in the house. Its also a refuge if folks wish to plow around the course more than once.
Dave (on the right) and I met Jeff Butcher of thetraditionalgolfer fame.
That said, sometimes, needs, must.
Course Map
A very good uphill short hole hits the golfer for the opener. There is bailout room right. Another shocker, the second stares back at the tee as if to say...I dare ya. One can elect to play blindly to the fairway nob or go around the hill by driving left. Neither option struck me as good.
The punchbowl green is not receptive from the hill, but does open up for those who played around the hill. Below is the approach to this par 5. This is an an outrageously fun hole.
The third plays down, toward the beach. The green is sheltered under a fairway lip.
Jimmy's Choice (4th) is yet another clever hole using the land expertly. Many will have to layup off the tee; some will have the length to reach this 250ish yard hole.
A spot on layup will leave a view of the green, though most will rightfully choose to be a bit more cautious and leave a blind approach.
Great green.
More to follow.
Ciao