Located thirty-five miles north of Inverness and nine miles south of Dornoch, a rudimentary form of the game has been played at Tain, since at least c1870. The evolution of the guttie ball which made golf more accessible to a broader audience accelerated the demand for the game, and so in 1889, an invitation was extended from the membership of Tain to Old Tom Morris to look at a potential redesign of the course. This he duly did and a 15-hole course opened in 1890 named the St. Duthus Golf Club after the local patron saint. A lack of finances meant the course was reduced to 12-holes before a cash injection in 1894 extended the footprint to 18-holes. The club was renamed in 1911 to Tain Golf Club. The vision of Old Tom has remained at the forefront of minds throughout the ages and much of his original design (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th 10th, 14th & 15th) remain in situ, due in no uncertain terms to the respect shown to it by John Sutherland who came after Old Tom to redevelop the course further.
The course overlooks the Dornoch Firth to one side and has the backdrop of the Hill of Tain and Cnoc an t-Sabhail mountains to the other. Within easy reach of Tain is the world-famous distillery of Glenmorangie, which can be incorporated into a great golfing day out. However, it is for world-class links golf that most come to visit this part of the Highlands and in the case of Tain Golf Club, known as Old Tom Morris’ Jewel of the North, you can experience the origins of the game first hand.
The signature hole at Tain is the par four 11th. Playing straight towards the water, a good drive will set the golfer up for a crack at the blind approach. Guarded by what resembles a camel hump-shaped dune at the front of the green, club choice needs to be incredibly accurate as the green falls away steeply long and to the right of the putting surface. This could be the most difficult 380yards of golf you’ll play for a very long time and is a firm favorite with the Pro.
There is no denying that history surrounds you at Tain. The clubhouse and members are ever welcoming of visitors and are not short of a story or two to share with you. Time should be taken and enjoyed in the clubhouse to explore the memorabilia that adorns the walls. Tain Golf Club is a fabulous addition to any Highlands itinerary, so why not let The Consummate Pro take you there on your golf vacation to Scotland.
