Wick Golf Club holds the proud distinction of being “The Oldest Golf Club North of the Grampians” and is an old-fashioned traditional links of nine holes that run out and back.
It does not claim to be the first location in the region where informal or ad hoc golf was played. This distinction lies with Dornoch in 1616. It does not claim to be the first golf society in the region. This distinction lies with Fortrose/Rosemarkie in 1793. Both these became golf clubs several years after Wick.
In September 1870, after playing informal/ad hoc golf for 6 months on a couple of parks on the South Head, overlooking Wick Bay, these “mad gowfers”, as described by the local fishermen and farmers, formed Wick Golf Club.
Several members of the Dunbar family played key roles in developing and sustaining golf at Reiss Links, the former playground of the local aristocracy who lived nearby in the ancient castles around Sinclair Bay.
In early November 1906, Lady Louisa Duff Dunbar of Ackergill and Hempriggs Estate offered to fund extending Reiss Links from 9 to 18 holes and contribute to the building of a new clubhouse. John Sutherland Dornoch Golf Club Secretary spent two days walking Reiss Links assessing the design options for the Reiss Links extension. In late November 1906, he submitted his report to Wick Golf Club committee confirming the suitability of the ground for the proposed extension to 18 holes. His final paragraph explained how he had used his clubs and his expert knowledge of how far he could hit a golf ball with each club to measure the approximate length of each hole! John is arguably the most important contributor to Golf in the Scottish Highlands to date and we and many others owe him so much.
His proposal was accepted with minor alterations and work proceeded the winter months with the course ready for the start of the 1907 season.
The course has undergone minor changes through the subsequent years most notably some changes in 2002, with design advice from Irish professional golfer Ronan Rafferty, significant changes were made to several holes to improve player safety and to optimise the location of tees in the dunes.
Wick GC was coveted as the course Golfmates would most like to revisit! Try it for yourself you won’t be disappointed.
Green Fees
Adult £50 per round
Junior £10
Adult (Playing with a member) £25
Junior (Playing with a member) £5
Visitor (Playing with a member) £15
Trolly Hire £2
Club Hire £5
The Club House
The club house has the following opening hours:
Tuesday: 10:00-14:00
Thursday: 10:00-14:00
Sunday: 10:00-15:00
Open competition days clubhouse will be open from 7:30am
Other times as required by prior arrangement
