Gairloch Golf Club sits in a beautiful, seaside location in the West Highlands, on the famous NC500 motor route. There are views from the course of the expanse of Gairloch beach, the local hills and over the Minch to the north end of Skye and to Harris and Lewis. The club was founded in 1898 and has operated continuously since then. It was and remains a member-owned club and is run by a committee of volunteers. We employ one full-time greenkeeper, who maintains the course with help from volunteers. The clubhouse is now run as a café, The Links, whose opening hours can be found on their Facebook page.
The club has about 150 members, several of whom are country members. There is an active senior group that meets on Tuesday mornings and is happy to welcome visitors who would like company on their way round and perhaps a few tips on the best line of play.
The Course.
This 9-hole course makes the best of the 26 acres it leases from the local estate. There are alternate tees on the back 9 on some holes. There are two places where fairways cross close to the tees and care is needed at busy times to avoid the occasional, wayward teeshot. The course is quite hilly and some tee positions are in the trees on the side of the hill to the west, giving an elevated view of the fairway or the green. Although small, the course is quite challenging and gets many favourable comments and reviews for its layout and for the condition of the greens and fairways.
The first hole gives a gentle introduction to the course, with a wide fairway and a large green. The second green is on top of a small knoll. For those who can reach the green, it is a challenge to get the ball to stop before running into a sand scrape at the back. The third is also a par 3 and is also on a raised area with slopes front and back. Before leaving the third tee, take a look at the layout of the fourth hole. It is blind from the tee and the ground slopes to the left towards two pot bunkers. The fourth has a marker post to indicate the line of play. Wait for the bell before teeing off. The fifth green is somewhat tucked into the side of the hill and is best approached from the left. Remember to ring the bell on leaving the fourth green. The sixth tee is up the hill and in the woods and gives lovely views over the Minch. The seventh is a short, blind par 3 with no fairway between tee and green. Take a look before going to the tee. The eight is a par 5 which hugs Gairloch beach. The beach is a joy to see and a magnet for golf balls. The ninth green slopes away from the line of play. Only the best can hold the ball on that green but there is a bank at the back for the rest of us.
Facilities.
The Links café is run by an independent caterer. Opening times can be found on their Facebook page. When the café is open, trolleys and clubs can be hired and green fees paid. At other times, we operate an honesty box and visitors can play at any time. There is a large car park that is also used by visitors to the beach. If the clubhouse is closed, there are toilet facilities beside the car park (under reconstruction at the time of writing). Otherwise, Gairloch is well served with shops, cafes and other facilities.
