The Reay Course
The Reay Course
Stats
Length 5831 yards
Par 69
SSS 69
Style Seaside Links
Some of James Braid's finest work is celebrated in this outpost in the far north of Scotland where the air is as clear as the Highland burn.
This is the land where Braid weaved his magic amid classic seaside links and in mysterious Highland glens.
The Reay course at 5831 yards has the unique distinction of opening and closing, with a par three. Not a popular start on any course and at Reay the 235 yards first hole can be quite damaging to a medal score if you catch the trouble on the right of the tee but, safely negotiated, the next seven holes are interesting, varied and the best on the course. Two are par fives, the 4th at 581 yards is always a three-shotter and the 6th, named "Braid’s Choice" after comments by James Braid the renowned golf course architect who laid the original 12 holes had played it and remarked on its quality.
The 581 yd. par five 4th hole "Sahara" requires a solid tee shot and fairway wood to set up an approach to a sheltered green protected by a burn. The 196 yd. par three 7th "Pilkington" is a beautiful short hole played across "Reay" burn to a raised green. The two tiered 18th protected by it’s greenside bunkers provides a formidable finishing hole. A modern clubhouse provides picturesque views overlooking the whole course and where a warm welcome can be assured to all visitors.
The club’s leading players have voted the par 3 seventh as not only the best hole on the course but perhaps one of the most testing in the country. The tee and green, some 190 yards distant, are about the same level, but between them there is a burn, and over it a steep escarpment to the green – this gives the impression of closeness but do not be deceived, the 198 yards is all carry and there is no relief from being short.