Reay Golf Club Caithness

Reays truly remarkable feature is that from every hole you can see the sea, the Pentland Firth. Nestling in Sandside Bay there are excellent views to ‘Beinn Ratha’ and rolling hillsides. The geographical location means the course is very rarely closed even throughout a highland winter.

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 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) 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.