A Journey Through Tradition, Nature & Classic Links Golf
Brora Golf Club
There are golf courses that impress you with grandeur. There are golf courses that test you with difficulty. And then there are golf courses that leave a deep emotional imprint—courses that feel alive, connected to history, landscape and culture. Brora Golf Club is one of these rare places. Tucked along the remote northeastern coast of the Scottish Highlands, Brora offers not just a round of golf, but an experience that blends tradition, nature and the purest form of links golf.
Brora is located in the village of the same name, just north of Royal Dornoch and directly along the North Coast 500 route. For many golfers visiting Scotland, the journey to Brora begins with a scenic drive from Inverness, winding past rugged coastlines, ancient farmland and the breathtaking expanse of the North Sea. But what awaits at the end of this journey is even more remarkable—a course that feels as close to original, unaltered links golf as you will find anywhere in the world.
Founded in 1891, Brora Golf Club holds a unique place in the history of Scottish golf. While it may not have the global fame of some of its neighbours, Brora has become a cherished destination for true lovers of links golf—those who value authenticity, character, and tradition. Its design was refined in 1923 by famed architect Donald Ross, who grew up just south at Royal Dornoch and carried Scottish design principles with him across the Atlantic.
Many of Ross’s trademarks—raised greens, natural bunkering, strategic angles—are evident at Brora. But unlike many modern courses, Brora’s features feel untouched by heavy machinery or artificial shaping. The land dictates the golf, not the other way around. Every dune, hollow, mound and ripple in the fairway looks like it was created by the hand of nature over centuries.
One of the things that makes Brora truly unforgettable is the wildlife. Cattle and sheep roam freely across the course, grazing peacefully in the rough and occasionally wandering across fairways. Rather than viewing this as an inconvenience, the club embraces it as part of the course’s identity. The grazing keeps the grass healthy and the turf firm. The presence of the animals respects centuries-old agricultural traditions. And the low-voltage electric fences around the greens—just enough to gently deter wandering sheep—have become a symbol of Brora’s uniqueness.
The round begins with an opening hole that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. A par 4 that runs parallel to the coastline, the first invites golfers into a landscape dominated by wind, sea and natural dunes. The sight of the open water is almost constant at Brora. Every hole seems to be touched in some way by the coastline, whether through direct proximity, wind influence or long, uninterrupted views of the sea.
The early stretch of holes introduces golfers to Brora’s distinct character: fairways that run firm and fast, greens that are subtly contoured and beautifully natural, and strategic bunkers that seem to appear exactly where the golfer least wants them. This is classic Ross—minimalist, clever, and reliant on natural defences.
One of the defining features of Brora is that it asks the golfer to think. It is not a brute-force, target-golf style of course. It is a course that invites creativity. Low, running shots are often the best option. High shots into stiff winds can be punished. The ground game—an essential part of true links golf—is alive here in its purest form.
As the round progresses, the land becomes more dramatic. The par-3 sixth hole, known as “Witch,” is a breeze-defying short hole that plays across a valley of dunes. Precision is essential, as the green is tucked into a natural bowl that offers both safety and danger. Many golfers leave this hole shaking their heads with a mix of admiration and frustration.
But signature moments at Brora Golf Club, come at the 13th hole, simply called “Sea Hole.” This short par 3 is one of the most photographed and adored holes in Scottish links golf. The tee shot must carry part of the rocky shoreline and navigate swirling winds to reach a green bordered by dunes and framed beautifully against the sea. The delicate electric fence surrounding the green gives the hole an iconic look—instantly recognisable to anyone who has spent time exploring Scotland’s more remote courses.
The 14th and 15th holes continue the journey through natural dunes before the course begins its return toward the village. The 16th and 17th are both strong par 4s that demand accuracy and clever shotmaking, especially when the wind is up. By the time golfers reach the final hole—a charming par 3 aimed directly at the clubhouse—they have experienced a full spectrum of links golf challenges.
But to talk about Brora solely in terms of golf holes would miss the soul of the place.
What makes Brora extraordinary is the harmony between golf and nature. The course feels like it belongs where it is—shaped by wind, maintained by weather and wildlife, and grounded in centuries of tradition. It is the antithesis of modern resort golf. There are no grand viewing stands, no cart paths, no artificial water features. Everything about the experience is understated, humble and beautifully real.
That authenticity extends to the village of Brora itself. Visitors are welcomed warmly, whether at the clubhouse, local pubs, inns or shops. Unlike some of Scotland’s more famous destinations, Brora remains quiet, peaceful and free from overwhelming tourism. It retains the charm of a Highland community where golf is woven into daily life rather than staged as a spectacle.
Many golfers who play Brora as part of a Highlands golf trip report that it becomes one of their favourite rounds—not because it is the hardest or the most famous, but because it feels so genuine. It’s the kind of course that makes you smile even when you’re hitting from a deep bunker or playing a punch shot into a stiff wind. Brora brings golf back to its roots, reminding players that the game was born on land like this, shaped by elements like these.
For those designing Highland Golf Itinerary in Scotland, Brora pairs perfectly with Royal Dornoch, Tain, Golspie, Nairn, and Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands). It adds variety, charm and authenticity—a contrast to more polished championship layouts. Many golfers who come for Dornoch leave proclaiming Brora as the course that captured their hearts.
Visiting Brora also gives travellers the chance to explore the broader Highlands region. The coastline around Brora is stunning, with long sandy beaches, archaeological sites, whisky distilleries, and scenic drives that showcase the dramatic beauty of northern Scotland. It’s a region where time feels slower, landscapes feel larger, and nature feels closer.
As golf travel evolves, more golfers seek experiences beyond the well-known names. They want courses that are real, memorable and rooted in tradition. Brora checks all these boxes and more. It is a course that rewards thought, humility and creativity. It is a place where every shot tells a story, every breeze shifts the strategy, and every moment feels connected to the ancient history of the game.
In the end, Brora Golf Club is the embodiment of pure links golf. It is honest. It is beautiful. It is challenging. It is quirky. And it is unforgettable.
For golfers planning a Scotland adventure—whether for the first time or the tenth—Brora deserves a place near the top of the list. It may not be the most famous course you play, but it will almost certainly be one of the most cherished.
Visit Meridian Golf Tours and have a look at our Highland Golf Tour