Moray Golf Club (Old Course), Lossiemouth

Moray Golf Club at Lossiemouth runs two courses — the Old Course (1889, Old Tom Morris) and the New Course (1979, Henry Cotton). The Old is the round that earns the membership and the visitor traffic; it is widely considered one of the most underrated genuine links in northern Scotland.

The Old Course is laid out along the curve of Lossiemouth Bay, with beach immediately to the right of the back nine and the East Beach dunes framing the front. The 18th, played back uphill to a green in front of the clubhouse, is the photographed finish. The 13th and 16th are the holes regulars cite as the heart of the round — both played in full view of the sea, both rewarding precision over length.

Conditioning is excellent for the price. £75 weekday is not cheap by Highland muni standards but is genuinely good value for a Morris course of this quality. The combination ticket with the New Course (£105 same day) is the best way to play both. Caddies available by request, generally not needed.

Lossiemouth itself is a working harbour town with three pubs, two fish and chip shops, and a beach that looks better than most Mediterranean coves on a sunny day. The course pairs naturally with Cullen (45 minutes east) or Nairn (40 minutes west) for a Moray Firth weekend. Don't underrate it on the strength of the postcode — this is one of the better-value rounds in the country.