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Birdie Brae

A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer

Highlands

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

Nairn, Highlands

Plate ILinks course — coastal exposure, firm running turf

Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Links
Highlands
Walkability
★★★★☆
Walkable for most
Best Season
May–Sep
Year-round, best Apr–Oct
Visitor Access
Open
Mid-week ideal

Nairn's second links. Less famous than the Nairn Golf Club but good value.

From the Notebook

Nairn Dunbar is the second of the two main links courses in Nairn — distinct from the Nairn Golf Club (which hosted the 1999 Walker Cup), but on the same Moray Firth coastline and sharing much of the same terrain character. Founded 1899, the course runs east of the town centre along the shore of the firth, with views to the Black Isle and the Sutherland hills.

Par 72, around 6,700 yards — longer than the Nairn Golf Club, and with a layout that uses the natural seaside ground in a less manicured but arguably more characterful way. The course lacks the high-profile tournament history of its more famous neighbour, which keeps both the visitor traffic and the green fee more manageable.

Visitor green fee is £50–75, roughly half the Nairn Golf Club rate. For visitors planning a Nairn golf trip, the natural combination is both courses over two days — Nairn Golf Club in the morning (£100–150), Nairn Dunbar in the afternoon or the following day (£55–75). The two courses give a useful comparison between a formally maintained Walker Cup venue and a club that hasn't had its rough edges polished.

The Full Scorecard

Everything else you might want to know.

Course

Open season
Year-round, best Apr–Oct

Visitor

Dress code
Smart casual, collared shirts
Spikes
Soft only

Practical

Address
Nairn, Highlands, IV12 5AE
Phone
01667 452741
Nearest train
Inverness or Tain
Nearest airport
Inverness (INV) (60 min)
Parking
Free
Wi-Fi
Yes, clubhouse
Card payment
Yes

Plan This Round

Three things to sort before you tee off.

Played here? Consider

Three things worth packing.

Course-tuned recommendations, not generic gear lists.

Outerwear

Galvin Green Andres jacket

Wind off the firth changes club selection two irons. A breathable, fully-waterproof shell that's light enough not to swing in is the single biggest upgrade for Scottish links golf.

Layer

Sunderland of Scotland half-zip

Scottish-made merino — the locals' choice for shoulder-season rounds. Warm enough for a 7am tee time in October, light enough for the back nine when the sun comes out.

Tech

Garmin Approach S70 GPS

Handles blind tee shots and exposed-coastal yardage cleanly. Battery lasts a 36-hole day; the wind-direction overlay justifies the price on its own.

★ The Sunday Post ★

A weekly letter from the Highland links.

One short Scottish-golf email every Sunday. Free PDF on signup: The Sutherland Coast in Three Rounds. No sales pitch.

The Sunday Post

Get the local knowledge

One email, most Sundays. No sales pitch.

Stays Nearby

Where to stay near Nairn

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Nairn. Tap any property to check rates.

Rates and availability via Stay22. We may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work.

Frequently Asked

Visitors usually want to know.

Can visitors play at weekends?
Visitors are welcome but mid-week is markedly easier and quieter. Confirm a weekend tee time as far ahead as you can — popular Saturdays book up first.
How early can I book a tee time?
Phone or email the pro shop to confirm. Most Scottish clubs accept visitor bookings 7–30 days ahead; group bookings of 8+ can be arranged further ahead.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual, collared shirts. Soft only.
Are buggies allowed?
Yes, available at the pro shop. Most members walk with a trolley though — the course is genuinely walkable.
What's the best time of year to play?
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep for full conditions. Late May and early Sep are quietest with fair value. Year-round, best Apr–Oct.
Cite this page: birdiebrae.co.uk/courses/nairn-dunbar-golf-clubLast verified 1 May 2026 by Birdie Brae editorial · Report a change