Links ClassicGreat ValueHidden Gem

Tain Golf Club

Tain, Ross-shire · Designed by Old Tom Morris (1890) · Est. 1890

Tain is a jewel of the far north, an Old Tom Morris links laid out in 1890 on the shore of the Dornoch Firth, and the anchor of the wonderful cluster of Highland links that includes its illustrious neighbour Royal Dornoch. Old Tom found a beautiful natural site here — a blend of true seaside links by the firth and gorse-lined, heathier ground inland — and the result is a course of great charm and variety that plays far bigger than its modest yardage.

At par 70 over around 6,400 yards, its defining feature is the Aldie Burn, which snakes through the closing holes and must be crossed and re-crossed — the famous "Alps" 17th and the burn-guarded finish provide a memorable, nervy end. Firm turf, sea views and the Highland light complete the picture.

And for all its quality and Old Tom pedigree, Tain remains astonishing value — one of the great-value must-plays of any northern Highlands golf tour.

Holes worth knowing

117th "Alps" (par-4) — the celebrated late hole where the Aldie Burn and the terrain conspire to test nerve and judgement at the death.
2The burn-guarded closing stretch — the Aldie Burn snakes through the finish, crossing and re-crossing the holes for a thrilling end.

Highlights

An Old Tom Morris links (1890)
The Aldie Burn defines a memorable finish
A blend of seaside links and heathery ground
Exceptional value near Royal Dornoch

Good to know

→Tain is an Old Tom Morris design of real charm — and at around £40 it is one of the best-value great links in Scotland.
→Watch the Aldie Burn on the closing holes: it comes into play again and again and has wrecked many a good card.
→It anchors the northern Highlands links cluster with Royal Dornoch, Golspie, Brora and Fortrose — a superb multi-day tour.
→The Glenmorangie distillery is in Tain itself, and the town makes a friendly, low-key base for the far north.
→Inverness is 45 minutes; the drive up the firths is one of the loveliest golf journeys in Britain.