'A Hidden Gem In The Scottish Highlands'
The Course
The Strathpeffer Spa Golf Course
Strathpeffer is a remarkable fine mature well established 18 hole parkland golf course with stunning panoramic views from the upper reaches of the Cormarty Firth to the mountainous terrain of the West.
Described as ‘a Gem in the Highlands’ by Peter Alliss it is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland. On a clear day the views from the course are simply stunning whatever the time of year. In Spring the vibrant colours of the gorse dominate whilst in Summer the beauty of the natural heritage fills the course with colour through the season. Autumn brings another dramatic change to reds, coppers and golds and blends nicely into the winter when it all starts again.
The course itself is beautifully maintained and is kept as natural as possible with little changed from the days of Willie and Old Tom. There is an abundance of wildlife on the course and a great variety of wild plants to enjoy. Every hole has a unique identity and will long remain in the memory.
The opening hole provides a breathtaking challenge with the green nestling far below you and tucked into the corner and a burn to cross.
A unique feature of Strathpeffer is four par 3 holes in a row to get you up the hill and into the upper plateau. Each par 3 has its own challenge with the first of them across one of the ponds. The 5th, the shortest at only 123 yards is daunting.
Once safely negotiated the course opens up with interesting holes from 7 through 9, all three have difficult approaches to elevated greens.
Once you reach the highest part of the course let your mind wander to the famous names that created this gem and appreciate the Open Winners who have tramped these fairways.
The 10th is a beautiful hole across a pond with magnificent backdrop into a saucer green which you miss at your peril.
The 11th another par 3, long and fraught with danger in particular a pond on the right waiting for your power fade one you clear the bog.
Two short par 4’s follow but position off the tee is vital and the percentage shots to set up birdie chances and caution is the watchword for both.
Some relief comes at the par 3 14th which is the last of the seven par 3’s but be warned there is rough all the way to the green.
Once safely negotiated the course opens up with interesting holes from 7 through 9, all three have difficult approaches to elevated greens.
Once you reach the highest part of the course let your mind wander to the famous names that created this gem and appreciate the Open Winners who have tramped these fairways.
The 10th is a beautiful hole across a pond with magnificent backdrop into a saucer green which you miss at your peril.
The 11th another par 3, long and fraught with danger in particular a pond on the right waiting for your power fade one you clear the bog.
Two short par 4’s follow but position off the tee is vital and the percentage shots to set up birdie chances and caution is the watchword for both.
Some relief comes at the par 3 14th which is the last of the seven par 3’s but be warned there is rough all the way to the green.
The 15th is tricky and the second shot will be blind with “out of bounds” lurking behind the green. Take time on this tee to enjoy the views down to the Cromarty Firth.
Two comfortable par 4’s follow which offer up chances to get some shots back before you reach the 18th. It may not be too long and it is downhill but if you take it on you need to be straight as “out of bounds” runs all the way down the right and there is a severe slope waiting on the green.
You can find a complete Hole-by-Hole guide on our Course Guide page.
The Course Facts
COURSE YARDAGES
Tee
Front 9
Back 9
Total
White
2360
2641
5001
Yellow
2164
2453
4617
Red
1850
2274
4124
HOLE PARS
Tee
Par 3’s
Par 4’s
Par 5’s
White
7
9
2
Yellow
7
11
0
Red
6
10
2