Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club was founded in 1888 in the hills above the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer. Originally a 9 hole course it was extended by the Grand Old Man of Golf – Tom Morris to 18 holes from which today’s layout does not deviate to any great extent. Strathpeffer Spa is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland with spectacular panoramic views towards the Cromarty Firth in the east and the Fannich Hills in the west and the views are worth the green-fees alone.
At only 5,001 yards long with a par of 67, the Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club course is by no means the longest in Scotland. Additionally, four of the seven par threes are played in sequence from the 3rd to the 6th so this is eccentric golf from the same mould as the Shiskine Golf Club on Arran.
There is water in play at some holes. There are blind tee shots or approach shots to be played at other holes. Pot bunkers are sprinkled around the course and some greens are two-tiered. All in all, Strathpeffer Spa is a charming upland course with only one hole, the 151-yard, par three, 14th called “Target” played on flat ground – you have to be reasonably fit to get up and down the hills here.
One further claim to fame at Strathpeffer is that the opening hole “Castle Leod” – a modest par four of 333 yards – has an elevation change from tee to green that represents one of the deepest drops on any course in Scotland. And the most difficult hole of the course is 13th. A 310 yards par 4 (from the yellow).
