Isle of Harris

The original version of the Isle of Harris Golf Club dated back to the 1930s, though evidence suggests the course was actually used in the decade prior to that.

The club was forced to close due to the start of the Second World War, and it would be 45 years before it was brought back to life.

The Isle of Harris Golf Club was revived in the mid-1980s, being formally reconstituted in 1986. In 2000, the course was bought by its members.

Despite going through that period of inactivity, the course has remained unchanged since 1935. It remains one of the most picturesque 9-hole courses in the country, and the holes themselves do not disappoint; expect precisely the combination of quirk, fun and unique features that you drove all that way for. It can be blustery of course, but even without a breeze Isle of Harris has enough about it to give you a game.

Mostly though, you are lapping up the views and constantly diving for your phone camera to find the perfect screensaver shot. That is because the Isle of Harris' links is flanked on one side by the Sound of Taransay, which leads into the Atlantic Ocean; down its west side are the picture-perfect white sands that look like they are in the Seychelles or the Caribbean but are actually typical of this part of the Hebrides.

"One of the most beautiful settings for golf" - Sir Nick Faldo, six-time major champion

The course is only 2,400 yards for nine holes, with a single par five and three par 3s. It begins with a trio of par 4s, all of which could be seen as birdie chances. The opening hole takes you to the very edge of the bay. At just 267 yards, some might fancy their chances with their opening tee shot of the day, but the safe play is to lay back. You can then attack the shallow green with a wedge or short iron.

The 2nd is a 300-yard dog-leg left around the bay. Aim out to the right with your tee shot to be safe, before playing towards the long and narrow green. 3 is also a slight dog-leg left, but this time with a split fairway. Most will try and clear the trouble to the second section of fairway before hitting an approach towards a two-tiered green.

The first of the three par 3s comes at the 4th. It is 145 yards to the middle, but the green is the longest on the course, so make sure you work out where the flag is sitting. 5 is the longest hole on the course, and the Stroke Index 1. It is a 486-yard par 4, and the fairway bunker on the right side has to be avoided if you are thinking about going for it with your second. The green is protected by two more bunkers, including one at the front to stop approaches from being ran up onto the surface. From the hardest hole to the easiest hole – the 220-yard par 4 6th. Anything less than birdie here will feel like a shot has been dropped. Just don’t go long as there is a boundary wall behind the green.

You then come to back-to-back short holes at 7 and 8. The 7th is 160 yards, and played to an oval-shaped green – one that is protected by two bunkers on the right side. The 8th is longer, at more than 180 yards, and to an awkward green that can leave some tricky pin positions. Aim for the middle of the green, as you hit over trouble.

The closing hole at the Isle of Harris Golf Club is a 350-yard par 4, with the tee shot being hit over a burn. The green is sat slightly below the level of the fairway, and with no bunkers, it is perfect for a proper links-style shot along the turf to find the surface. It is the final piece to a glorious 9-hole puzzle.

Sean Arble: It’s no surprise that I enjoy the Isle of Harris. The course ticks many of my boxes; exhilarating holes, smashing setting, compact design and a good walk.

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Where is the Isle of Harris Golf Club located?

There is no doubt that the Isle of Harris is one of the most far-flung venues on any of the NCG Top 100s list, let alone just the Scotland list. It is, as you might expect, located on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides to the west of Scotland. The club sits off the A859, which runs from the north to the south of the Isle of Harris, next to the village of Scarista.

There are no train services on the Isle of Harris, and there is also no airport on the island. The only way to get to Harris is via ferry, which you can catch from Uig to Tarbert. Wednesdays and Sundays both have two runnings, with the other five days of the week seeing the ferry run just once.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?

This might not surprise you, but it takes quite a journey to find the nearest venue that also claims a spot on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list. Askernish, on South Uist (also in the Outer Hebrides), is only 65 miles away, but due to ferry crossings, that can take three hours. On the mainland, Inverness is the nearest city, making the likes of the Castle Stuart Course at Cabot Highlands, Nairn and Nairn Dunbar the closest. However, they are still pushing 200 miles away.

What golf facilities does the Isle of Harris Golf Club offer?

Due to the constraints of the land, the Isle of Harris Golf Club does not have a driving range, but there are hitting nets to allow you to warm up prior to taking on the course. The putting green is located by the clubhouse.

What are the green fees at the Isle of Harris Golf Club?

The price of a green fee at Isle of Harris Golf Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Isle of Harris, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).

Visit the Isle of Harris website here (opens in a new tab).

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