Traigh

Traigh is the westernmost golf course in the United Kingdom, with the layout looking out to some of the Inner Hebridean islands. 

The word Traigh means ‘beach’ in Gaelic, and the course sits atop the cliffs, looking down at the white sandy beaches. 

Despite being a 9-hole layout, Traigh has plenty of character, including a grass bunker that sits on the site of a sinkhole that opened up in 2015. 

Visit Traigh’s website here. 

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Traigh’s golfing history dates back to the turn of the 20th Century, with the club being founded in 1900. 

Until the mid-1990s, golfers shared the course with dairy cows; fencing wire being used to keep the cattle off the putting greens. 

John Salvesen was brought in around that time to improve and update the layout of the golf course. He also roped in James MacDonald MBE – Head Greenkeeper at Royal Lytham for over two decades – to help him. MacDonald, a native of Arisaig, knew the ground well. 

The course went through significant change in 2015, thanks to Mother Nature. A seven-by-three metre sinkhole opened up on the 7th fairway, with the hole being renamed ‘An Sloc’ or ‘The Sinkhole’ following the repairs.

As the most westerly course in the country, and with Traigh meaning beach in Gaelic, you already know what to expect. With springy links turf and the views over the beach and out to the Hebridean islands, Traigh offers up scoring chances just as quickly as it can offer up doubles and triples. It measures just 2,500 yards for its nine-hole configuration, playing as a Par 68 if you opt to go round twice! 

The opening hole is a tricky 140-yard par 3 that can play anywhere between a long iron and a wedge depending on the wind direction. The 2nd offers up a split fairway, with golfers having the option of the long carry down the right, or the bail out to the left. Take the latter option, and the hole plays to its full 450 yards and as one of the hardest on the property. The 3rd is the Stroke Index 18, but the distractions come in the form of the coastal backdrop. 

At just 260 yards, the 4th is definitely drivable. However, if you get it slightly wrong, then there is every chance it will be a lost ball, and you will be playing three off the tee. With OOB down the right and behind the green, and a burn running across the hole in front of the putting surface, this par 3 is much more difficult than its 135 yards might suggest. Playing back away from the OOB, and with it this time in play down the left side, the 6th could also be seen as drivable at 285 yards. Just make sure you aim at the correct green, as the 4th sits close to the 6th. 

The 7th – famous for its sinkhole in 2015 – is the longest hole on the course. This 480-yard par 5 might well be the one hole on the property where you can go wild with driver. OOB runs down the right, but it needs to go severely offline to be in danger. The 8th is a dog-leg right, with OOB on its right side once more, this time thanks to the first green. The course ends as it begins, with a tricky par 3. A burn runs across the front of the green, making it all carry on this 180-yard challenge. Enjoy the views from the tee for one last time before putting a committed swing on it!

Where is Traigh Golf Course located?

Traigh Golf Course is located on the western coastline of Scotland, in the Scottish Highlands. It is so far west, that it is actually the most westerly golf course on the mainland of the United Kingdom. It sits a couple of miles from the town of Arisaig, with the A830 – running inland to Fort William – close by. A series of sandy beaches run alongside the western side of the course, with the Inner Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum both in view, along with the Cuillins of Skye.

Arisaig has its own train station, with infrequent services running to Glasgow Queen Street. Glasgow Airport, the second busiest airport in the country, is around 135 miles from Traigh, with Inverness Airport being slightly closer – around 100 miles from the venue.

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

Thanks to its location on the very western coastline of the country, there are only two venues on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list that are within 100 miles of Traigh. They are Spey Valley and Boat of Garten, both of which are located close to Aviemore.

What golf facilities does Traigh Golf Course offer?

Due to the lack of space, there is not a driving range at Traigh, but the facility does have hitting nets and a putting green, so you are able to warm up before you take to the course.

What are the green fees at Traigh Golf Course?

The price of a green fee at Traigh Golf Course 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 Traigh, visit their website here.