Tain Golf Club was founded in 1890, when Old Tom Morris surveyed the ground but could identify only 15 suitable green sites, so the course originally opened with just 15 holes. It was later extended to a full 18 by John Sutherland, Royal Dornoch’s long-serving secretary, using additional land acquired in the following years. Eleven of Old Tom’s original green sites remain in play today, on a course that now runs to a par of 70 over 6,404 yards. The par-3 17th, in particular, is widely rated among the finest short holes Old Tom Morris ever designed.
I have mixed feelings when I think of the golf club in Tain. This is because I’ve noticed two distinct personalities on the course. The first few holes are less exciting, but that changes by the time you reach the back nine. Here, the course becomes significantly more exciting. Highlights include the 11th hole, a par 4 called “Alps”, and the 16th hole, a par 3 called “Kelag”. Another highlight is the friendliness of the pro shop staff. When I asked about Old Tom Morris’s original layout, I was shown a huge historical map in the clubhouse. I received a detailed introduction to the club there, and I’ve been playing there on and off ever since my first visit.
