Scotland’s Thurso Golf Club – A Challenge
Thurso is recognized as a good holiday course but it is not without its mean moments, particularly with the wind blowing from the Pentland Firth. Founded in 1893, Thurso Golf Club has the northernmost course on the British mainland. The present 18 hole course was built in 1963 using four different nine-hole courses.
Thurso is two miles west of the town and offers stunning views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. It is mainly a gentle undulating parkland course, with its holes facing different directions. A par 69 of 5828 yards length, this golf course is not as easy at it first appears. The fairways are large but the direction of the wind has its role to play in the game. Many holes having out of bounds alongside and the rough along the fairways can cause problems. There are also some course hazards like severe ditches and a burn as well as some recently planted trees.
The opening holes are demanding enough with a tough par 4 and a ditch near the par 3 third hole. The par 5 fourth is uphill and faces continuous winds demanding a long and accurate drive to avoid the fairway ditches. This is a probably the most challenging hole at Thurso It is followed by the par 3 fifth hole which can be confusing. The 6th needs a formidable tee shot with out of bounds left and problems on the right though it is a chance for a birdie.
The 7th is a par 5 and one of the best holes of Thurso, calling for a long drive to avoid the second ditch. This is a tricky green. The ninth is over water and uphill. The tenth begins Thurso’s Amen Corner, a long par 4 with out of bounds all the way up the right. The 11th is the trickiest two tiered green you will ever encounter. The 16th is a daunting par 4 at 440 yards, usually into the winds! The18th is uphill and has two bunkers to protect the green, calling for the extra skill. A thoroughly enjoyable game and warm welcome awaits you at the lovely little Thurso Club.
