Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

A community-founded links evolving behind the dunes of Nairn's East Beach.

THE HIGHLANDS Location
LINKS Course type
18 Holes
72 Par

Beyond the Scorecard

Course established: 1899
Course designer/s:Joseph Dalgliesh and Mackenzie & Ebert
National ranking: #69
Known for: Working-class origins on Nairn's eastern links
Defining feature: Brodie's bowl green behind four bunkers

The People's Links at Nairn

The golf course at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club began in 1899 with nine holes on 60 acres provided by Sir Alexander Dunbar of Boath. Lady Dunbar formally opened the course that year, beginning a club history closely tied to the eastern side of Nairn. It expanded to 18 holes in 1924 after further land became available.

Its early identity differed from the town's older club. Nairn Dunbar gave local working people a more affordable place to play, which remains an important part of its heritage.

The layout has continued to change rather than remain fixed. Three new holes were completed in 1994, while later work has encouraged links grasses, firmer approaches, and faster running surfaces behind the dunes of East Beach. Mackenzie & Ebert also records course work here in 2020.

The short 8th, Brodie, provides its clearest individual feature. Four bunkers guard the entrance to a small green sitting inside a natural bowl, making distance control more important than power.

Why Add This Course to Your Golf Experience

Nairn Dunbar brings a strong community identity and proven tournament standard to a Kinfern golf experience. The club won Environmental Golf Course of the Year in both 2021 and 2023, and has hosted the Scottish Women's Amateur and Northern Open.

Kinfern can tailor the round around the group's pace, ability, and wider plans, creating a Highland golf day that feels established and welcoming. Its combination of serious links golf and local club character gives the experience depth without making it feel overly formal.