There is a golfing landscape in Forres and the surrounding Moray area that is as appealing as it is underappreciated.
Between the Cairngorm foothills and the Moray Firth, this part of Scotland has a character all its own. The game here is defined by firm turf, clean coastal air and a dramatic light, underpinned by a local culture that holds tradition in high regard while remaining accessible. A visitor will find the draw is not just the courses themselves but the opportunity for a more relaxed pace of play amid some fine scenery.
Moray is well equipped for anyone with a few rounds to fit into a Highland itinerary or those on a proper golf break. You will come across an impressive array of options, from parkland to links. Forres makes for a good base, though the coastline and neighbouring towns put much more at your disposal.
Forres
As a historic Moray town with both country and coast on its doorstep, Forres may lack the international profile of some of Scotland’s better known haunts, but it is a practical place from which to set out. The town’s own course at Forres Golf Club is a fine way to get to know the region. It is a traditional parkland affair in a mature setting, with its tree-lined holes and undulating fairways giving it a welcoming air.
The club caters to a wide spectrum of player. Higher-handicappers will find it playable, yet one must exercise control and some thought in managing the course; accuracy is what is rewarded here, not brute force. Conditions are to be relied upon for most of the season, and for those in town it is a matter of convenience being so close to one’s accommodation and dining.
Beyond Forres
Venture further afield in Moray and the variety increases. There is a marked contrast to be had between the inland and coastal offerings.
Lossiemouth Golf Club
This is perhaps the best known name in Moray. The Old Course is a links layout in the truest sense, where fast-running turf and natural contours are left to the elements. The wind can make for an examination of one’s abilities rather than a straightforward round. Shot shaping and adaptability are at a premium when the weather is factored in. Should tee times permit, the newer course at Lossiemouth is another option, making the club a destination of note for those after something authentic by the sea.
Hopeman Golf Club
A solid choice for the golfer who prefers to avoid the crowds at the more famous venues. Hopeman is a compact and scenic links on the coast that is highly responsive to the wind. It is less of a household name than some in Scotland, but the experience is thoroughly satisfying and traditional.
Elgin Golf Club
For a change of scene from the coast, Elgin is one of the more established inland clubs in the region. The parkland test is well kept and has enough design maturity to hold the interest of a returner. It is a sound complement to a day at Lossiemouth or Hopeman and is handy for those based in Moray’s largest town.
Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth
Also in Lossiemouth, this club is worth a look for the distinction between its two courses. The Old is the iconic, traditional layout, while the New presents a different kind of challenge. It is an attractive proposition for a second round if one wishes to make the most of a stay in the area. #### Keith Golf Club
A trip to the northeast of Scotland can be made more interesting with a stop at Keith Golf Club. Situated further inland, this well-regarded course is an engaging addition to any Moray golf itinerary and provides some variety from the coast. One may not find the same overt drama as on the links, but it is undeniably enjoyable and in keeping with the region’s reputation for being accessible.
Seasonal Conditions
The Scottish climate is fickle, yet often more lenient than one might anticipate, and it is the defining factor for the golfing season in Moray. While there is no hard rule against playing in any given month, the experience will vary considerably from winter through to autumn.
Spring
There are few better times to make a visit. As the courses put their winter maintenance behind them and the days grow longer, the weather is apt to be cool – particularly by the sea – but also very pleasant. The wind is still present on the links, of course, but spring strikes a fine balance between good conditions and fairways that are not over-run. It is something of a sweet spot for quality and value.
Summer
This is when you will find the most reliable golf. With moderate temperatures and ample daylight, Moray is a draw for those who do not care for the heat; one can easily fit in two rounds if the tee times allow. It is the height of the season, however, and the region is at its busiest. Advance booking is prudent for weekend play or at the more sought-after venues.
Autumn
Moray is at its best in autumn in many ways. The landscape has a richness of colour and the courses are usually in fine shape. There is a greater likelihood of rain and wind, which only serves to add to the feeling of a proper Scottish round. The crowds have thinned since the summer and prices can be easier on the wallet.
Winter
Golf is possible in the winter months, but it is wise to temper one’s expectations. Daylight is short and the weather will be wet and windy; some clubs will put up temporary greens or close off holes. Links courses become quite demanding. It is the time for the experienced player or one who values atmosphere over immaculate presentation, and it is generally the most economical period to be on the course.
On the subject of cost
Green fees in Forres and the rest of Moray are not uniform; they depend on the day of the week, the season and the venue in question. A local parkland like Elgin or Forres will typically come in cheaper than the coastal links. Community and public clubs are where one will find the best value, particularly for a twilight round on a weekday.
Expect to see a range of rates across the area, from the modest charges of an inland club to the higher fees of a premium links course. Summer will command a premium, whereas the shoulder seasons and later in the day offer savings. Some places have deals for societies or multi-round packages.
When planning a budget, lodging and getting around must be taken into account. Staying in the heart of Moray, be it in Forres, Elgin or Lossiemouth, saves on travel and there is a good selection of hotels and self-catering to choose from. All told, Moray is relatively good value for money compared with some of the more hyped-up parts of Scotland, once the cost of the stay is weighed against the quality of the golf.
A true Scottish golfing vibe
Forres and the surrounding Moray area have a way of blending practicality with true Scottish character. You will not read about this region in the global headlines, but it has a great deal to offer in the way of links and parkland variety and reasonable pricing. From the courses in Hopeman and Lossiemouth to those in Elgin, it makes for an itinerary that pleases both the serious golfer and the more laid-back type.
If the aim is to avoid the commercial side of Scottish golf, Moray is well worth considering. It is a place that rewards a flexible approach and an eye for the weather, and in return gives the player memorable rounds and the unmistakable feel of the northeast game.