FORFAR GOLF CLUB - 14 POints
The term ‘hidden gem’ is used a lot these days. Often it seems to be used in connection with courses that have transcended its spirit. Elie is great, but it’s not hidden, for example. But I have no qualms about labelling Forfar in this way.
The course may been unknown to many but it has a storied past. When Old Tom Morris laid it out in 1871 it was the first ever ‘designed’ eighteen hole course. James Braid would go and make some significant changes in 1926, but it is a claim to fame that the club are justly proud of.
Distinctive rig and furrow fairways at Forfar
Forfar isn’t a town that gets many tourists. But many golfers will pass close by as it lies just a couple of miles away from the main A92 that connects St Andrews and Dundee with Aberdeen.
We are some miles from the coast here so the way the course plays will be a surprise to many. This heathland course, set through the pines, in many ways plays likes a links course. I was there during a heat wave so it was running faster than ever but I am assured firm and fast is the norm here.
Several fairways have another intriguing feature in that the ground is heavily furrowed. This is a legacy of the old style of ‘rig and furrow’ ploughing from days of yore, before there was a golf course here.
I found it a really interesting dimension, it’s pronounced on the first hole which is a cracking opener. I hit a driver on the short par 4 but the hill before the green and the strange contours pushed my ball away from the fairway. A long iron would have been a better play.
The course has more than just the unusual fairways to appeal. The fourth hole has a green perched on a ridge with a deep fall off to the left. Right is definitely your friend here. Like so many courses full of quirk, this is a course which rewards repeat play.
There’s great variety of the course in terms of the length of holes as well as direction. Playing through the pines is another welcome change for me as I spend so much of my time on links courses. Recent storms have talked a huge number down - the right hand side of the 15th ‘Braid’s Best’ has been decimated. But they still generally act as a very good ‘frame’ for holes. Rarely do they come into play, although if you do go near them heavy branch and heather underneath means you may not find your ball.
Forfar is a very pleasant course and I would suggest it should feature as one of the top 100 courses in Scotland. Go and have a look next time you’re heading up the A92!
BOOKING THE COURSE
You can see up to date visitor information here. The green fee is around £50 in the week and up to £60 at weekends. There is good availability 7 days a week (although early mornings are reserved for members). There are also winter green fee deals available.
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
As I said, Forfar makes for a good stop on the way north to Aberdeen (or indeed coming the other way!). It’s pretty much exactly half an hour’s drive north of Dundee and then an hour south of Aberdeen. So it splits up the journey nicely or is feasible as a day trip too.
Other courses to consider in the area if you are looking for some of the lesser known courses would be Montrose which is about half an hour’s drive east or Edzell which is 25 minutes north.
CONTACT DETAILS
Forfar Golf Club
Arbroath Rd
Cunninghill
Forfar
DD8 2RL
Web - www.forfargolfclub.co.uk
Email - info@forfargolfclub.co.uk
Phone - +44(1307) 462120
