The Course
Set on land ploughed by monks as far back as the 12th century, Forfar Golf Course stands as the best example of rig and furrow architecture anywhere in the world. Famed for its gravity-defying undulations, the lies and angles here offer a true test for golfers as well as a walk through time.
In 1871, Old Tom Morris designed Forfar Golf Course as an 18-hole course from inception, changing the face of golf forever, and making Forfar the template for every course designed thereafter. Forfar brought the 18-hole course to the sport, and its significance and unique character make it a must-play even today.
1st Restenneth
A generous start with a wide fairway and bowl shaped green. Lay up short of the bunker at the bottom of the hill to leave a mid to short iron in.
2nd Lochhead
A good drive is required to reach the plateau of an elevated fairway to ensure a view of the pin. An approach shot landing short of the green will kick forward off the slope at the front of the green. Remember to ring the bell please.
3rd Dunnichen
A slight dog leg right to left. All of the hazards are at the front of the green so take an extra club as the mounds at the back of the green will stop a shot from going too long.
4th Cat Law
Keep the tee shot to the right hand side of the blind fairway to open up the line into the green. Keep the approach shot right to avoid chipping from below the level of the green.
5th Balmashanner
A strong par 3 surrounded by five bunkers. Middle of the green is a good result.
6th Burnside
Be mindful of the well-placed bunkers on either side of the fairway with your tee shot. A drive down the left-hand side will open up the green with a slope that feeds a shot in from the right.
7th Quarry
Dog leg right to left that plays longer than its yardage due to the prevailing wind. Par is a good result.
8th Rescobie
A good risk and reward hole with a well bunkered landing area. Players can lay up from the bunkers or thread a drive between them.
9th Verdant
The two front greenside bunkers do come into play so don’t be frightened to go a tad long. The burn skirts closely to the left-hand side of the green.
10th Gate
Hitting the fairway is essential to gain maximum control for a difficult second shot to a small but elevated green. Beware of the out of bounds wall adjacent to the green.
11th Auchterforfar
Plays longer than you think as the hole is slightly up hill and usually plays into the prevailing wind.
12th Turin
Length is the difficulty here as it is the longest par 4 on the course. Straight forward tee shot with a second shot to a back to front sloping green.
13th Shelter
Bowl shaped green, any shot kept between the two bunkers flanking the green will result in a good birdie chance.
14th Lang Howe
A short but challenging par 5 with a saddleback fairway a great aiming point. Those going for the green in two are faced with a tight entrance to a long green.
15th Braid’s Best
Our signature hole. A left to right blind dog leg tee shot. Use the slope on the right to bring the ball onto the green and avoid the drop and bunkers to the left. Please ring the bell.
16th Gulley
An “all carry” shot to the green is required. Players must ensure they have enough club to pass all the bunker trouble.
17th Pitreuchie
A tight tee shot with a well bunkered approach that requires finding the correct part of a three tiered green.
18th Cunninghill
Longer hitters may try to drive over the hill towards the green, especially the two bunkers on each side of the fairway. Care should be taken to see if the pin is on the top or bottom level of the green.