An Outstanding Golf Club with a Curious Course
It wasn’t really surprising that Muir of Ord Golf Club was voted Scottish Golf Club of the Year in 2016. After all, this is a golfing haven that has everything going for it, from its unique, challenging course to its convenient location just a short drive (or train ride) from Inverness; its friendly, welcoming members and staff; and its positive associations with some of the golfing greats of past and present.
The merits of Muir of Ord Golf Club are probably best summed up by one of our current members – Russell Knox, PGA Tour professional, who has no mean record of achievements on the circuit:
“I was born in Inverness, Scotland and started playing golf there as a young boy. I played at all the courses in the area including Muir of Ord. Although a relatively short course at just over 5500 yards, it holds many challenges both for the beginner and the more experienced golfer. I particularly liked the challenge of the Par 3 signature 12th hole at around 200 yards – tight off the medal tee with many pitfalls to overcome if you hit a poor shot!
I always enjoyed the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the Club. With the well-maintained fairways and greens and wonderful Scottish Highlands scenery I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area and seeking to play golf. It is part of the James Braid Highland Golf Trail and truly a ‘hidden gem’.”
One of Scotland’s oldest golf courses, “The Muir” dates from 1875 when Alexander MacHardy, Chief Constable of Inverness-shire and a very determined golf enthusiast, was instrumental in finding the means and opportunity of planning out a 9-hole golf course on what was at the time euphemistically described as “a country cattle stance” (literally a mud heap).
Today the renowned Chief Constable is regarded as a pioneer of Golf in the north of Scotland, which was barren of courses until he came along and shared his passion.
By the early 1920s interest in the game had increased the membership significantly, and the nine holes at Muir of Ord were deemed no longer enough. The local peer Lord Lovat – a keen golfer himself – arranged for the Club to be granted land owned by the Department of Agriculture to the west of the railway line on which to add another nine holes.
The next step was to recruit famous course architect, James Braid, who skillfully transformed the hilly piece of land into a sporting nine holes. It took awhile, but in September 1927 the course extension was opened with great ceremony.
The fact that most of James Braid’s course layout remains largely intact today has brought renown to The Muir, with golfers coming from far and wide to experience the master’s work.
The course is also famed for its uniqueness – having the Inverness to Wick railway line running through it.
In March 2017 the James Braid Highland Golf Trail was officially launched at Muir of Ord Golf Club – an initiative started by the club’s Vice Captain, Hamish Milne, to bring together seven Highland golf clubs that were designed by James Braid and promote them through the wider golfing community.
With the Club now celebrating 150 years in existence the future looks full of promise for the Management and members at The Muir, who continue to make their mark in Scotland’s northern counties golf circuit, and provide a memorable experience for visiting golfers who are inexorably drawn to this historic club.
Monday to Thursday: 09.00am – 5.00pm
Friday to Sunday: 09.00am – 10.30pm
Muir of Ord Golf Club
Great North Road
Muir of Ord
Scotland
IV6 7SX
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