
Forres Course
Forres Golf Club
About this course
Forres Golf Club sits on the Sanquhar estate on the southern edge of the town of Forres in Moray, a region of northeast Scotland known for its fertile farmland and proximity to the Moray Firth. The course was originally laid out by Willie Park Jr. in 1889, then later revised by James Braid, whose involvement reflects the common practice of early twentieth-century course improvements by one of the Great Triumvirate. The layout occupies gently rolling parkland with mature woodland framing many holes, creating a traditional Scottish inland character distinct from the linksland found along the nearby coast. The routing makes use of the natural terrain, with holes moving through stands of pine and deciduous trees and across modest elevation changes that add variety to the playing experience. The course measures around 6,200 yards from the back tees, a length that requires thoughtful club selection and accurate approach play rather than overwhelming power. Several holes feature elevated greens or tee shots across sloping ground, and the bunkering reflects Braid's strategic sensibilities, positioned to challenge both the wayward drive and the poorly judged approach. Forres serves a local membership and visitors exploring the golf-rich Moray region, which includes nearby courses at Elgin and Nairn. The club maintains a welcoming atmosphere typical of smaller Scottish clubs, where the focus remains on the game itself and the enjoyment of a well-maintained parkland layout shaped by two significant figures in golf architecture history.
Quick facts
- Location
- Forres, Moray, Scotland
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1889
- Designer(s)
- Willie Park, James Braid
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,236 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.7/130
Getting there
The journey to Forres Golf Club begins at Inverness Airport, a compact Highland gateway just thirty minutes west along the A96, where the broad agricultural plains of Moray unfold beneath wide northern skies. The drive traces the southern edge of the Moray Firth, passing through whisky country where distillery pagodas punctuate the horizon, before arriving in the handsome market town of Forres itself. The club sits on elevated ground above the town, accessed via quiet residential streets that give way suddenly to sweeping views across the firth toward the Black Isle - a modest arrival befitting one of Scotland's oldest and most unassuming members' clubs.

FAQ
Common questions about Forres
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Forres was designed by Willie Park and James Braid.
Yes. Forres is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Forres is 71.
Forres plays 6,236 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Forres is 130.
Forres is a 18-hole course.


