Forfar Golf Club

Forfar's real strength is its natural movement. The rig and furrow ground creates awkward stances, uneven lies and subtle changes in angle that keep you thinking all the way round. It is not a course that overwhelms with length, but it asks plenty of questions and rewards the golfer who plots their way carefully rather than simply reaching for the driver.

Old Tom Morris laid out the course in 1871, and Forfar is widely recognised for its place in the early history of the 18-hole game. Much of Morris's original character still shapes the course today. James Braid's 1926 refinements sharpened the challenge without taking away what made it special in the first place. His bunkering is bold and purposeful, placed to catch the careless approach and force you to think about angles rather than simply aim at the flag. The letter in which Braid set out his recommendations is still on display in the clubhouse, which is worth a look before you head out.

The holes are named after local landmarks and hills, names like Balmashanner, Dunnichen, Rescobie and Turin, each one rooting you firmly in Angus. Several stand out as the round unfolds. The 10th, Gate, demands accuracy from the tee if you want a proper look at the raised green. Anything loose and you are scrambling. The 12th, Turin, is the longest par 4 on the card and a proper test of both length and patience. The 15th, Braid's Best, is the hole most players remember. A left-to-right dogleg with a green complex that rewards local knowledge, first-timers tend to find out the hard way while those who have played it before pick the right side and smile. The 18th is a fitting finish, tempting bigger hitters while still punishing the wrong decision.

The heathland turf drains well and the greens are consistently praised by visiting golfers. Par is always a solid result here. A score below it takes both skill and a bit of course knowledge, which is part of what makes Forfar worth playing more than once.

For golfers touring Angus or Fife, Forfar offers something genuinely different from the headline links. It is historic, strategic and full of character, and it more than holds its own as part of a wider Scotland golf break.

The Forfar clubhouse keeps things simple in the best possible way. It is welcoming, full of character and exactly the kind of place you want to land in after a round. Visitors are made to feel comfortable from the moment they arrive, which matters when you are adding a members' club to a wider tour itinerary.

Inside, you will find trophies stretching back to the 19th century, walls lined with club memorabilia and a portrait of Old Tom Morris created with the help of the club's junior golfers in 2024. It is a proper golf clubhouse, proud of its history without making a fuss about it. The decked patio at the rear is a particular highlight. Looking back across the closing holes with a drink in hand on a clear Angus afternoon is one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why golf trips are worth planning properly.

For groups, societies and touring parties, the clubhouse is the kind of setting that makes the whole day feel easy. There is no pretension here, just a warm welcome and a good atmosphere that suits golfers of all backgrounds.

Forfar Golf Club is a superb addition to any east coast Scotland golf trip. It gives you history, character and a different style of test from the bigger-name links nearby, all within easy reach of Carnoustie and the wider Angus coast. The rig and furrow terrain is unlike anything else you will play on a Scotland tour, the design pedigree of Morris and Braid gives it real credibility, and the welcome from the club is as genuine as the history it carries.

If you are planning a round at Carnoustie, St Andrews or the Angus courses, Forfar is the kind of stop that makes the whole trip feel more complete.