Reay greens benefit from major improvement programme
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AN ambitious programme to improve the greens at Reay golf course has resulted in a remarkable transformation.
Last year the course, the most northerly 18-hole links on the British mainland, celebrated its 125th anniversary. However, 2018 turned out to be a bittersweet year for the club after the exceptionally dry summer resulted in damage to the putting surfaces.
Since then, the club has embarked on a demanding programme to recover and improve the greens. A plan was developed with the assistance of professional advice from greens staff based at other links courses throughout the north.
This expert help, coupled with the hard work of the local greenkeeper, who was ably assisted by members of the club committee and a team of eager volunteers, has resulted in a remarkable transformation to the greens.
The work carried out involved coring, re-seeding and top-dressing of the greens. Along with this, further work has been undertaken to improve the irrigation system associated with the greens, and this additional investment should lessen the effects of any future periods of drought, allowing the course to remain playable during all 12 months of the year.
And yet more work is now planned to further enhance the course for visitors and members alike.
Club captain Evan Sutherland praised those whose time and effort made the project a success.
"We are grateful to the membership for their tolerance in sacrificing their golf for most of the season to allow us to pursue a vigorous rescue package," he said.
"I am very proud of the team spirit shown within our club and for the assistance of our greenkeeper in carrying out the massive programme of work required. The response has been truly amazing."
The course was ranked as 74th best in Scotland in the National Club Golfer Magazine in 2018, and according to the captain "our intention is to not only return to, but to improve on the standards which resulted in this prestigious reward".
I am very proud of the team spirit shown within our club and for the assistance of our greenkeeper in carrying out the massive programme of work required.
Many visiting golfers have made favourable remarks on improvements in course condition over the last six months. Toby Ward of the Bighouse Partnership commented: "The work by the team at Reay has borne excellent results. It is a unique links experience and the work undertaken will only improve its reputation."
The course has also benefited from a surge of interest as a result of its location on the North Coast 500 route. This, coupled with its status as a member club of the James Braid Highland Golf Trail, means that visitors from the UK and abroad can regularly be found pounding the fairways and enjoying the fine views across Sandside Bay and beyond.
Among Reay’s admirers are international course architect Donald Steel, who was moved to write: "It is a links that is as natural as I have ever seen. In another location it would enjoy worldwide acclaim."
Willis Copeland, of the Independent Golfer, said: "It does take an effort to travel north, but Reay certainly repays that effort with a classic links experience. It's hard to find better."
A cornerstone of the philosophy of the club is the development of the sport through its junior golf programmes and introductory classes for adults looking to take up the game for the first time.
The club offers instruction all year round delivered by fully trained golf coaches, and it has a three-hole junior course where youngsters can hone their skills in a welcoming environment.
Further information about the club, including details of flexible membership options, can be found on the Reay Golf Club website and Facebook page.
