Highland Sojourn: Day 16 ~ Nairn Golf Club with Ian Fraser

Apr 29

Up this morning after a decent rest, then made the short drive past the Golf View Hotel and around the corner to Nairn Golf Club, where I met up with Ian Fraser. Ian graciously hosted me for the round, and it could not have happened on a more picturesque morning.

We rolled a few putts on the practice green while Ian’s friend Alan completed his warm-up, and before long we were off the first tee. The morning air was cool and brisk, but with hardly a breath of wind, making for near-perfect conditions as we played our way westbound along the front nine.

By the turn, I was beginning to feel the pull of yesterday’s long day in the river. I grabbed a quick coffee, and thankfully the halfway bothy was open and well stocked with refreshment. As we made our way inbound, a low fog began rolling in off the sea to the north. Soon the sun was blocked out, though the surroundings remained strangely bright beneath the low-hanging cloud cover. A slight breeze kicked up into our faces as we played toward home.

By the time we finished, I was feeling the drag of two full days on my feet and was quite happy to conclude the round with handshakes on the 18th green. Ian then invited me into the clubhouse for lunch, again as his guest, where we met a few of the local club members and enjoyed good craic over lunch and drinks.

Ian and I discussed the possibility of playing once more before my departure next Tuesday. I’ve left it with him and will look forward to hearing back.

The final score was 88, capped off by an errant approach shot on 18 that sent people scattering about. A fun and rewarding round all the same.