Founded by Viscount Robert Finlay, who served as Britain's Lord Chancellor in the late 1890s, the course has been revised by such greats as Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers and James Braid. With this pedigree in mind, it is no surprise that Nairn has hosted some prestigious tournaments. All that was required to host the 1999 Walker Cup was some minor lengthening and Nairn was also chosen to host the Curtis Cup in 2012, showing that the foundations of the course are still capable of testing today's best.

Water and gorse a constant threat at Nairn Golf Club, in fact on six of the first seven holes the sea is in play. Nairn is a delightful mixture; the short holes are exceedingly tricky, while three par-5s measure over 530 yards, demanding some powerful ball-striking. You'll find firm, fast, narrow fairways here and plenty of undulation to really make you think about which club to use from the tee. Unlike some traditional golf courses, Nairn benefits from all the modern comforts of recently developed facilities.

An overhaul in the 1990s has made the clubhouse here the envy of many. This course has it all; with glorious views over the Moray Firth, it is understandable that Colin Montgomerie ranks it among his favourites.