Forfar
Forfar is a much loved heathland course in Angus, laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1871 and revised by James Braid in 1926. A par 69 of about 6,000 yards, its undulating, pine lined fairways carry a near links feel, and holes such as Braid's Best give it real bite for an inland round.
Photo: Forfar Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Forfar Golf Club traces its layout to Old Tom Morris in 1871, with James Braid making his alterations in 1926, and the result is one of the most enjoyable heathland tests in the north east of Scotland. It is not long at about 6,000 yards and plays to a par of 69, but the undulating fairways and the firm turf give it a character closer to links than parkland.
Lined with Scots pine and laid over rumpled ground that throws up awkward stances and clever angles, Forfar rewards accuracy and thought. The par 4 12th and the 15th, named Braid's Best, are the holes that linger, and with views out toward the Angus glens, it is a fine, friendly stop on a Scottish tour that strays from the famous coast.
Forfar at a glance
- Opened
- 1871
- Designer
- Old Tom Morris, Braid 1926
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 69
- Yardage
- About 6,000 yds
- Green fee
- Indicative
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Forfar Golf Club and leading course databases. The course was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1871 and revised by James Braid in 1926, a par 69 of about 6,000 yards. Forfar is a welcoming members club with visitor green fees that vary by season (indicative, 2026), so always confirm current day and round rates directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Forfar plays firmer and bouncier than its inland setting suggests, the ridged fairways a legacy of the ground's history that sends the ball running and demands a thoughtful line off the tee. The Scots pine frames each hole and punishes the wayward, so position matters more than power.
James Braid's 1926 work gave the course its strategic teeth, nowhere more so than the 15th, named Braid's Best, and the long par 4 12th of about 444 yards, two of the sternest holes on the card. The undulating greens ask for careful pace and reward the player who reads the land.
With the Angus glens on the horizon and the turf running fast in a dry spell, Forfar gives back honest, characterful golf at a gentler price than the championship coast. It is an ideal change of pace on a wider tour of the north east.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Welcoming members club; visitors are encouraged, with tee times booked ahead |
| Green fee | Visitor day and round fees vary by season (indicative, 2026); confirm with the club |
| Booking | Book ahead in summer and around club competition days |
| On the day | Walking on firm heathland turf; the ridges and pines reward an accurate line |
| Getting there | On the Arbroath road in Forfar, Angus, a short drive from Dundee and the Angus coast |
| Best months | May to September for the firmest turf and the longest daylight |
Access and fee arrangements verified June 2026; Forfar publishes visitor green fees that change by season, so always confirm current rates and tee availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base themselves in Forfar or nearby Dundee, both within easy reach of the course and well placed for the wider golf of Angus and the east coast. A Dundee base puts Forfar, Carnoustie and the Angus courses within a short drive.
For a golf focused stay, the towns of the Angus coast put several fine links and heathland courses on the doorstep. It is an excellent region to build a Scottish tour around, pairing Forfar's heathland charm with the championship links a few miles south.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Forfar.
Build a Scotland golf trip
We pair Forfar with the best of the Angus coast and book the lodging around it. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Forfar questions
Who designed Forfar and when did it open?
Forfar's layout was created by Old Tom Morris in 1871 and revised by James Braid in 1926, a heathland course in Angus in the north east of Scotland.
What is the par and length of Forfar?
Forfar is a par 69 of about 6,000 yards, a heathland course whose undulating, pine lined fairways give it a near links character.
What are the best holes at Forfar?
The long par 4 12th, about 444 yards, and the 15th, named Braid's Best, are the standout holes, a legacy of James Braid's 1926 work.
Can visitors play Forfar?
Forfar welcomes visitors, with tee times booked ahead, especially in summer and around competition days. Green fees vary by season, so confirm current rates with the club.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.