It was 2012 when I first visited the remote Isle of Barra golf course in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to return to the islands in 2015, 2016, 2019 and last year in August 2022, and when making a third visit to Barra.
Five visits .. Now is that not a strong recommendation?
The Isle of Barra course lays claim to the most westerly golf course in the UK. You can’t go any further west or you would arrive on the shores of Canada.
The golf course is very much in the ‘raw’, laid out as it is on grazing land at Castle Beach on the north-west side of the island. Though what the Isle of Harris may lack in terms of golf course ‘grooming’ it’s worth the effort in travelling to this remote corner of Scotland simply for the stunning views.
You can enjoy reading hereunder a few lines I wrote following my 2019 visit to Britain’s most-westerly golf course.
Isle Of Barra Golf Club – Spectacular Scottish Setting, Rocky-Outcrop Fairways & Square Greens.
On this August 2022 visit, and also in the company of great friends Michael Court, Barry Gentle and Paul Bennett we arrived first to Isle of Barra on a direct CalMac ferry service to Barra rather than on prior visits when would catch the ferry to closeby Lochboisdale or Stornoway in the far north.
Though in contrast to travelling to either Lochboisdale it was a far longer crossing to Barra, lasting a good few hours. Nonetheless, it was a sunny day but with a bit of a swell running that once we were well in the infamous body of water known as ‘The Minch’ it got a little rough and very noisy .. yes, noisy!
The ferry was travelling direct west and the swell was running from south to north, off our left or port side to, and every time a wave hit the side of the ferry it was like the sound of a shotgun blast, with the waves crashing over the left side of the ferry and drenching an already drenched ferry – as you see in the video I’ve posted below.
Thankfully all was water tight.
It wasn’t dangerous but you didn’t want to be up walking about while it could have been a bit ‘uncomfortable’, and If I can use that word had your boarded the ferry soon after a full Scottish breakfast … if you know what I mean (smiling)
Hey, it was all part of the experience and congrats once again to CalMac.
We arrived at Barra late afternoon and headed straight for our overnight hotel before finding a place to eat while also wasting little time to savour a wee beverage or two or maybe three.
Next morning, it was a short drive to the most westerly golf course in the UK – the Isle of Barra Golf Club.
Whereas my report (above) following a first visit this article for GolfByTourMiss is going to be a primarily pictorial.
Trust you will enjoy your visit to this special part of Scotland as much as Barry, Paul, Micky and I did.
Isle of Barra Golf Club – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
Isle of Barra GC – A disused container has long served as a club storage and green fees collection point. (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
Hold-on there’s someone already on the first tee and I’m not going n to argue with him – Isle of Barra GC – (Image: GolfByTourMiss.com)
This ‘local’ has taken over the tee. He’s got no tee time, no clubs and he’s not dressed properly – Isle of Barra GC – Image GolfByTourMiss.com
The 1st tee is now free and opening-up a stunning view looking down to Castle Beach and the mighty Altantic Ocean where next stop is Canada – Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
What a glorious sight – Now to find the fairway – Isle of Barra GC – Image GolfByTourMiss.com
Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
The fences are slighly electrified so be sure to use the gate leading onto the greens at the Isle of Barra GC – Image GolfByTourMiss.com
Second hole green – Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
Third hole – Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
What a backdrop – the Atlantic Ocean as Micky Court tees off the 4th at Isle of Barra GC – Image GolfByTourMiss.com
Amazing views with the three playing partners back down on the 4th tee – Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
What a view! Looking into the 4th green. Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
Isle of Barra GC – (Image -GolfByTourMiss.com)
Down the 8th at the Isle of Barra GC – Image GolfByTourMiss.com
Ted also making his second visit to Isle of Barra GC – Image – GolfByTourMiss.com
Looking down the ninth and lost hold at the UKs most-westerly golf club. You have got to make the effort, if just for the stunning views. Isle of Barra GC – (Image – GolfByTourMiss.com)
Trust you enjoyed the photographs.
Now your turn to get yourself organised and go visit the Isle of Barra Golf Club.
…. and if so, say ‘hi’ to our four-legged friend we met on the first tee. I’d have at a guess, he’s probably a size or two bigger now (smiling).
