When they talk about sheep and/or cows being on the tees or fairways of some Scottish golf course, I know first-hand what you’re talking about.

I’ve made a couple of visits to Brora Golf Club in Scotland’s Highlands and where there is electric fencing around all the greens to keep the grazing sheep and cattle off the putting surfaces.

It’s the same also at Barra Golf Club and the UK most westerly course in the Outer Hebrides.

Though it seems those who play Brora have had enough with members complaining that the grazing sheep and cattle are impacting on the course conditions.

Sheep grazing peacefully on Brora Golf Club. Imaged Hidden Gems

“We are very much aware that there are people who see the sheep and cows as an integral part of the Brora experience,” past club president Andy Stewart speaking with Golf.com

“But as locals, we are also probably more attuned to the impact those animals have than are people who play the course just once a year

“The animals do not do as good a job as some people think. Probably the reason no clubs are rushing to put sheep on their own courses.”

Though as being reported it’s not going to be as simple as closing the gates on the sheep and cattle.

A cow on the first tee at Barra Golf Club and the UKs most westerly golf course in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Images above and below copyright GolfByTourMiss

No, Brora will need court approval to remove these farm animals as Scottish law allows the golf course to be shared by Highland crofters.

“We want to play to greens that don’t have electric fences, and without special rules like what do you do if your ball winds up in cow shit”, added Stewart.

“They don’t do that at the Masters or the Open Championship.”

One thinks, and given the sheep and cattle have been grazing on the Brora land for far longer than golfers have been playing golf, the sheep and cattle will not be giving their marching orders.