Play at Lybster Golf Club in Caithness
One of Scotland's shortest 9-hole courses
Around 20 minutes’ drive south west of Wick, Lybster Golf Club is known for having one of the shortest golf courses around. The 9-hole heathland course has holes ranging from 318 yards to 90 yards. Which means you’re never far from the club house. And although short, it is a challenging course. Visitors are welcome to the club, and you don’t need to book a tee time. Just turn up when you’re ready to play!
On a 14-day NC500 trip staying in 10 different hotels, this one stood out food wise as the best, including over some more expensive accommodation. We had a DBB rate. Usually hotels only provide a table d’hote menu if dinner is included but McKays allowed us full range of the menu. Our dinner was perfect even without a glass of wine to go with our steaks due to covid regs in Scotland. The breakfast was also the best on our trip. Top marks to the kitchen staff. I gather the hotel is family run over a couple of generations and it shows. Friendly, attentive staff at reception and restaurant. Warm and welcoming.
Visiting Lybster
Lybster is an old fishing village and harbour in Caithness, which lies along the John O’Groats Trail. In addition to the golf club, you can also visit the Waterlines Heritage Centre, with a museum, exhibition area and café. Interestingly, Lybster Harbour has been used as a filming location for the Netflix drama, The Crown.
History of the club
Over a century of golfing history
The club dates back to at least the early 20th century, when it lay on land known locally as Black Park. In 1904, it moved location to make way for the new Wick and Lybster Railway. Its new spot was at Reisgill Burn, to the south of the village. However, it moved back to its original location in 1926, where it was formally established, and it has remained here ever since. In the 1970s, the railway ticket office became the new clubhouse. The club logo is a steam train, as a nod to its ties with the railway.
Turn up and play
Open to both visitors and members
The club is open to all. There is no need to book a tee time, just turn up and play. You can find more information on the Lybster Golf Club website.
Find more golf clubs in the far north of Scotland, and check out lots of other great things to do near Wick in our See and Do Guide.
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