This month has been significant in golfing terms, coming exactly 150 years since the birth of James Braid – the renowned player and course designer.
While the course at Brora was founded in 1891, it was Braid’s re-design in 1924 that continues to stand the test of time and win admirers the world over.
It was on 6 February 1870 when this remarkable Scotsman was born, going on to enjoy an illustrious career. By 1910, only 14 years after turning professional, Braid had remarkably become the first player in history to win The Open five times. He was one of the dominant ‘Great Triumvirate’ of the sport alongside Harry Vardon and John Henry Taylor.
Braid went on to design or re-model more than 250 courses around the UK, with Stranraer in Scotland’s south-west his final layout in the year of his passing.
Brora GC and Braid are featured in two publications this month – including the second edition of the new GolfWeekUK magazine, which should be available in the clubhouse soon to view.
Another feature documenting Braid and Brora is also on online platform Global Golfer, which can be read here
The club are also highlighted in a unique piece in the new third edition of McKellar Magazine, the US-based golf journal set up by leading author Lawrence Donegan and colleague Thomas Dunne.
Another fine writer, Lorne Rubenstein, writes about the joy of walking the course at Brora. You can subscribe to McKellar Magazine and order issues at their website here