Brora Golf Club in the Scottish Highlands is known for its unique feature of having electric fences to protect its greens from cows and sheep, which also graze on its grounds. While some visitors find the presence of animals charming, locals, especially club members who play year-round, see the drawbacks of having livestock on the course. In a recent vote, the decision was made to ban sheep and cows from the property, a move that requires court approval.
The history of Brora Golf Club dates back to its founding in 1891 as a 9-hole course, later redesigned into a full 18 holes by architect James Braid in the 1920s. The land, originally shared with crofters or tenant farmers, saw an increase in the number of cows and sheep over the years, leading to tensions between the club and crofters. By 2017, the population of livestock had grown significantly, causing issues on the course such as trampled bunkers and hoof-prints in fairways.
In 2019, the club decided to purchase the land to address the livestock problem, but the issue resurfaced when lockdowns due to Covid were lifted. A recent vote confirmed the decision to ban animals from the course, with plans to address maintenance concerns by purchasing new equipment. The potential benefits of the ban include restoring Braid’s original design by adding fairway bunkers that were never built due to concerns about damage caused by livestock.
While some worry about the impact of the livestock ban on the course’s playability, club president Andy Stewart is confident that the club’s new maintenance equipment will provide adequate care for the grounds. The matter will ultimately be decided in Scottish land court, with the crofters having a legal say in the outcome. Despite potential gripes from some golfers, Stewart believes that the majority will appreciate the benefits of a livestock-free course, allowing them to enjoy Brora’s unique links in its full glory.
