Forfar Golf Club in Scotland is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the redesign of its by championship course by James Braid by restoring the 15th hole, known as ‘Braid’s Best’, to its original architectural intent.
Laid out in 1871 by Old Tom Morris and redesigned by James Braid in 1926, Forfar is set in a ‘rig and furrow’ landscape carved out by Augustinian Canons who farmed the land as far back as the 12th century. Its wild heathland and gravity-defying angles define a course like no other in the world, characterised by unusual movement, character and historic integrity, and shaped by two of the game’s most important architects.
In 1926, Braid’s revisions sharpened the challenge laid out by Morris, with his signature bold and thoughtful bunkering. His work transformed Forfar into one of the great inland golfing tests in Scotland, and nowhere was his genius more evident than in the bold bunkering and strategic character that still define the course today.
Of all the holes created during his remarkable career, there is one which makes Forfar a must-visit for those intrigued by the game’s heritage and history – the par-4 15th.
When Braid completed his redesign of the 15th hole – a 412-yard, dogleg par 4 – he is said to have remarked that it was the finest hole he had ever created. From there the hole earned its name, ‘Braid’s Best’, and has been an enduring source of pride at the club for the last century.
Around 10 years ago, the club made the decision to remove and fill in the third bunker on the 15th for a number of reasons. Today, as part of The Ancient Links Golf Company, and with significantly strengthened course resources and enhanced greenkeeping capabilities, the decision has been made to restore Braid’s third bunker to his self-proclaimed finest hole, marking the centenary of his course redesign.
General Manager, Owen Leslie believes that, “As we celebrate 100 years since Braid left his indelible mark upon our course, the time is right to restore this historic feature and return ‘Braid’s Best’ to its original architectural intent.
“This is not simply about reinstating a bunker, it is about preserving heritage, respecting the vision of one of golf’s greatest architects, and ensuring future generations continue to experience ‘Braid’s Best’ as James Braid himself intended it to be played. There could be no more fitting moment to undertake this work than during the centenary year of Braid’s redesign excellence at Forfar Golf Club.”