A four-day celebration of golf at Golspie Golf Club will mark 100 years since James Braid completed his design work on this historic Highland course.

A landmark moment in British golf history will be marked in the Scottish Highlands this year, as Golspie Golf Club celebrates the centenary of James Braid’s completion of its course design.

One of the most influential figures the game has produced, Braid finished shaping the Highland layout in 1926, leaving a legacy that continues to influence golf course architecture across the UK and beyond.

The James Braid Centenary Festival of Golf, running from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026, will bring together golfers from across the UK and overseas for four days of competitive play, social events and Highland hospitality, set against one of the most distinctive backdrops in British golf.

Speaking about the announcement, William McBeath, Club Captain at Golspie Golf Club, said:

“James Braid’s work helped shape the character of the course we play today, and this centenary gives us a chance to truly celebrate that. For us, that means bringing people together to enjoy the course, the clubhouse and our love for the game.

“We wanted to create something that reflects Golspie’s character – competitive but inclusive, social without being formal, and welcoming to members, locals and visitors alike.”

The centenary is expected to attract golfers from across Scotland and further afield, with the festival opening on Thursday, September 24, with a 5 Club Challenge taking on a members-and-locals versus visitors format, followed by a 2 Ball Texas Scramble on Friday 25 September.

Saturday, September 26, will then feature both Ladies’ and Gents’ Stableford competitions, with the day concluding in a formal centenary dinner and ceilidh, marking the social highlight of the week.

With celebrations coming to a close on Sunday, September 27, the festivities will end with a Ladies’ and Gents’ Strokeplay Singles, followed by presentation and prizegiving in the clubhouse.

Festival tickets are priced at £300 and cover all four days of competitive golf, as well as access to the programme of off-course events taking place throughout the week.

Festival ticket holders will also enjoy access to a special-rate round at nearby Brora Golf Club. And for those who don’t play but would still like to be part of the celebrations, a limited number of social-only tickets will be available for evening events and the centenary dinner.

Founded in 1889, Golspie Golf Club is one of the Scottish Highlands’ most historic golf clubs, set on the shores of the Dornoch Firth beneath Ben Bhraggie.

Refined and shaped by James Braid in the 1920s, the course remains a celebrated example of traditional Scottish golf, known for its natural layout, strategic challenge and welcoming clubhouse atmosphere.

Further information about the event is available via the Golspie Golf Club website at www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk/festival-of-golf/. Tickets are also available to purchase by emailing the club directly at info@golspiegolfclub.co.uk.

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Last month at Sunningdale Heath GC, PGA Member James Hardy stunned the field to lift the British Speedgolf Champion Trophy,  just two months after first trying the sport.

A self-confessed “golf geek” who came to the game at 16 before earning a US golf scholarship and completing his PGA training, Hardy has found in Speedgolf the perfect blend of competition, community and fitness.

Golf News caught up with him to hear about his late start in golf, his rapid rise in Speedgolf, and why he believes the format could play a big role in the future of the game.

Tell us how you got into golf at 16 and the path it took you?

I was a late starter, picking up golf at 16 when my dad joined me at the local club. I was hooked immediately.

Within two years I became Club Champion, which led to a golf scholarship in the US.

My game really developed there under my coach and close friend Beau Baugh, who I still visit to this day. Winning the South East Collegiate Championship is still one of my fondest memories.

After graduating, I returned to the UK to complete my PGA, and since then, I’ve been immersed in the game in every way.

How did you hear about Speedgolf and get involved?

I have my partner to thank. She knew I was a golf geek and always first out at Aldwickbury to squeeze in a quick two-hour round.

She entered me into the British Speedgolf Championship and the moment I tried it, I knew it was the perfect fit.

The European Speedgolf Championship in Finland was your first event, how did you get on and what did you learn ahead of the British?

I actually entered the European Open at the last minute, just weeks before the British. As a complete newcomer, finishing 8th was a huge surprise and gave me valuable lessons about preparation and pace.

But what really stood out was the Speedgolf community. From Close House PGA Pro Will Robson’s advice, to running pointers from former Champion Luke Willett and practical equipment advice from others, everyone was so generous with their support.

That sense of family was as important as the competition itself.

You won against stiff opposition at the British Speedgolf Championships. What did this mean to you and what impact has it had on your future ambitions?

I’d only been playing Speedgolf for two months, so my goal was just to finish in the top 10.

Winning with such a large and accomplished field was a complete shock, proof of what happens when you put yourself out there and commit.

But the real highlight for me was raising £3,000 for Parkinson’s UK in honour of my dad, who lives with the condition. That meant more than the trophy. Looking forward, I want to take on more of the International  Speedgolf circuit, keep improving, and do my bit to grow the sport.

Speedgolf is about pace and performance. How do you balance golf and fitness, and what could you build on?

Golf is my strength, fitness is still a work in progress. Speed isn’t naturally my strong suit, but I’m determined to improve that side of my game. The beauty of Speedgolf is that it pushes you to keep getting better in both areas.

As a PGA member who didn’t pursue a tour or coaching career, how would you describe your love of golf — and why does Speedgolf fit you so well?

I’m a golf geek at heart, but I’ve always loved fitness too,football, skiing, the gym, running. Speedgolf feels like it was designed for me. It’s quicker, it’s healthier, it builds community, and it’s fun.

Golf is evolving, and I believe clubs will soon start offering Speedgolf tee times.

How does Speedgolf fit alongside managing a business when time is precious?

That’s one of its biggest appeals. You can play 18 holes in under an hour and get a serious workout at the same time.

Even on tough days, you walk away fitter, sharper, and having learned something new.

For anyone balancing work and life, Speedgolf is the ultimate way to keep golf in your routine

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