Forfar Golf Club restores ‘Braid’s Best’ hole in centenary tribute to legendary designer

Forfar Golf Club has gone back to the future in tribute to the legacy of one of sport’s greatest names on the Angus course.

2026 marks the centenary of the redesign of Forfar golf course by James Braid. The five-time Open Championship winner was also one of the most influential architects the game has ever known.

To mark the occasion, the Cunninghill club’s new operator has chosen to restore the 15th hole, known as Braid’s Best, to its original architectural intent.

Forfar was originally laid out in 1871 by Old Tom Morris and redesigned by Braid a century ago. The club’s latest chapter opened this year when The Ancient Links Golf Company took over operations. Forfar members voted for the deal officials said would secure the club’s long-term future.

Forfar is characterised by a rig and furrow landscape. It was carved out by Augustinian Canons who farmed the land as far back as the 12th century.

Of all the holes created during Braid’s remarkable career, one makes Forfar a must-visit for those intrigued by the game’s heritage and history. It is the dogleg, par four 15th.

When he completed his redesign at Forfar, Braid is said to have remarked it was the finest hole he had ever created. From there it earned its name Braid’s Best.

Around 10 years ago, the club made the decision to remove and fill in the third bunker on the 15th.

As part of The Ancient Links Golf Company’s investment and enhanced greenkeeping capabilities, the decision has been made to restore Braid’s third bunker to his self-proclaimed masterpiece.

Forfar Golf Club general manager Owen Leslie said:

“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.”

The Ancient Golf Links Company is also bidding to add Montrose Golf Links to its Angus portfolio.

Angus councillors have agreed to take forward a proposal for a £30,000-a-year lease of the town’s golf assets.

Montrose Golf Links currently operate the 1562 Course and Broomfield links which are part of the town common good.

An eight-week public consultation on the plan is about to be launched.

This article appeared in the Courier on 12 July 2026