Hole 12 | Hugh B Stuart
Ask most male players and this is the toughest par 4 on the course, although at S.I. 3 not statistically. For ladies the length makes this a par 5 and S.I. 9. The hole feels to many like it plays longer than its yardage, the steep slope up towards the plateau on which the green sits likely adding to the impression.
This open section of the course often gives breaks to any wayward drives by landing on the adjacent fairways with a decent second. Reachable in 2 with a decent drive beware of leaving it short as the slope will throw you off to the right where all roads lead to the bunker leaving an awkward length of shot to a pin that is difficult to see from the sand. Smaller bunkers wait short left of the green to gather shots slightly off line. Top tip – hit it as far as you can off the tee!
|
Tee |
Yards |
Par |
Index |
|
White |
306 |
4 |
3 |
|
Yellow |
288 |
4 |
3 |
|
Red |
284 |
5 |
9 |
A Thrilling Amateur Career
This hole proudly bears the name of Forres Golf Club’s most distinguished alumnus — Hugh — whose contributions to amateur golf stand among the finest in the club’s history. Though now based in Aberdeen and a prominent figure at Murcar Links, where he served as Captain from 2008 to 2010 and continues as Honorary Vice-President, Hugh maintains close ties with Forres.
Hugh’s golfing career peaked during a golden era for British amateur golf. He was a vital member of the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team that achieved a famous victory over the USA at St Andrews in 1971. Facing a formidable American side that included Lanny Wadkins and Tom Kite, Hugh delivered a perfect record — winning all three of his matches and helping seal a historic 13–11 win.
His talent had been clear from early on, having claimed the Scottish Boys’ Amateur Championship in 1959. Though he briefly considered turning professional, Hugh chose to remain an amateur, continuing to compete with distinction. The highlight of his later career came with victory in the Scottish Amateur Championship in 1972, followed by qualification for The Open Championship at Troon in 1973.
A player of exceptional skill and humility, Hugh’s name on this hole honours not only a remarkable sporting legacy, but the enduring connection between Forres Golf Club and one of Scotland’s finest amateurs.
Hugh in the middle, back row, image from the USGA golf museum at GlobalGolfPost
