Scottish Highland Artwork

If You are like many golfers, you have often dreamed of a golf trip to the birthplace of golf, Scotland. For many, this dream is still on their list of things to do and for others it may simply not be possible at this point in their life with a career and family obligations taking priority.

I recently had an opportunity to visit with Jim Oliver, who along with two cousins Derek Wood and Graham Wood bring wonderful paintings and photographs of Scottish golf courses to golf enthusiasts around the world. Here is what Jim had to say:

Golf Bistro: The artworks of Highland Links primarily feature the work of artist Derek Wood, are all the pieces one of a kind or are they reproductions? 

Highland Links: In the main they are one of a kind however Derek has been painting local scenes for may years and many people from our area in the Highlands of Scotland who live abroad have an original painting which may be slightly different than the others he has painted. It is only recently that we have set up Highland Links to showcase his work and make Limited Edition prints available.  

GB: Jim, you feature some photographs for golf courses in Scotland, are you able to fill requests of potential customers for specific golf courses in Scotland? 

HL: Highland Links can take on commissions for any golf course worldwide. Derek has the ability to make paintings from a photograph of a course or landscape scene. He has done paintings of a course in Mexico and America from photographs. Where possible he likes to go and see the course but this is not always feasible for the costs involved. 

GB: What is the price range of the majority of the golf pieces that you sell? 

HL: When we started Highland Links just over 4 years ago we were charging approximately £750 for an AO size original. However we are now selling originals for £2000+….so anyone who bought an original 4 years ago for £750 now has a painting worth £2000+….a good investment! 

GB: Does shipping of your artwork to an international audience present any problems? 

HL: Where we need to ship abroad we make sure that the shipment is done by specialist couriers. The client can chose to use his own preferred shippers or ask us to do it. Recently I had a call from the Client who was shipping an original to Australia and the Customs insisted on confirmation that he had purchased it from us and that it was not a priceless work of art that was being stolen from Scotland! 

GB:  How long has your group been selling artwork that feature Scottish golf courses? 

HL: About 6-7 years ago I saw some of Derek’s landscapes and I asked him if he would do a couple of golf paintings for me. I arranged for Limited Edition prints to be done from the originals and it started from there. 

GB: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

HL: The three Directors of Highland Links are my cousin Derek Wood, his brother Graham and myself. We are very proud of where we live in the Highlands of Scotland and we have some of the best golf courses in the world and it is great to do something to promote the area. I also believe that Derek’s talent deserves a bigger stage. If any of your readers are coming to Scotland for golf and are coming to the Highlands give us a call……especially if you are short of a player or two! Derek is a member at Tain Golf Club and I am a member at Nairn Golf Club. 

If a golf vacation to Scotland is not on your agenda in the near future why not consider purchasing authentic Scottish golf course artwork by local artists? If you are lucky enough to visit Scotland perhaps Jim, Derek or Graham could find time in their schedule to meet you at the golf course!

As Jim would say, Slainte Mhath (Good Health)

You can visit the Highland Links website at:                                           http://www.spanglefish.com/highlandlinks/

 To view examples of artwork go to: 

http://www.spanglefish.com/highlandlinks/index.asp?pageid=29773