Where to Golf in the North of Scotland?

As our regular readers will know, golf was one of our new year’s resolutions, and it has been somewhat of a revelation. As one of the few activities we have been able to continue during lockdown, we have to admit, we have quite enjoyed it.  Now we are experts or rather over-confident amateurs; we decided to seek out the advice of those far wiser and more experienced and give you an insight into some of the incredible golf courses in the north of Scotland. We hope this will help inspire you to visit us on your next Scottish golf tour; it has undoubtedly given us a nudge to get practising so we can try some of these great Highland courses.

Our home course sits beautifully between the coastline, Loch Fleet Nature Reserve and Benn Bhraggie, with stunning views in all directions. The course is a mixture of links and inland; the first six holes are the flatter, more open part of the course with three, four and five running right along the beach. From the 7th hole, the course features more heather and trees; however the fairways maintain a true links feel. The value, the hospitality, the location and the atmosphere are first class – and we promise we aren’t biased.

golfers take a shot on golspie golf course

Brora has a traditional out and back layout with its opening nine holes situated along the north sea coastline. It has been widely credited as being one of the world’s most stunning golf courses. However, as any coastal dweller will tell you, where there are sea views, there are winds and navigating them is one of this course’s most significant challenges. Tradition dictates that on the 18th hole, golfers must hit their tee shot off a tuft of wool found on the previous 17 holes! We are not sure our golf skills are quite up to this yet, but give us time, and we will definitely give it a go.

This course needs no introduction, one of the world’s most coveted yet underplayed championship golf courses due to its remote location. An Old Tom Morris design from the 19th century, with golf being played on this land as early as 1616. Royal Dornoch has been ranked number one globally by Golfscape and 4th best in the world outside the USA by Golf Digest. In a nutshell, Royal Dornoch has everything; its routing takes advantage of its unique landscape features, and it really cannot be beaten. With fall-offs from ridges, playing alongside the sea, going up large banks and playing alongside hills, it is no surprise it is considered one of the world’s best.

Castle Stuart

One of the most well-known golf course in the Highlands, Castle Stuart has played host to the Scottish Open many times. The course plays on two levels, by the water and then on a raised level with uninterrupted views across to the Black Isle. Castle Stuart provides an enjoyable level of challenge for all and certainly doesn’t destroy high handicapped amateurs like some of Scotland’s more famous courses.

Durness Golf Club

For those who believe Royal Dornoch is remote, Durness Golf Club is in a stratosphere of its own – situated on the far north-west corner of Scotland close to Cape Wrath and officially Britain’s most north-westerly golf course. This nine-hole course has nine greens and 18 tees, meaning you can comfortably play eighteen holes should you wish. Recently ranked 12th in Golf Magazine USA’s ‘World’s Top 50 Nine Hole Courses’, this is definitely a bucket list golf course. We don’t know anyone who has regretted taking the time to travel north to this course.

All of these courses are accessible from our cottages, which sleep between two and ten guests, so whether you are looking for a low key family trip or are planning for the day when group travel can commence again, we have something for you. Please get in touch.Please get in touch.