The Scottish Highlands are famous for their stunning landscapes and deep cultural roots, providing golf enthusiasts with an exceptional opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. With a variety of golf courses in the Highlands, there is something to suit every golfer’s skill level and preference, from difficult terrains to stunning views. Let’s explore the top golf courses in the Highlands, each offering its own special appeal and features.
The Best Golf Courses in Highlands
1. Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Dornoch is considered by many to be the ultimate Scottish links course, as evidenced by its top rankings in major publications. While it may not be considered exceptional, it is certainly a remarkable golf course with some of the best holes in the area. According to historical records, golf has been played at Dornoch since 1630, just a few years before Betty White was born. The course exudes a natural authenticity similar to that of St Andrews. It seems like a natural and timeless addition to the landscape.
- Location: Dornoch, Sutherland
- Design: Founded in 1877 by Old Tom Morris, the course was later improved by Donald Ross and George Duncan.
- Championship Course Highlights:
- Famous for its beautiful surroundings, the course offers challenging fairways with rolling hills and well-placed bunkers.
- The signature plateau greens can be challenging, as they demand accurate approach shots.
- One of the most impressive holes on the course is the par-4 14th, known as “Foxy,” which requires precision while offering breathtaking views of the Dornoch Firth.
- Struie Course:
- Provides a user-friendly design that caters to golfers with different levels of expertise.
- The course meanders through heather and gorse, offering a picturesque and pleasant round.
2. Castle Stuart Golf Links
Established in 2009, Castle Stuart is considered a timeless contemporary gem. With three Scottish Opens under its belt, Gil Hanse’s modern links course quickly gained popularity and will further influence the golf scene in Scotland with a new course designed by Arnold Palmer. Similar to Kingsbarns, but superior.
- Location: Inverness
- Design: Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen teamed up to design this contemporary links course in 2009.
- Course Highlights:
- The course is designed to provide players with challenges through natural features such as rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
- Hole number 4, known as “Hogan’s Alley,” offers beautiful views and challenges players to be precise over the dunes covered in fescue.
- Castle Stuart is well-known for its pristine upkeep and dedication to environmental sustainability.
3. Trump International Golf Links
The Trump Links is located on a breathtaking stretch of dunes-land. With Martin Hawtree of the R&A at the helm of the design, the International course maximizes the stunning landscape it sits on, although it still retains some elements of a traditional links course. The course has impressive visuals, but the quality still needs improvement.
- Location: Balmedie, Aberdeenshire
- Design: This championship-caliber links course was designed by Martin Hawtree and opened in 2012.
- Course Highlights:
- The design includes vast dunes and demanding fairways, providing an authentic links experience.
- The par-3 13th hole, named the “Burrows,” presents a tough challenge with a green encircled by dunes.
- The course effortlessly integrates with the rugged coastline, providing stunning views of the North Sea.
4. Gleneagles – Kings Course
- Location: Auchterarder, Perthshire
- Design: James Braid crafted the King’s Course in 1919.
- Course Highlights:
- The King’s Course is famous for its strategic bunkering and challenging greens, typical of a traditional heathland course.
- The par-5 9th hole, “Silvery Tay,” offers a memorable experience with its elevated tee that provides panoramic views.
- Every hole presents a distinct challenge, requiring a mix of accuracy and expertise to maneuver through the rolling fairways.
5. Nairn Golf Club
Some courses are often labeled as “Hidden Gems”, while others don’t get the recognition they deserve. The Nairn Championship Course belongs to the latter category. This links course has provided a thrilling and challenging experience for the game’s top amateur players in the Walker and Curtis Cups. An exquisite gem of the Highlands.
- Location: Nairn, Highland
- Design: Founded in 1887 by Archie Simpson, with additional input from Old Tom Morris and James Braid.
- Course Highlights:
- Nairn is known for its fast-running fairways, deep bunkers, and subtle challenges, making it a classic links course.
- Hole number 11, known as “Seabank,” demands precise tee shots due to the coastal winds.
- The course has been the venue for numerous championships, proving its high quality and demanding layout.
Conclusion
The Scottish Highlands offer a variety of golf courses, each with its own unique appeal and features. Royal Dornoch Golf Club, known for its stunning landscapes and historical roots, is considered the ultimate Scottish links course. The Strie Course offers a user-friendly design, while Castle Stuart Golf Links, designed by Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen, is a timeless contemporary gem. Trump International Golf Links, designed by Martin Hawtree, is a championship-caliber links course with vast dunes and demanding fairways. The Gleneagles – Kings Course, designed by James Braid, is known for its strategic bunkering and challenging greens. The Nairn Championship Course, designed by Archie Simpson, is a classic links course known for its fast-running fairways and challenging layout.