Golf in the Scottish Highlands & Islands

A region that has played host to the Scottish Open on four occasions, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is home to some of the best courses in the country.

Top of the list for many is Royal Dornoch. Home to both the Championship and the Struie course, there’s not many better places to play golf. In particular, the Championship course at Royal Dornoch would be considered the finest in the country by some. The legendary Tom Watson, who is an honorary member of the club, described a round here as some of the most fun he’s had on a golf course.

Head south and you’ll find Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and Islands, which is the ideal place to base yourself, ideally located for some of the best venues. Cabot Highlands, which is home to Castle Stuart Golf Links, has hosted the Scottish Open four times, while Nairn Golf Club’s Championship Course is very highly regarded.

It’s not just the big-name courses you should be visiting, however. There are around 50 courses in the region, with some of the lesser-known venues providing the most fun. Across the water from Cabot Highlands is Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, while the likes of Brora, Golspie and Tain all surround Royal Dornoch. Further to the east, you have Moray Golf Club, with two links courses here offering a great day’s golf.

If inland golf is your thing, you’re well catered for. Inverness Golf Club’s 18-hole course is an enjoyable test, with the newly-built Kings Course another great option. Spey Valley, which is part of the Macdonald Hotels group, is also superb.

For variety of golf and sheer enjoyment, it doesn’t get much better than the Highlands and Islands.

Golf in the Scottish Highlands & Islands

David J Whyte © Linksland


Golf in the Scottish Highlands & Islands