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Scottish Links Golf
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the real length of a golf course
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Aberdeen &
Grampian Highlands
Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay...
Ayrshire
Royal Troon, Turnberry, Prestwick...
Northern Highlands
Boat of Garten
Bonar Bridge Ardgay
Brora
Castle Stuart
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Golspie
Grantown-on-Spey
Moray Old Course
Nairn
Nairn Dunbar
Royal Dornoch
Strathpeffer
Tain
Just east of Edinburgh
Scotland's Golf Coast
NorthBerwick, Muirfield, Gullane...
St. Andrews area
Out of the way, but worth a play
Machrihanish, Pitlochry...
Links Lite
Great links golf
for the not-so-great golfer
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What others say
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Northern Highlands ©
The Northern Highlands is a world apart -- a land of great beauty, the clans, the late evening
sun (in June you can play golf until 10 PM),
history as varied as the terrain, wild mountain
streams, and golf courses that will live
in your heart forever. This northern part
of Scotland is not as remote as you might
think. It's very accessible and should be
seriously considered by the independent golfer.
The Northern Highlands offer two distinct
areas for great golfing. And Inverness Airport
is right between them.
Area #1 - Dornoch and vicinity ...
The Royal Burgh of Dornoch has been a traditional
base for this area for several reasons --
good lodging, a choice of eateries, convenient
location for all of the golf courses, and...
it just happens to be the home of Royal Dornoch
Golf Club, that great star of the North.
Brora, Golspie, and Tain are very nearby.
And many other Northern Highlands golf courses
are within reach..
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| The "skyline" of the quaint burgh
of Dornoch, taken from the Struie Course
at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Note the yellow
gorse in the foreground. (How could you miss
it!) It grows profusely in the Highlands,
and blooms outrageously in May, a lovely
time to be here. |
Area #2 - Moray Coast with Castle Stuart, Nairn and
other gems ...
The arrival of the spectacular Castle Stuart
Golf Course has brought much attention and
praise to this area on the southern shore
of the Moray coast between Inverness, Nairn
and beyond. With the other fine links courses,
plus Boat of Garten and the delightful Cairngorm
mountains golf courses, it all adds up to
a great golfing area. With some of the most
spectacular scenery in Scotland and golf
courses of the first magnitude.
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| The 9th hole and clubhouse of the world-acclaimed
Castle Stuart Golf Course, above the mystical
waters of the Moray Firth. Photo by Fraser Cromarty. |
|
(For Area #2, please scroll down.)
Golf courses reviewed --
Royal Dornoch, Brora, Golspie, Tain, Bonar
Bridge Ardgay, Fortrose &
Rosemarkie,
Strathpeffer,
Where to Stay in Dornoch
B&Bs
Hillview - Beautiful 4 star B&B, warm and gracious
owners, every detail deluxe. On the main road into Dornoch yet only 2 minutes'
drive to the town centre and
Royal Dornoch
Golf Club. Private parking and charming gardens. It
couldn't be more perfect. Their breakfast
room is pictured on our "Basics" page. Originally built for Andrew Carnegie's
chauffeur, the house was transformed by Pat
and Alan Woodstock (present owners) into
a gem. The Woodstocks are not only wonderful
people, they are avid golfers who can tell
you about all the courses in the area. This
is where we stay. Just two luxurious rooms
that book-up far in advance, so reserve as
early as possible. ww.hillviewbb.co.uk
Highfield House - Well-deserving of their 4 star rating.
Good location on main road into town centre.
Cater to golfers and will arrange tee times
for you if you wish, as well as prepare lunch
to take with you. A fine, well-established
B&B. Visit their website to see all the
amenities they offer their guests. www.highfieldhouse.co.uk
Auchlea House - In a country setting about 1 mile north
of Dornoch, this very nice 4
star B&B
is well-priced and will also
serve dinner
if you reserve in advance. As
in all lodging
listed here, every bedroom is
en-suite. www.milford.co.uk/scotland/accom/h-a-1927.html
Fourpenny Cottage - Delightful lodging, a bit farther from
town but very close to Skibo
Castle, where
Madonna and Guy Ritchie were
married. Woodsy
area, first-rate accommodations,
good price.
They also do self-catering.http://homepages.tesco.net/~fourpenny/index.html
2 Quail Hotel -- an upscale 5 star establishment in the
town centre. Elegant rooms and prices to
match. For a special event.. www.2quail.com
Amalfi B&B -- The only way you could stay closer to
Royal Dornoch Struie Golf Course is by erecting
a tent on the 1st fairway. This well-priced
lodging offers 2 spacious bedrooms, each
ensuite. Visit their website, and be sure to see
"The Dogs' Page." (Their
two dogs,
Bruce and Jodie, will win your
heart.) The
Amalfi has been in business for
12 years,
and hosts/managers Marelle and
Edward bring
a warm, friendly atmosphere to
it. www.amalfidornoch.com
Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch -- Receiving much acclaim after complete
renovation in 2010, the Royal Golf Hotel
makeover is now complete with new contemporary
bathrooms in every bedrroom. This legendary
hotel sits overlooking the clubhouse and
1st tee. Very popular. And be sure to click
on "packages, etc" to take advantage
of their excellent deals for Royal Dornoch/Castle
Stuart golf courses. www.royalgolfhoteldornoch.co.uk
Self-Catering ... NOTE: for stays of a week or more, Richard
and I like to "self-cater"
whenever
we can because you can cook your
own meals
if you wish, come and go as you
please, and
have it all to yourself like
your own house.
Here are two self-catering places
we recommend..
Fourpenny Cottage -- see above
#4 Dornoch Square East -- fine self-catering townhouse just 3-minute walk to Royal Dornoch's 1st tee ! Just off "The Square" in the town
centre, tucked behind the police
station.
Constructed on 3 levels, the
top floor is
an attractive "great room"
with
full kitchen (dishwasher &
washer/dryer),
dining area, and comfortable
living area
with a library of golf books.
Three bedrooms,
each with its own bathroom (definitely
rare!),
make-up the second level. Accommodates
4-5
people, has private parking,
and the price
is excellent. For info call David Tepper in U.S. 415-956-5593.
Email - tcmnav@aol.com
Fairways Dornoch --www.fairwaysdornoch.co.uk self-catering apartment almost across the
street from Royal Dornoch golf
course in
a peaceful cul-de-sac. Ideal
for a couple,
this bright and cheerful apartment
has its
own private garden, easy parking,
and excellent
rates.
When You Are Hungry in Dornoch
 |
| Dornoch town square with the Sutherland House
restaurant on the right. |
You will discover several eateries right
in the centre of Dornoch.
Royal Dornoch Golf Course Clubhouse restaurant is available to you if you've
played one of their courses. Renowned local
chef Michael Carr creates good food, and
the view over the golf course is a feast
for the eyes.
Luigi's on Castle Street is popular for a reason.
It's good.
Dornoch Castle Hotel has a garden restaurant, nice for lunch.
Mansfield House Hotel has a good bar menu, which means less expensive
pub-type meals.
Sutherland House - Wonderful authentic Scottish dining with
warm service. Everything cooked to order.
The home-made desserts are exceptional--world's
best StickyToffee Pudding!!! Fine food at
fair prices. Bar food menu during the day.
For evening meals, best to call ahead for
bookings.
What to Do around Dornoch
Dornoch has a wonderful aura of the past
about it. Definitely a walking village, you
can cover most of it in a short time. Stroll
easily, as almost every building offers something
of interest. If your travel companion is
playing Royal Dornoch, leave the car at the
golf course and walk down the street to the
corner, where you turn right. In another
100 yards you'll be in the town centre. Turn
left and begin your walk along the main street
and the small streets running off it.
The town is dominated by the Cathedral, which
you are free to enter. Founded in 1224, it
now receives many visitors from the outside
world since Madonna and Guy Richie held their
son's christening ceremony here. But this
is a hardy, ancient land...and it remains
unchanged. And that's the beauty, the joy
and peace of being in this timeless place.
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|
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| The cathedral is visible from almost anywhere
in town. |
Once you've investigated the cathedral, meander
around, savouring the local scene. You can
browse freely in any of the shops, where
you'll see items you may have never seen
before and meet people who are friendly and
helpful.
Donald Ross, the great Scottish golf architect, grew
up in Dornoch. Tthe little street off the
high (main) street in the village centre
has a plaque on his house. He "cut his
teeth" on the Royal Dornoch course,
and later went on to design several hundred
(!) golf courses in the U.S., most of which
contain some reminder of Royal Dornoch.
History Links Museum -- behind the Castle Hotel. Signposts point
the way. Everything is easy to find in Dornoch,
and fun to explore by taking the Heritage Trail, which starts at the History Links Museum. But the museum itself is very rewarding.
7,000 turbulent years packed into one wee
musuem -- the treachery and violence of the
Picts and the Vikings, the feuding clans
and the shameful burning of Scotland's last
condemned witch. www.historylinks.org.uk
Saturday nights in the summer...Pipe bands and Highland dancers perform in
the town centre Saturday evenings
in summer.
A special Highland treat. It's
very light
at night in these latitudes.
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... |
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In the nearby surrounding countryside --
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Spectacular Dunrobin Castle, Scottish Highlands most massive residence,
overlooks the sea. Built
in 1235, it was
the baronial home of the
Dukes of Sutherland.
Fabulous gardens and marvelous
daily falconry
demonstrations (a "must
see.")
Dunrobin lies on the main
highway A9, just
1/2 mile north of Golspie
on the right as
you go norrth.
VERY worthwhile.
www.highlandescape.com/dunrobin |
 |
Glenmorangie Distillery
The Scottish Highlands have the most and
some of the best whisky distilleries in the
world. And here, at Tain, south of Dornoch
just after the A9 crosses the Firth of Dornoch,
you can visit one of the most remowned.
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/tain/glenmorangie/index.html
Other worthwhile places are listed on the
individual golf course pages.
Especially
see Tain.
|
Map showing both areas for great golf.
Upper half features Dornoch area.
Lower half is Moray Coast area,
with Castle Stuart in airport vicinity. (See
below.)
|
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Golf courses reviewed --
Castle Stuart, Nairn, Moray Old Course, Nairn
Dunbar, Boat of Garten, Grantown-on-Spey
From this Moray Coast area you have easy
access to Castle Stuart golf course, Nairn,
Nairn Dunbar, Moray, Boat of Garten, and
other memorable golf courses. We have revisited
the area in June of 2011, and want to recommend
this ultra-scenic part of Scotland. Prime
area for the independent golf traveler.
News of a great discovery --
After being strongly advised to "drive
along the coast road a wee bit and see the
favourite golf course of so many of us locals",
I was surprised by what I saw. Hopeman Golf
Club, wonderful to look at and delightful
to play, is over 100 years old.
Mary-Alice and I had the good fortune and
great pleasure of being shown the golf course
by the former long-time president of the
Hopeman Golf Club, Sandy More, who walked
with us and acquainted us with this lovely
and challenging golf course which is truly
a "hidden gem." Hopeman golf course
is relatively short -- 5,624 yards from the
medal tees -- which makes it the perfect
second course on a day you are playing one
of the longer courses in the Moray area.
It may be short in total yards but with a
par of 68, it has an AFSD of 173 yards. So
it plays more like a 6,100 yard course. It's
a good links with interesting holes and a
layout that is lots of fun for golfers of
all skill levels.
Easy to find located directly on the sea
(the Moray Firth) between Lossiemouth and
Burghead, Hopeman GC is a rewarding experience.
No buggies. Just an exhilerating 18 holes
of pure Scottish links golf.
Hopeman Golf Club for something special. On Lodge Rd., north of Elgin. www.hopemangc.co.uk
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Signature Hole -- the 12th, a par 3. Your jaw will drop
as you look down from above.
"The 12th hole is
one of the best par
3s I have ever played."
Paul Lawrie, Open Golf Championship winner.
Below is a photo of the same 12th green seen
from the back of it and, taken from quite
high above it. (Can you see the golfers down
there?)
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Where to Stay in the Moray area
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Woodside of Belivat B&B
Comfort, class, and serenity. In a peaceful setting with the great golf of Castle Stuart,
Nairn, and the other traditional links courses just minutes away. Very private
guest area, with its own front door, a super
lounge area (see left), and two lovely en suite bedrooms. The house is new, the owners most
kind and hospitable. |
Highest recommendations
|
 |
 |
Mary-Alice with Margaret McConnachie (owner,
on left) at entrance to one of the best B&Bs
we have ever stayed in. Excellent in every
way.
www.belivat.co.uk
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Sandown House B&B
Deluxe B&B rooms in the main house, and
4 courtyard suites of very high quality.
The friendly owners are into golf, and the
place itself sits right on the edge of Nairn
championship golf course!! Plus, it's close
to all the "must play" courses
in the area. Sandown House is very popular
and very well designed. Their attractive
website will give you much more info.
www.sandownhouse.com |
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Pine Ridge B&B - In the heart of beautiful Cairngorm National
Park...
A lovely B&B in Carrbridge, near Aviemore,
just 5 minutes off the A9. Shona Rankin has
created a B&B of exceptional value. See
details on our Boat of Garten page and at her own website, www.pineridgecarrbridge.com. You will not be disappointed in this comfortable
traditional Highland home and we are pleased
to recommend it to you. Perfect for a golf holiday in this scenic
Highlands area. |
| Craigerne House Hotel -- Top quality country house hotel. Small, warm
and friendly. Deluxe in
every way. If you
want excellence at moderate
prices, you need
look no further. Beautiful
accommodations
in a beautiful part of
Scotland. Ideally
located for golf and mountain
activities,
like skiing in winter.
Many challenging golf courses of great Highland
character are within easy
travel. More details on our Boat of Garten page and of course their own website. www.craigernehotel.com |
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NOTE - If you use Dornoch as your base in
the Northern Highlands, the listings in Area #1 will help you.
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Where to Eat?
Many golf courses have restaurants open to
visitors, which makes it easy for your schedule.
Aside from them, there are always pubs and
other places to eat in every town.
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What to Do All Day?
For some excellent ideas, check out this
list from the Woodside of Belivat B&B
website. www.belivat.co.uk/activities.html
Want to stay longer in this beautiful area?
You may want to try some of these golf courses
--
www.forresgolfclub.co.uk
www.elgingolfclub.com
www.aviemoregolf.com (Spey Valley Golf Course)
... and by all means keep Hopeman in mind
www.hopemangc.co.uk
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