Scotland abounds in unique and magnificent golf courses. But many are never seen by visiting goflers because they're not on the regular tour routes or in a popular golfing area. These gems lie waiting to be discovered by the golfer willing to step off the beaten path in exchange for an unforgettable round of golf.

Household names to Scottish golfers and the cognoscenti, these world-class golf courses would enjoy worldwide fame if it were not for their locations. So we're creating a special page for them. More courses will be added. But for starters, click on the Machrihanish, Machrihanish Dunes, Pitlochry and Stranraer links on the left.

A friend of ours -- Dan Hare, from the Isle of Jersey, UK -- has played some of these rare treasures shown below. He knows and loves Scottish golf, and we value his opinions. Here are two "hidden gems" in northern Scotland you need to know about. Both have "honesty boxes" for their greens fees if clubhouse is closed. --

"Gems you should visit ...

Traigh (on the beautiful Mallaig peninsula).

www.traighgolf.co.uk
Traigh Clubhouse, looking out to the Atlantic.		Traigh opening hole

www.durnessgolfclub.org
Durness Clubhouse -- northernmost golf course on the Scotland mainland.		Durness 15th hole, also the 6th.