A simply stunning golf course, and a “must play” on any golf break in the Inverness area.
At a glance
Golf courses
Often regarded as one of the top 20 courses in the world, Royal Dornoch is simply a stunning links golf course, which many believe should have hosted an Open Championship.
So well is the Championship golf course regarded, that magazine polls across the world regularly have it in their top 20. Despite being 45 miles north of Inverness it is well worth the trek!
Royal Dornoch - Championship Course (Royal Dornoch Golf Club)
The opening hole on the Championship golf course, a simple par 4, is no indication of the joy – and trouble – to come. It is not until golfers walk over the headlands to the third tee that they get a sense of this striking golf course. Tom Watson came here and said he'd had "the most fun I've ever had on a golf course" and he's played a few!
18 Holes, Par 70, Yardage 6514. Links.
| Hole | Name | White | Yellow | Par | SI | Ladies | Par | SI |
| 1 | First | 331 | 300 | 4 | 7 | 266 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | Ord | 177 | 167 | 3 | 15 | 163 | 3 | 15 |
| 3 | Earl's Cross | 414 | 398 | 4 | 11 | 389 | 5 | 9 |
| 4 | Achinchanter | 427 | 403 | 4 | 3 | 391 | 4 | 9 |
| 5 | Hilton | 354 | 317 | 4 | 9 | 311 | 4 | 3 |
| 6 | Whinny Brae | 163 | 163 | 3 | 17 | 135 | 3 | 17 |
| 7 | Pier | 463 | 423 | 4 | 1 | 412 | 5 | 11 |
| 8 | Dunrobin | 396 | 386 | 4 | 5 | 380 | 4 | 5 |
| 9 | Craiglaith | 496 | 491 | 5 | 13 | 435 | 5 | 13 |
| Out | 3221 | 3048 | 35 | | 2882 | 37 | |
| 10 | Fuaran | 147 | 142 | 3 | 16 | 137 | 3 | 16 |
| 11 | A'chlach | 446 | 434 | 4 | 4 | 426 | 5 | 8 |
| 12 | Sutherland | 507 | 489 | 5 | 12 | 472 | 5 | 4 |
| 13 | Bents | 166 | 148 | 3 | 18 | 137 | 3 | 18 |
| 14 | Foxy | 445 | 439 | 4 | 2 | 401 | 5 | 2 |
| 15 | Stulaig | 319 | 298 | 4 | 10 | 288 | 4 | 10 |
| 16 | High Hole | 402 | 395 | 4 | 6 | 387 | 5 | 12 |
| 17 | Valley | 405 | 390 | 4 | 8 | 384 | 4 | 6 |
| 18 | Home | 456 | 446 | 4 | 14 | 442 | 5 | 14 |
| In | 3293 | 3181 | 35 | | 3074 | 39 | |
| Total | 6514 | 6229 | 70 | | 5956 | 76 | |
Royal Dornoch - Struie Course (Royal Dornoch Golf Club)
An easier test than its more renowned counterpart but just as beautiful, the Struie was extended in length by the introduction of five new holes in 2003. The improvements have made it a fine challenge for every level of golfer and a real joy to play.
18 Holes, Par 69, Yardage 5438. Links.
Accommodation
You can stay at the following hotels: The Royal Marine Hotel and the Windsor Hotel make an ideal choice.
Where you can stay
The Royal Marine Hotel from £155pp
4 star
The hotel has 22 en-suite bedrooms, each having been restored to a high standard. The hotel also has separate apartments, which sleep 4, which offer a great alternative option.
See The Venue
The Windsor Hotel from £165pp
3 star
Set within three minutes walking distance of the town centre, The Windsor is in an ideal location for both the town and the local golf.
See The Venue Did you know?
According to Tom Watson, "the most fun I've ever had on a golf course".
Location
45 miles north of Inverness.
Maps and directions