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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 21 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Fionn Davenport

A four-hour drive from Glasgow, Royal Dornoch is a pilgrimage – and worth every effort. Wild, isolated and spellbindingly beautiful, the course – the third-oldest links in the world – bears the authorial stamp of Old Tom Morris, and it’s here that Donald Ross learnt his craft: the turtleback greens at Pinehurst No. 2 were inspired by the devilish domes that make this links a proper challenge.

Everything else about it is straightforward, but perfectly maintained. The humble clubhouse and straight out, straight back layout are deceptive, for this is a truly special place. Forget your score, just soak up the atmosphere and remember that you’re playing in the shadow of golf’s very beginnings.

Logistics

Price from: £250
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The club is 45 miles north of Inverness (which has an airport), and roughly a four-hour drive from Glasgow. Reserve a tee time through the website as far in advance as you can.

Stay over close by at the delightful Links House, a sumptuous honey-hued boutique dripping with antiques, overlooking the golf course and the stunning, dune-backed beach.

When to do it

The course is open all year round, seven days a week. April to October are the best times to play, but good weather is never guaranteed as you’re quite far north! Tee times are available 7 days a week and most times during the day (members block a couple of hours in the morning).

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the edge of Loch Awe with brown hills behind

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.

Round-ups

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Round-ups that include this experience

34 World’s best golf courses

Spectacular landscapes, impeccable fairways and greens, brilliantly-designed holes and plenty of golfing folklore – we asked golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport to recommend his top 30 golf courses from around the world.