EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLANDS
Great golf...Royal Dornoch & Castle Stuart. Great Scotch whisky...Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, Glenturret & Macallan Distilleries. Great beauty...Cairngorms National Park & Loch Ness.
SPECTACULAR LINKS GOLF, HISTORIC INVERNESS & LOCH NESS
Stunning scenery, great whisky and championship links golf
Close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands are some of Scotland’s most historic and famous courses. Royal Dornoch, designed by Old Tom Morris & the 3rd oldest golf course in the world. James Braid’s links at Brora, Nairn & Fortrose & Rosemarkie. Old Tom Morris’ layouts at Tain & Moray and the relatively new but fantastic links at Castle Stuart. Add great links golf to whisky distilleries such as those at Glenmorangie, Glenlivet, Glenturret and Macallan, and you've just planned the perfect golf trip.
GREAT
VACATION IDEAS
5 Nights in Inverness & 5 Rounds
5 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $3, 390 USD pp
Stay at the 4 Star Kingsmills Hotel and enjoy cosmopolitan Inverness. Play Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Moray Old and more.
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TOUR INCLUDES:
- 5 nights at The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness
- 5 rounds Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Moray Old & Tain
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning
- Self-drive automatic rental vehicle
- Price includes all taxes and surcharges
Royal Dornoch & the Royal Golf Hotel
6 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $3,790 USD pp
Stay next to the first tee at Royal Dornoch at the Royal Golf Hotel and play Royal Dornoch and 4 more fabulous Highlands links courses.
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TOUR INCLUDES:
- 6 nights at the 4 Star Royal Golf Hotel
- 5 rounds at Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Brora & Golspie
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning
- Self-drive automatic rental vehicle
- Price includes all taxes and surcharges
7 Night Highlands & Links Tour
7 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $3,990 USD pp
Stay in Inverness & Dornoch and play Royal Dornoch, Brora, Moray Old & more. Take a day tour of the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
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TOUR INCLUDES:
- 7 nights at the 4 Star Kingsmills Hotel & the 4 Star Royal Golf Hotel
- 5 rounds of golf at Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Moray Old, Brora & Fortrose & Rosemarkie
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning
- Self-drive automatic rental vehicle
- Price includes all taxes and surcharges
Enjoy The Highlands in 5 Star Luxury at Links House
6 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $4,570 USD pp
Stay at Links House in Dornoch, a 5 Star luxury boutique hotel. Play Royal Dornoch twice, Castle Stuart and 2 other Highlands links classics.
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TOUR INCLUDES:
- 6 nights at the 5 Star Links House situated 50 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch
- 5 rounds at Royal Dornoch (36), Castle Stuart, Fortrose & Rosemarkie & Brora
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning
- Self-drive automatic rental vehicle
- Price includes all taxes and surcharges
Not quite what you're looking for? Let us tailor your personal Highlands golf vacation to perfectly match your style, pace and budget!
THE HIGHLANDS COURSES
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ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB
18 holes, par 70, 6,748 yards
Formed in 1877, Royal Dornoch is spellbinding and golfers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this natural links at some point in their lives. It is a must play and is currently ranked number 2 in the world by both Golf and Golf Digest Magazines.
It's the timeless setting that makes Royal Dornoch such a pleasing place to play golf. It's wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful; there's the blaze of color in early summer when the gorse is in bloom. The white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling.
You can expect the experience at Royal Dornoch to be relaxed and informal, with an emphasis on traditional highland hospitality. -
MORAY GOLF CLUB (OLD)
18 holes, 71 par, 6,717 yards
Golfers have been enjoying Moray Golf Club since it was founded in 1889. Old Tom Morris, who became a frequent visitor and played a number of exhibition matches in the early days, originally laid out the Old Course.
The first hole runs directly along the coast on the Old course and is followed by a series of holes that work their way a little further inland over the first eight holes at Lossiemouth. Four of these are par fours exceeding four hundred yards, with bunkers providing an additional defense. The westernmost point is reached as Covesea Lighthouse dominates the skyline on the 11th and this hole begins another sequence of four strong par fours.
Moray has played host to many national championships over the years and this excellent 6,717-yard par 71 links provides a real challenge to even the best golfers. Featuring one of the finest finishing holes in Scottish golf, the Old course is fantastic and the vistas are expansive. -
CASTLE STUART GOLF LINKS
18 holes, 72 par, 7,009 yards
The centerpiece for this Scottish destination golf resort is Castle Stuart Golf Links, a championship links course overlooking the Moray Firth and well-known landmarks that are synonymous with Inverness and the Black Isle – Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse being the most notable.
For the holes immediately abutting the sea, the Kessock Bridge and Chanonry Lighthouse are often seen directly through the shotmaking frame. Atop the ‘old sea cliff’ these same Black Isle landmarks are often presented from towering heights that offer more spectacular visuals.
Surrounding the golfer is a rugged and natural landscape with vast expanses of gorse, broom, heather, and sea marram. The bunkering is characterized more by open sandy areas with pockets of light vegetation than by formally revetted (stacked sod or turf) manicured bunkers. And from some tees and greens, the 1930s style white ‘Art Deco’ clubhouse can be seen sitting prominently atop its viewing perch.
All in all Castle Stuart can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was – a simple walk through pleasing natural surroundings with both friends and amazing views to accompany you. -
BRORA GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 70 par, 6,211 yards
Brora Golf Club lies 20 miles north of Dornoch and it's one of the most delightful short road journeys imaginable. Brora is probably the least well known links course in Scotland but really does deserve to be discovered. Brora Golf Club was founded in 1891 and in 1923, James Braid was commissioned to work several redesigns of the course, and little has changed since.
It's a traditional out and back layout with the opening nine holes hugging the North Sea coastline. We can think of no other course in Scotland which has so many holes playing so close to the sea, especially ones with no dunescapes to hide the view. The ground undulates gently and you can expect to encounter the occasional burn and a series of electric fences, which do a fine job of keeping the sheep off the fast Brora greens.
Measuring 6,211 yards from the back tees, Brora is not of championship length, but playing to your handicap will be an achievement, not only because the greens are difficult to hit, but because it's even tougher to concentrate on golf when you have such breathtaking surroundings. The great late Peter Thomson, winner of Five Open Championships, proclaimed Brora to be his favorite golf course in the world. -
NAIRN GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 72 par, 6,774 yards
Nairn Golf Club is located on an elevated, rumpled piece of linksland on the Moray Firth coastline, close to the historic fishing port. It’s one of Scotland’s lesser-known gems.
This is a course which has been touched by many great architects. The club was founded in 1887 to an original design by Archie Simpson. A few years later Old Tom Morris extended the layout and, prior to the Great War, James Braid made further alterations. Directly after the Great War, Ben Sayers added his mark to the course only to find James Braid itching to polish off the design. It is no wonder that Nairn is such a detailed masterpiece.
One of the most spectacular seaside courses in Scotland, Nairn boasts sea views from every hole. When the sun is low in the sky and the shadows are long, you cannot fail to appreciate the undulating, bunker-pitted moonscape that is Nairn. It’s a delightful links with fast, firm but narrow fairways, a number of which are framed by gorse bushes and heather, heaping further pressure onto a nervous drive. The greens are sited in the trickiest places – some are raised and others are nestled in hollows. Most are well protected, either by bunkers or natural hazards, and all of the greens are fast and true, a Nairn trademark. -
FORTROSE & ROSEMARKIE GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 71 par, 6,085 yards
There is reference to golf being played at Fortrose & Rosemarkie as far back as 1702, though it was not until 1793 that a formal golf club was organized. The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1924 but it was ten years later before James Braid shaped the links to its current design and Sir Hector Monro opened the revamped course 1935.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie lies on a narrow peninsula jutting out into Rosemarkie Bay and protects the entrance to the Moray Firth. A lighthouse stands at the point, and the road there divides the course in two. There is just enough land either side to accommodate this shortish but testing links course.
What Fortrose & Rosemarkie lacks in yardage is more than made up for with its small, subtle greens, strategic bunkering, dense island gorse, blind approaches and the proximity of the sea at nearly half the holes. And the club has recently proudly hosted two national competitions, the first time the club has ever attracted such prestigious events to the Black Isle.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links is the 15th oldest recorded golf club and is ranked among the Top 50 Golf Courses in Scotland by Golf World. -
TAIN GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 70 par, 6,404 yards
With panoramic views across the Dornoch Firth, Tain's Highland setting is dramatic and also pleasantly sheltered with the estuary on one side and the mountains of Easter Ross on the other.
Tain Golf Club was founded in 1890 and Old Tom Morris was commissioned to design the course. After a detailed survey of the land, Old Tom found only 15 suitable green sites and the course opened with only 15 holes. Some years later, the course was extended to 18 holes with Old Tom's mark still indelibly etched on the course to this day.
Today Tain plays to 6,404 yards from the medal tees, where accuracy rather than length is essential. The nature of Tain is a combination of links and heathland and there are a number of forced carries across tangly heather to rumpled fairways, edged by dense gorse.
Tain will always remain in the shadow of its illustrious neighbor, Royal Dornoch, which lies on the opposite bank of the Dornoch Firth. But whatever you do, don't pass Tain by. There is variety and fun to be had on this challenging course. -
GOLSPIE GOLF CLUB
Golspie Golf Club is a James Braid creation and is situated on the Dornoch Firth. The course is a beguiling mix of classic links, heath and parkland holes. Golspie has stunning views from all holes of the Dornoch Firth on one side and the backdrop of Ben Bhraggie on the other.
The course has changed little since the club implemented James Braid’s design. The most recent major change has been to increase the course length to 6021 yards with a par of 70. This was achieved by lengthening the 1st and 14th holes to par fives without changing the spirit of the course. The ongoing force of nature that is the adjacent North Sea alongside the 3rd,4th, 5th, 6th and 7th holes has necessitated ongoing work but arguably has led to gentle improvements to the layout of these holes.
Golspie is ranked as #54 in Golf World's Top 100 Courses in Scotland. -
NAIRN DUNBAR GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 72 par, 6,765 yards
Nairn Dunbars’ original 9 holes were opened on May 24, 1899, Queen Victoria’s 80th birthday. The second nine was opened just after World War I and it has remained relatively unchanged since. The club hosts the R&A’s Boys Amateur Championships, so it is highly regarded by most experts.
A challenging par four opens your round, followed by a shortish par four, then a straightforward par three, allowing a relatively gentle warm up. Be prepared though for a strong quartet of long, demanding par fours which are then encountered, where gorse, trees, greenside bunkers and out of bounds all present problems. This tough sequence of holes is then topped off by the semi-blind par three "Brodie," the 163-yard signature hole, with its green nestled in a bowl, surrounded by bunkers.
Three newer holes are located around the turn, at the furthest point from the clubhouse, before the routing moves inland, culminating in a muscular three-hole stretch that maintains the challenging nature of Nairn Dunbar right to the end. With two par fives in this closing stretch, you might think there's the chance of a birdie or two... but both require true shotmaking, with the home hole having a blind approach shot to a severely raised green.
THE HIGHLANDS LODGING
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LINKS HOUSE
Links House at Royal Dornoch is set amidst beautiful grounds with lawns borders by a colorful array of herbs, flowers, plants and mature trees. Numerous inviting stone terraces surround the hotel's building, giving you ample space to enjoy the outdoor views.
The 5 Star hotel boasts the unapologetic elegance of a bygone era. Their fifteen uniquely styled bedrooms, each named after a Highland salmon river, are decorated and appointed with the finest antiques, artwork and fabrics. Each room offers the high levels of comfort you would expect from one of the world’s finest boutique hotels.
In the Main House, built in 1843, you will find bespoke historic guest rooms. Just across their exclusive putting green, The Mews building hosts the hotel's suites, each complete with full bath, walk-in shower and comfortable sitting area. The new Glenshiel building comprises five luxury suites and a penthouse apartment. -
ROYAL GOLF HOTEL
Ideally located in the historic borough of Dornoch, the award-winning 4 Star Royal Golf Hotel offers a picturesque setting and convenient access to the northern courses of The Highlands. Royal Dornoch Golf Club’s first tee is right out the back door of the hotel, it's almost impossible to oversleep and miss your tee time!
All bedrooms are individually-styled within the hotel and overlook Royal Dornoch or the Dornoch Firth. Stunning panoramic views are on offer while dining in the Conservatory Restaurant. The menu is served all day and offers delicious dishes made from locally sourced produce.
Golf is the main pull to this four-star hotel as it is surrounded by 20 golf courses all within 1 hours drive. Play at the likes of Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Brora and Tain Golf Club, just to name a few. -
NESS WALK HOTEL
Nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, lies Ness Walk. An idyllic 5-star retreat hotel in Inverness, just 10 minutes from Loch Ness. Surrounded by a dramatic canopy of impressive trees, Ness Walk allows you to experience a secluded atmosphere in the heart of the vibrant city centre.
Originally a 19th century house, This lovingly restored Historic Listed building retains many of its period features, but combines them with modern design, architecture and furnishings. Exceptional service is at the core of your Ness Walk experience. Their concierge will announce your arrival and arrange valet parking. Your luggage will be delivered to your room, complete with garden or river views. Relax by the fire in the lounge with a welcoming glass of chilled champagne while the staff organizes your check-in details.
Each intricately designed guest room and grand suite has its own unique personality. Their deluxe Laurel guestrooms are luxurious, with large floor to ceiling windows and views across the grounds or to the River Ness. The superior Cedar guest rooms come with terrace access, river views and private seating on the ground floor. All guest rooms offer 5-star quality accommodations with stylish ensuite bathrooms and indulgent toiletries from Arran Sense of Scotland. -
THE KINGSMILLS HOTEL
History is a major part of the 4 Star Kingsmills Hotel, with royalty and Prime Ministers having stayed here. Surrounded by spectacular Inverness scenery and manicured grounds, this outstanding 18th century hotel is in the perfect location for your ultimate golf vacation to Scotland.
The Kingsmills features luxurious rooms all with traditional Scottish themed décor. All rooms have modern facilities including iPod docks, flat screen televisions and en suite bathrooms. The hotel offers an on-site leisure club with an indoor heated swimming pool and fully-equipped gym. You may also tailor your own spa experience from a range of therapeutic treatments available.
Scottish culinary delights are on the menu at both The Inglis Restaurant and The Conservatory, as their skilled chefs have developed fabulous dishes, all with local meats and produce when available.
Being just a short drive away from some of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the area makes Kingsmill Hotel the perfect base for your Scottish golf vacation. -
GOLFVIEW HOTEL & SPA
The Golfview is a stunning AA 4-star seaside hotel overlooking the Moray Firth and just a short drive from Inverness. The hotel has gardens leading down to the beach and Moray Firth with views out to the Black Isle.
Following a multi-million pound investment into the hotel, guest rooms have been upgraded to the highest standards. Warm tones are complemented by dark wood furnishings and elegant gold detailing, with floor-to-ceiling marbled tiles and overhead rain showers in the bathrooms. Many of the 42 bedrooms are sea-facing with interiors that provide guests with an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing place to stay. There are a variety of leisure facilities, including heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and on-site spa.
You can enjoy elegant, fine dining in the AA Rosette awarded Hickory restaurant, with its panoramic views out over the Moray Firth and beyond. The menu offers the best of locally-landed seafood and meat from pedigree Scottish herds. -
MACDONALD DRUMOSSIE HOTEL
Set in nine acres of private parkland with spectacular views over the Moray Firth, the 4 Star art deco New Drumossie Hotel is an oasis of peace and elegance. Located just 10 minutes drive from the center of Inverness, it is also centrally located to all of The Highlands championship golf courses.
All 44 rooms offer free WiFi, Egyptian cotton sheets and TVs with satellite channels. Separate bathtubs and showers, coffee makers, and hair dryers are among the other room amenities.
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel is a smoke-free property. Dining facilities at the hotel include two restaurants, one casual and one fine dining. There is also room service available. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Other hotel amenities include gardens, patios and tennis courts. -
GLENMORISTON HOTEL & TOWNHOMES
As luxury hotels go, the 4-star city center Glenmoriston Hotel & Townhomes is one of the most respected in Inverness. Set on a tree-lined, river bank terrace close to the center of Inverness, the hotel is within easy traveling distance of all the major links courses, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Culloden Battlefield and many other attractions in the Scottish Highlands.
The hotels accommodations compris 30 bedrooms, three self-contained apartments, an award-winning Contrast Brasserie restaurant and the Piano Bar serving up over 260 malt whiskies and with live music on weekends. Rooms include free wifi and parking and some have a view over the River Ness. The one and two-bedroom apartments have all the luxury and privacy of individual accommodations but with the added benefit of a four star hotel right on your doorstep.
The hotel is just a short walk along the river bank from the center of Inverness, near to the main shopping areas, the train and bus stations and a short drive from Inverness Airport.
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THE AREA
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The largest region in Scotland, The Highlands is home to hundreds of iconic locations, attractions and experiences. Encapsulating centuries of history, culture and traditions, the area has been named one of the world's top regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019.
Go southeast from Inverness and you’ll find the Cairngorms National Park, home to more mountains, rivers, lochs, forests and wildlife than you can imagine. The circular North East 250 Scenic Route runs through the beautiful landscapes and coasts of Moray Speyside and Aberdeenshire. Speyside is whisky heaven! Well-known for its delicious whisky and numerous distilleries, the area is arguably the most famous of Scotland’s five whisky regions. The world famous Malt Whisky Trail is set here and takes in seven working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside Cooperage.
THE WEATHER
INVERNESS
THE CITY ON THE LOCH
Inverness is an exciting cosmopolitan city with culture and historical treasures around every corner. Alongside its perfect city holiday status, Inverness has a world of natural treasures and landscapes on its doorstep. And of course, golf is at the forefront of its offerings. With Royal Dornoch less than an hour away and Castle Stuart right on its doorstep, Inverness is the perfect home for a tour of some of the worlds greatest links courses. Right down the road is Loch Ness with its castle and famous monster. The city also acts as the gateway to the famous North Coast 500, a circular coastal drive around the northernmost parts of Scotland. Across the city, head to the historic site of Inverness Castle, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the River Ness. Or head to Inverness Botanic Gardens for a picnic lunch and tranquil escape.