Why Scotland Is the Home of Golf

Scotland is truly the home of golf. The modern game was born here in the 15th century and remains at the heart of Highland sporting culture. With centuries of golfing heritage echoing across windswept links and historic fairways, there really is no finer place to play than in the country that gave the game to the world.

The North Highlands is a golfer’s paradise, where every course tells its own story. From legendary championship links to hidden inland gems, Caithness and Sutherland offer something for players of every level. But golf is only the beginning; there is so much more to discover that makes this region special. Enjoy Highland whisky, breathtaking scenery, rich history, and, of course, our famed Highland hospitality that will stay with you long after the last tee!

With world-renowned courses, links, parkland, and 9-hole layouts, plus a handful of beautiful inland gems, Caithness and Sutherland have something for every golfer.

Discover why the North Highlands is the perfect destination for your ultimate Scottish golfing adventure.

Top Championship Golf Courses in the North Highlands

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Attracting golfers from all over the world, the championship course at Royal Dornoch is among the finest anywhere. Steeped in history, this iconic links boasts flawless greens, penal rough, and deep, reverted bunkers that snake through the fairways. The views of the Dornoch Firth and surrounding countryside are simply unforgettable.

In December 2025, Royal Dornoch unveiled a stunning new clubhouse designed to match the prestige of its Championship Course. Inside, you’ll find spacious interiors, luxurious locker rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, and a state-of-the-art Trackman studio. You’ll find everything you’d expect from a club with a world-class reputation, made even more special by its breathtaking panoramic views over the course and shimmering waters of the Dornoch Firth beyond.

Discover Dornoch: Cathedral Tours, Boutique Shopping, and Highland History

Entwined in history, at Royal Dornoch, the game is inseparable from the ancient Highlands town it belongs to. The Royal Burgh of Dornoch is a charming town brimming with history and culture. Explore the majestic Dornoch Cathedral, over 800 years old, and immerse yourself in the local heritage at the Dornoch Historylinks museum. For a touch of retail therapy, browse the unique shops and boutiques lining the streets, such as The Jail and Tartan Creations.

Brora Golf Club

Just twenty minutes north of the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club lies Brora Golf Club, a hidden gem with a rich history. Founded in 1891, Brora began as a 9-hole course before the renowned architect James Braid redesigned it in the early 1920s. Today, it is regarded as one of Braid’s masterpieces. This true links course offers a stunning setting with sweeping views of Brora Beach and the surrounding Highland hills. Known for its well-maintained greens and fairways, Brora provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities.

One of Brora’s quirks is that it is shared property as crofting land, with sheep and cattle grazing on the ancient links. Each green is protected by an electric fence, a feature that might seem unusual but is considered part of the course’s charm by many visitors.

Brora Beyond the Fairways: Whisky, Wildlife, and Highland Heritage

Brora is a vibrant village known for its rich history and traditional craftsmanship. Explore the Clynelish Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected producers of single malt whisky. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails in the surrounding countryside. Peek into Brora’s past with a visit to Clyne Heritage Centre

Hidden Gem Golf Courses in Scotland’s North Highlands You Must Play

Wick Golf Club

Golf has been played at Wick since 1870, and this challenging links course will delight you with stunning views over Sinclair Bay to Noss Head and its historic castles. It’s the most northerly course on the east coast of Scotland. Open to all, there will be a warm welcome for visitors at the 19th hole too. It would be churlish to leave without sampling a dram from the local distillery, Old Pulteney.

Explore East Caithness: Maritime Heritage, Distillery Tours, and Coastal Adventures

Wick, one of the largest towns in Caithness, boasts a rich history and maritime heritage. Explore the Wick Heritage Centre and learn about the town’s fascinating past. Take a boat trip to along the Caithness Coastline with Caithness Seacoast, and find a haven for seabirds and home to the largest colony of gannets in Britain. For a taste of the local culture, visit the Pulteney Distillery, one of the most northerly mainland distilleries in Scotland, and enjoy a tour and tasting.

Thurso Golf Club

By contrast to Wick’s links location, the golf course at Thurso is in parkland and it boasts the accolade of being the most northerly 18-hole course on the British mainland. Its elevated position above the town means it enjoys fantastic views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles, but it does mean golfers have to battle with the wind on more exposed holes. What a challenge! The course has a mix of tree and whin-lined fairways, the yellow of the gorse making a fantastic golden display in spring and summer. The club and clubhouse (and members, of course!) are renowned for their friendly welcome.

Discover North Caithness: Viking Heritage, Surfing, and Coastal Walks

Thurso is a vibrant town with a rich history stretching back to Norse and Pictish times. Learn about the area’s Viking heritage at the North Coast Visitor Centre, or challenge yourself to surf upon the waves with North Coast Watersports. Along with excellent local food and drink, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails in the surrounding countryside, leading you past dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

Durness Golf Club

Voted in 2020 and 2021 as among the world’s top 9-hole courses, the nine-holes at Durness are spectacular, and not to be missed. With the 9th tee positioned on a cliff-top high above crashing waves, and second set of tee-positions to enable you to play the course as an 18-holer, this friendly, accessible club warrants a special trip to this most north-westerly corner of Sutherland. There’s an honesty box for when the clubhouse is closed.

Discover Durness: Smoo Cave, Coastal Hikes, and Wildlife Adventures

Durness is a breathtaking location on the north-west coast of Sutherland, known for its dramatic scenery and unspoiled beauty. Explore the spectacular Smoo Cave, a cathedral-like complex of sea caves, waterfalls, and underground passages. Embark on a scenic hike along the Durness coastline, with its towering cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches. Spot an abundance of wildlife, including puffins, dolphins, and seals.

Golspie Golf Club

Nestled on the shores of the Dornoch Firth, Golspie Golf Club offers a classic links experience mixed with some woodland elements, with stunning views. The course is known for its challenging layout, with wind playing a significant role. Explore the heather-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the clubhouse after your round.

Golspie Highlights: Dunrobin Castle, Coastal Walks, and Local Culture

Golspie is a lovely coastal village with a rich history. Explore the imposing Dunrobin Castle, or take a walk along the picturesque beaches. For a taste of local culture, visit one of the village inns to enjoy the food and drink and perhaps even some live music.

Short and Scenic 9-Hole Golf Courses in the North Highlands

Bonar Bridge and Ardgay Golf Club

This 9-hole wonder in the heart of the Highlands has been voted the most picturesque in Scotland and was described by Peter Aliss as ‘a mini Gleneagles’.

A blend of heath and moorland, with narrow tree-lined fairways require straight driving, while the small, hard-to-read greens will confuse even the most gifted of players.

Open since 1904, it is a thriving part of the community, and – in common with most courses around the north, welcomes visitors on an ‘honesty box’ basis if there is no steward in the clubhouse when you play. An unforgettable nine holes that you’ll want to return to, repeatedly.

More Than Just Golf

Bonar Bridge is a gateway to the heart of the Far North Highlands. Explore the dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains and lochs. Take a canoe trip on the Kyle of Sutherland, a beautiful sea loch with abundant wildlife. For a taste of Highland culture, visit Balblair Distillery, with a focus on quality not quantity, and enjoy a tour and tasting. Hike or bike through the scenic forests and glens, spotting deer, grouse, and other wild animals.

Lybster Golf Club

Lybster Golf Club is one of the shortest 9-hole courses in Scotland (if not the shortest) measuring just 3,858 yards, with a par of 62 and an SSS of 61. Its compact layout makes it popular among golfers of all ages and abilities. After all, which golfer wouldn’t want to have ticked this one off?

The longest hole is only 318 yards, while the shortest—though by no means the easiest—is just 90 yards. This heathland and heather course may be short, but it still offers plenty of challenge.

Established at its current location in 1926, when the Wick-to-Lybster railway was in full operation, the original ticket office has been incorporated into the clubhouse.

Today, Lybster is regarded as one of the best short courses in the Highlands and a ideal pit stop on the North Coast 500 (NC500), as the course can be completed in around two hours! But, that’s not a pre-requisite, and since the green fee allows a full day of play, you may choose to linger and enjoy the magnificent coastal views beneath Caithness’s dramatic open skies.

Explore Lybster: Historic Harbor, Coastal Views, and Highland Heritage

Lybster is a historic village with a picturesque harbour, once the site of a massive herring industry but now a quiet spot to enjoy the sea. The film ‘The Silver Darlings’ based upon the novel by the same name by Neil Gunn was filmed here. Explore the history of the area at Waterlines Museum and enjoy a hot drink and slice of cake at the museum cafe.

Helmsdale Golf Club

Tee off on the banks of the Helmsdale River at Helmsdale Golf Club. This course may be small but it offers lovely views of the surrounding hills as it winds its way through blooming gorse. The course is known for its challenge in accuracy rather than distance, with a steady hand required. Enjoy the post-game hospitality in the village.

Discover East Sutherland: Salmon Fishing, History, and Scenic Highland Trails

Helmsdale is a picturesque town known for its salmon fishing. Explore the fascinating Timespan cultural centre which explores the unique history of this area, or take a wander around the historic harbour and enjoy some fresh seafood.

Family-Friendly and Affordable Golf Options in the North Highlands

The Struie

The Royal Dornoch’s sister course, The Struie, will entertain the whole family for a more modest green fee, offering a more relaxed and affordable golfing experience. This links course is ideal for families and golfers of all abilities, plus ranked among the top 50 links courses in Scotland. Afterwards, enjoy the scenic setting and the friendly atmosphere at the clubhouse.

Reay Golf Club

Reay Golf Club lies on the edge of Sandside Bay and – if you can handle more stunning views – looks out over the ever-changing Pentland Firth and North Atlantic from every one of its 18 holes. This pristine links course is rightly proud of its natural environment and policy of conservation. Run by the community and for the community, Reay welcomes visitors to discover this ‘hidden gem’ of golf. Designed by course architect James Baird, it is often considered to be his finest achievement.

Reay and Beyond: Sandside Bay, Viking Sites, and Nature Reserves

Reay is a tiny village steeped in history, with the remains of a stone circle and several Viking houses and burials as well as an historic church. Enjoy a walk along the stunning sweeping bay of Sandside Beach which is a site of Special Scientific Interest owing to its unique habitat. Nearby there is the large town of Thurso and also Mey Castle and Gardens, the former holiday home of the Queen Mother. Venture inland to explore the RSPB nature reserve at Forsinard Pools, a haven for birdwatchers with a wide variety of birdlife.

Plan Your North Highlands Golf Adventure along the NC500

With stunning links courses and dramatic coastal views, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is the ultimate scenic route for combining world-class golf with breathtaking Highland landscapes.
Spring and summer (May–September) offer the best golfing conditions, with long daylight hours and mild weather, while autumn brings quieter courses and stunning colours—though expect a little wind and rain. To make the most of your trip, book tee times well in advance for popular courses like Royal Dornoch and Brora, while smaller clubs often operate on an honesty box system when the clubhouse is closed.

For accommodation, choose golf-friendly hotels or cosy B&Bs, guest houses, and well-equipped self-catering options. Indulge in local food and drink experiences such as fresh seafood, farm-to-fork dining, seasonal local produce, and authentic Highland distilleries.

The North Highlands is a region of discovery. Beyond golf, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore, castle tours, whisky distillery visits, coastal hikes, nature trails, and vast open spaces that will lift your spirits and expand your horizons.

Great to know before you go!