Royal Dornoch Championship Course

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 colour in early summer when the gorse is in flower. The pure white sandy beach divides the links from the waters of the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling.

Ostensibly, the course itself is pretty straightforward: it’s an out-and-back layout. Many of the greens, though, are built on a natural raised plateau, making approach play especially challenging. It’s these raised domed greens that became the trademark of Dornoch’s most famous son, Donald Ross.

Born in 1872, Ross became the club’s greenkeeper and professional. He later emigrated to the States and became one of the greatest golf course architects of all time. Many of his designs, most notably Pinehurst No.2, bear the hallmark of Royal Dornoch’s greens.

The Struie Course

The Struie Course shares with the Championship Course the incredible natural landscape that defines golf in Dornoch and the tranquility of this unspoilt northerly location. The Struie may always be the Championship Course’s little sister, but changes are being rolled out to further enhance a challenge which is ranked among the top 50 in Great Britain and Ireland. In 2025 American architects King Collins Dormer were appointed to head-up an ambitious project which also includes proposals for a third course, along with a wide range of first-class practice facilities.

The Struie is a relatively flat course played over linksland that offers considerable roll when you keep your ball in the fairway. The rough can be fairly forgiving of errant shots but several holes are lined with deep gorse. The bunkers are appropriately, even strategically, placed and the greens all putt fast and true. The five greens of new holes constructed at the turn of the century are exceptionally large, moderately undulating and an adventure to putt.

Facilities

Visiting golfers are welcome seven days a week, with the first tee time at 7am. Pre-booking is advised, even essential for the much in demand Championship Course. Corporate Society packages for golf and catering can be tailored to specific requirements.

In addition to the Championship and Struie Courses we have a large putting green adjacent to the first tee, practice chipping/pitching & bunker area, large practice ground and three Academy holes.

Catering hours, in the spacious bar and restaurant enjoying spectacular views over the links, are April-October Bacon rolls etc. from 10am or earlier by prior arrangement. Bistro style meals specialising in local produce are served all day until 7pm Sunday to Thursday and until 9pm on Friday & Saturday.

Additionally, meals may be provided earlier or later with pre-booking. The Club’s Head Chef will be pleased to take orders for special meals/parties Tel 01862 810219 ext 4.

Group bookings and private dinner enquiries are welcome.