This winter site visit season teed off with a trip to the North of Scotland.

Our first stop was the formidable and historic Nairn Golf club, Nairn was recently announced the venue for the 2021 Amateur Championship and has also undergone some incredible course changes over the last 12-16 months with more to follow.

The new rustic bunkering, contouring around greens and lengthening of the course is sure to make it an even tougher test for all levels of golfer yet still holding all the romance of being one of the World’s Oldest Links courses.

The clubhouse has a modern and homely feel to it and has CEO Colin Sinclair says, “We want you to feel like a member for the day”.

Nairn is steeped in history and their memorabilia room is something not to be missed by any golfer.

Another feather in the cap is their wonderful and fun par 3 course adjacent to the clubhouse that is open to all golfers to use as a warm up “if they don’t fancy just hitting balls at the range” this is sure to hone your links skills before the true test begins on that first tee.

NAIRN SEA VIEW HOTEL

Situated around 750 yards away from Nairn golf club is a beautiful 4* hotel in a stunning location overlooking the Moray firth, after its £2.5 million refit last winter the hotel is a great combination of modern and traditional rooms. It also has a lovely spa overlooking the sea with pool and outdoor hot tub.

CASTLE STUART GOLF LINKS

The Modern approach to Links golf Castle Stuart needs no introduction, with its stunning and unique clubhouse that from the front side resembles the deck of a grand cruise liner.

Castle Stuart boasts one of Scotland’s newest and best links courses with breath taking views of the Moray firth, large rolling fairways and greens that will test even the best golfers’ short games. That maybe explain why the four winners of the Scottish Open here are renowned for their short game expertise, none more than Phil Mickleson who won here in 2013 and then went on to win The Open a week later at Muirfield.

For any golfers who make their way to highlands for golf Castle Stuart is a MUST! It truly is one the most beautiful courses in the country but looking past the views and beauty from the 1st tee to the 18th green it is without doubt one of the Scotland’s finest Links courses.

KINGSMILLS HOTEL

Situated in the highland capital Inverness, Kingsmills hotels have a superb portfolio of 3 different hotel types to meet your needs.

The traditional and main part of the hotel has a homely Scottish feel to it and is steeped in history dating back over 200 years, it is also famous for being visited by Scottish legend and Poet Rabbie Burns.

The more contemporary part of the hotel called the Kings club, is situated around 50 yards from the main hotel. This overlooks Inverness golf course and has a very modern and open feel to it.

NESS WALK

Situated on the banks of the river Ness, Ness Walk Invernesses New and only 5*hotel is the new and modern addition to Kingsmills. it has one of the finest restaurants in the highlands. The 46 rooms and 2 suites are all very modern and has such a great Highland and Scottish influence on them. As its located in the city centre you are only a stone throw away from many bars and restaurants too.

BRORA GOLF CLUB

Designed by James Braid and opening in 1891 Brora is one of the most picturesque golf courses in all the UK. Situated 60 miles north of inverness Brora showed us its true Scottish links with the rugged Sutherland landscape of snow tops mountains, heathery slopes and the stunning golden sandy beaches 

It has such a welcoming feel to it. If you are in the highlands this is one course not to miss.

The Golf course may not be the longest you play with it’s narrow fairways and small greens, but you will remember two unique features. Small electric fences around the greens, to keep the local livestock of cows and sheep from treading on their delicious but delicate greens and secondly the four par threes that point in four different directions and are by no means a pushover.

ROYAL DORNOCH GOLF CLUB

When we turned up to Royal Dornoch we had the feeling right away we were somewhere special. From learning of its fascinating history followed by the incredible first tee amphitheatre before even striking a ball.

Dornoch has a wonderful history but in simple terms, it is just one of the greatest 18 holes of Links golf anywhere in the world.

It boasts four of the best par threes anywhere. The second hole is described as the shortest par four in golf - mainly due to how tough a par 3 it is!
The course meanders around the bay with views of the North Sea from every tee and green. All the greens are raised which makes accuracy in approach difficult.

With a new clubhouse being built in 2020 and set to be ready by 2022 royal Dornoch will have some of the best facilities anywhere. A bucket list course for sure.

LINKS HOUSE

Located 100 yards from the First tee at Royal Dornoch, Links House has a Prime location in the Highlands.

5* accommodation and dining make it one of the finest properties to stay in all of Scotland.

Links House prides itself on its charm, grace and elegance. It boasts one of the best larders the country and in our opinion, wasn’t wrong.

Links House also has 2 other properties on site and would be ideal for group sizes around 8-12 golfers. Both properties are on the north and south side of Links House and offer the same 5* service.

FORTROSE & ROSEMARKIE GOLF CLUB

Over looking the Moray Firth on a huge sand bank, Fortrose and Rosemarkie is as true a links course you will find anywhere.

The 15th oldest golf club in the world, which was later re-designed by Open Champion James Braid, the course is pure sand based.

Measuring a little over 6000 yards you could be forgiven for thinking this is more of a pitch n putt course, but be assured - this is pure Links golf where the wind blows, the course is fast and firm, and accuracy is paramount.

With stunning views beyond Chanonry lighthouse of Fort George across the Moray Firth and it has become a hot spot for dolphin spotters at peak times of the year.

Fortrose has so much more than just golf, it has a story to tell, this is a course you must play.

THE HIGHLANDS EXPERIENCE

The Highlands Experience is one to seriously consider when planning your next trip. It has several of the best courses in the country. Add to that some traditional Highland hospitality and it’s a match made in heaven.

For more info on this trip, these courses and the hotels, browse our experience section or make an enquiry.