Golf courses North of Inverness

Chanceman · October 15, 2018

Planning a trip to the North of Scotland in May 2019 and looking to play Royal Dornoch itself as well as a few of the lesser known courses.

A few I have heard about are Reay, Wick, Fortrose, Moray. I'm sure playing only two or three will leave plenty for next time but you have to start somewhere .

I like the idea of playing Reay which is the most northern course in the UK. And Fortrose is one of the oldest.

Suggestions?

Edaw68 · October 15, 2018

In to hear responses. In other threads/reviews/books for courses around Dornoch to try I've seen Brora mentioned several times, Tain occasionally, and Golspie. No personal experience.

davep043 · October 15, 2018

I've played at Tain, and really enjoyed it, but I hear Brora is really special. Any of them will be fun.

babyfade · October 16, 2018

I will also be there in May 2019 and I am going to play Dornoch, Brora, Golspie and Tain.

I already played F&R once and it will be pretty nice in May, when the gorse is in full bloom.

Moray is not north of Inverness but one of my favorite courses... especially in May. And the start/finish in the town is great.

Shrinkwr4p · October 16, 2018

Around Dornoch , I agree that Brora, Golspie and Tain are great and I love Fortrose and Rosemarkie. I haven't played Reay but if your planning to go there simply to say that you've played the most northerly course in the UK you need to know that Whalsay GC (http://www.whalsaygolfclub.co.uk/) is 150 miles further north as the crow flies.

tad950 · October 16, 2018

If you are staying in Inverness, there is a parkland course right in town. Not North of Inverness, but Nairn has views of the water from just about every hole. Castle Stuart is also relatively close.

Hawkeye77 · October 16, 2018

Haven't played Reay or Wick, but Wick and Reay are a long ways up there and doubtful they are anywhere near the standard of the courses south. But, maybe just playing the northernmost is the attraction, and you could combine with an overnight and side trip to Orkney. But, it is a long way up there. When we were looking at our trip, they sounded fun, but we soon discovered what all is involved with driving. Our base was Dornoch when we were north. Moray was on our list (and the farthest away) and the drive would have been worth it I'm sure, but circumstances prevented us going (and in hindsight, the weather that day there would have been horrible, so unlucky, but lucky in a sense, but still very disappointed we couldn't play Moray Old).

All I can say is if you are in the Dornoch area for a few days, Brora, Brora, Brora. Dornoch is amazing and deserving of all its accolades, but in a different way, Brora, to us, was just as amazing an experience. We played both of those courses twice and absolutely loved them.

Then again, you are in Scotland and you'll probably enjoy any place!

Chanceman · October 17, 2018

Thanks for the ideas. We are planning a few nights in Inverness, a few in Dornoch and a couple in Thurso so we should be able to combine golf with sightseeing like a day trip to the Orkneys and some castles etc. Hoping to play Reay, Wick, Brora, Dornoch, and Old Moray/Lossiemouth. After that we go to the Aberdeen side so that is another question - Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, or even Fraserburgh?

Shrinkwr4p · October 18, 2018

Thanks for the ideas. We are planning a few nights in Inverness, a few in Dornoch and a couple in Thurso so we should be able to combine golf with sightseeing like a day trip to the Orkneys and some castles etc. Hoping to play Reay, Wick, Brora, Dornoch, and Old Moray/Lossiemouth. After that we go to the Aberdeen side so that is another question - Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, or even Fraserburgh?

The best of the three Aberdeenshire courses you mention is Royal Aberdeen and the poorest is Cruden Bay. Fraserburgh is terrific and if less isolated would enjoy much greater recognition. If you decide to play at Royal Aberdeen you could do a lot worse than to follow that with a round immediately next door at Murcar Links. Together they hosted the British Amateur this year. Murcar played the tougher of the 2 over the stroke play rounds.

clp34vmp · October 18, 2018

If you're anywhere near Inverness, I would not skip Castle Stuart. Granted, it doesn't have the history and the charm that comes with it, and which many of the courses you mention certainly do have, but I thought Castle Stuart was flat out one of the most fun courses I've ever played, and the scenery and views are just so spectacular.

imakaveli · October 19, 2018

If you're anywhere near Inverness, I would not skip Castle Stuart. Granted, it doesn't have the history and the charm that comes with it, and which many of the courses you mention certainly do have, but I thought Castle Stuart was flat out one of the most fun courses I've ever played, and the scenery and views are just so spectacular.

Probably prettiest putting green in the world.

Clambake · October 25, 2018

Brora is wonderful, and I found it to be a nice addition to the "history tour" as you add in James Braid to the list of notable designers. And if you want something a little different, Skibo offers 1 tee time a day at 9am weekdays to outside play. Odds are you literally will be the only ones on the entire course, and the pampering is pretty over the top.