North Scotland
THERE is one outstanding reason alone for visiting the North of Scotland – Royal Dornoch.
The pride of the north was formed in 1877 and has been a royal club for
more than a century. Old Tom Morris used the unique links-land features
to create this magical golfing experience – one that prompted Tom
Watson to say “it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.
The
championship course has been tweaked and enhanced by greats such as
John Sutherland and Donald Ross. George Duncan added new holes after
the war, ensuring the course remained a challenge in the face of
ever-improving equipment. Situated just 45 miles from Inverness, this
6,514-yard course is a true haven of peace, tranquillity and, of
course, world-class golf.
It remains one of Britain’s very
finest links and should be everyone’s starting point for a trip here.
There are very many other fine courses to work into your itinerary too,
though. For example, for nearly a century, Pitlochry has provided its
members and visitors with one of Scotland’s most scenically appealing
courses.
Included in the area around the growing settlement of
Pitlochry lie the Grampian Mountains to the north, including
Ben-Y-Vrackie, which stands over the town, and also the River Tummel
that flows through Loch Faskally and meanders in a south-eastwardly
direction towards the communities of Ballinluig and Dunkeld.
Labelled
the Switzerland of Scotland, it offers a test of invigorating golf in
the shadow of the Grampians. Located between Dundee and Aberdeen, also
with the Grampian Mountains rising up above, is Brechin.
There can very few courses on the east coast of Scotland with better
views. No matter what time of year you visit this wonderfully scenic
parkland course you will always find it in top condition.
The
greens are renowned for being smooth and true and are arguably some of
the best in the area. There is a great variety to the course with some
challenging par threes, some dogleg par fives and a good mix of both
long and short par fours of varying levels of difficulty.
And
even in the winter it is possible to get round 36 holes should you wish
before a well-earned drink in the recently refurbished clubhouse. A few
miles up the coast lies Stonehaven, an ideal place to start a golfing
trip to the under-rated Aberdeen area. Always in super condition, it
also boasts fantastic views out to the North Sea.
Take a moment to consider the merits of Fortrose and Rosemarkie too, one of the most picturesque courses in the Home of Golf.
Finally, Nairn Dunbar features in our ‘favourite inland courses’ feature and if you’re planning a trip there, the Claymore House Hotel is the perfect base.
Walker
Cup venue Nairn is also a few minutes drive away while Royal Dornoch,
Fortrose and Rosemarkie as well as Moray Old and New are all easily
within reach. All rooms are en-suite, the dining room and bar have been
refurbished ready for the new year ahead and a new head chef – named as
the Young Highland Chef of the Year in 2006 – has joined. Real ale and
whisky fans are well catered for here too.
Factfile
Dunain Park Hotel 01463230512
Edzell Golf Club 01356 647283
Brechin 01356 625270
Royal Dornoch 01862 810 219
Claymore Hotel 01667 453 731
F'trose and R'markie 01381 620 733
Machrie Hotel 01496 302 310
Pitlochry 01796 472 792
Stonehaven 01569 762 124
