Championship Course
at Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Highlands, Scotland
Championship Course overview
Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course is a truly great links course, and some say if it was not located so far north in Scotland that it would have hosted its fair share of Open Championships. The course offers a blend of stunning views across the Dornoch Firth, challenging and varied holes, gorse-lined fairways and its famous ‘upturned saucer’ greens which often prevents the more traditional ‘bump and run shots’ from being played.
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the par-70 measures 6754-yards from the back tees (other tee options are available) but runs nice and fast during summer due to the perfect links soil. Put the scorecard away here and just take in the magnificent surroundings and stunning layout; this is an experience to savour and an example of why golfers travel far and wide to play the game.
Signature hole
The par-4, 14th ‘Foxy’ is often regarded as the signature hole and possibly the most difficult on the course. There are no man-made hazards, instead, golfers face a series of hillocks heading up to a raised narrow green of subtle contours.
At 445-yards hitting the green in two shots is a fine accomplishment in itself. The hole captures what Royal Dornoch is all about and is something of a throwback to how golf courses were originally designed.
Did You Know?
Written records show that golf was played on the links land in the town of Dornoch as early as 1630, well before the first 18-hole golf course was formed in the 1800s.
Accommodation near Championship Course
The Royal Golf Hotel
On the doorstep of Royal Dornoch Golf Club overlooking the first tee and Dornoch Firth. This is a golfer’s paradise set amongst the breath-taking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Sandown House
Sandown House B&B, originally a former dairy farm that has been transformed into a luxury Five Star Gold guesthouse, sits just outside of Nairn in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Ardgowan Hotel
The Ardgowan in St Andrews is a 36-room family-run, 3-star hotel in the center of town. A popular spot for golfers, this hotel is just a short walk from the 1st tee of the famed Old Course.
Kingsmills Hotel
Situated one mile from downtown Inverness and positioned within 4 acres of beautifully manicured private grounds, sits the excellent Kingsmills Hotel – an upscale 4-star property.
