
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
A legendary Scottish links golf course, consistently ranked among the world's best, offering a pure and timeless golfing challenge.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air

Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Scottish links golf course, consistently ranked among the world's best, offering a pure and timeless golfing challenge.
"Royal Dornoch feels like sacred ground. Remote, pure, and breathtaking from start to finish."

Book Tee Times Early
Championship Course slots fill up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :calendar:
Embrace Links Golf
Be ready for wind and firm fairways. Staying out of gorse is key! :golfing_man:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Championship Course
Dornoch, Scotland
Ranked among the world's best, this iconic links course offers breathtaking views and a timeless golfing challenge.

The 9th Hole
Championship Course
A challenging hole with water hazards, often played from the beach, offering a unique and memorable golfing moment.

The 8th Hole
Championship Course
Experience this masterpiece of links golf with its stunning coastal backdrop and devilish green complex.

The New Clubhouse
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
A modern facility offering a glimpse into the club's history and a comfortable place to relax after your round.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time Well in Advance
Embrace the Links Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tee Times Early
Championship Course slots fill up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :calendar:
Embrace Links Golf
Be ready for wind and firm fairways. Staying out of gorse is key! :golfing_man:
Consider a Caddie
Caddies are pros and can enhance your experience on this historic course. :handshake:
Explore Dornoch Town
The town is beautiful and historic, with great inns and views. :town_hall:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tee Times Early
Championship Course slots fill up months in advance. Plan ahead to secure your spot! :calendar:
Embrace Links Golf
Be ready for wind and firm fairways. Staying out of gorse is key! :golfing_man:
Consider a Caddie
Caddies are pros and can enhance your experience on this historic course. :handshake:
Explore Dornoch Town
The town is beautiful and historic, with great inns and views. :town_hall:
New Clubhouse Amenities
The new clubhouse offers great views and amenities. Hope for friendlier staff! :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Royal Dornoch is widely praised as a 'sacred ground' for golfers, offering a pure, timeless links experience with breathtaking views. Players rave about the pristine condition of the course, the challenging yet rewarding play, and the unforgettable scenery. Some hope for more welcoming staff in the new clubhouse, but the pro shop staff are noted as friendly and helpful.
"We booked it for dog friendly , the hotel is old as it’s an old building. The restaurant looks over the golf course and ocean which is outstanding. The food is excellent. Dornoch is beautiful town. The only thing we would have preferred is a ground floor with a dog and flooring that can be cleaned. The carpet is very stained and is on floor 2 . It would be more hygienic for hard flooring not carpet"
Alyson Allen
"The golf experience and the town were absolutely amazing. Very small and quaint, just perfect if you’re looking to play golf in northern Scotland! We stayed at Dornoch Station, very nice!!"
Golf4life
"Royal Dornoch feels like sacred ground. Remote, pure, and breathtaking from start to finish. The turf is firm, the greens are true, and the views over the Dornoch Firth are unforgettable. It rewards good golf and punishes the lazy. A soulful, timeless links experience."
MAX KIM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Royal Dornoch is located in Dornoch, Scotland. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV), approximately an hour's drive away. You can rent a car at the airport or arrange for a taxi or private transfer. Many visitors combine a trip to Royal Dornoch with other Highland golf courses.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the golf club for visitors.
While possible, it's less convenient. You can take a train to Inverness and then a bus to Dornoch, but having a car offers much more flexibility for exploring the Highlands and reaching the course.
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Many golfers plan a multi-course itinerary, and a car makes it easy to move between destinations like Royal Dornoch and Brora Golf Club.
Yes, several golf travel companies offer packages that include accommodation, tee times, and transportation to and from Royal Dornoch and other Scottish courses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees for the Championship Course can be around $350 USD, but prices can vary by season and day. It's best to check their official website for the most current rates.
For the Championship Course, it's highly recommended to book as far in advance as possible, often 6-12 months ahead, especially during peak season.
Yes, the Struie Course is a more accessible option for many golfers and offers a fantastic links experience. It generally has more availability than the Championship Course.
Discounts are not commonly advertised, but booking in advance and considering off-peak times might offer slightly better value. Some golf travel packages may also include bundled rates.
Traditional golf attire is expected. Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes are standard. Denim and sportswear are generally not permitted.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
It's a legendary links golf experience, known for its firm turf, true greens, and unforgettable views over the Dornoch Firth. It rewards good shots and punishes mistakes.
Holes like the 9th, 8th, and the 2nd (dubbed the hardest shot in golf by Tom Watson) are iconic. The back nine is often cited as being particularly fun.
It's a challenging course, especially with the wind. Staying out of the gorse bushes is crucial for a good score. It's a true test of links golf.
Yes, you can rent clubs and pull carts. However, if you're on an extended trip, bringing your own clubs and buying a pull cart might be more economical.
The club offers practice facilities, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with dining options. The new clubhouse provides excellent views and amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The clubhouse offers dining with outstanding views over the golf course and ocean. The food is generally excellent.
Yes, the town of Dornoch has several charming inns and restaurants offering local Scottish cuisine.
Yes, the clubhouse typically serves breakfast and lunch, providing a convenient option before or after your round.
Absolutely, the clubhouse bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the views after your game.
While not explicitly stated, most restaurants in Scotland are accommodating. It's advisable to inform the staff of any dietary needs when ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
The views over the Dornoch Firth are spectacular from many points on the course, especially around the 8th and 9th holes. The coastline and the historic clubhouse also make for great shots.
Yes, taking photos is generally permitted, but be mindful of other players and the pace of play. Avoid delaying the game for extended photo sessions.
Drone usage is typically restricted at golf courses to avoid disturbing play and for privacy reasons. It's best to check with the club directly before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic Scottish skies can still provide stunning backdrops.
Yes, the new clubhouse is a modern architectural feature and a great subject for photos, both inside and out.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families traveling with golfers, consider booking the Struie Course, which might be more accommodating for a wider range of skill levels. Alternatively, non-golfers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dornoch Firth and explore the charming town while the golfers are on the course. The new clubhouse offers a comfortable space to relax.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on costs, look for accommodation in Dornoch town rather than exclusive golf resorts. Packing your own snacks and water can also help reduce daily expenses. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) might offer slightly lower rates for accommodation and potentially tee times.
🏆 Serious Golfers
Booking your tee time well in advance is non-negotiable. Consider hiring a caddie to gain local knowledge and enhance your understanding of the course's nuances. Playing the Struie Course is also highly recommended for a different, yet equally rewarding, links experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Royal Dornoch
The course is consistently ranked among the top golf destinations globally, attracting golfers from all corners of the earth. Its remote location in the Scottish Highlands adds to its allure, offering a serene and breathtaking setting overlooking the Dornoch Firth. The club has also recently unveiled a new clubhouse, blending modern amenities with its rich heritage.
Beyond the Championship Course, Royal Dornoch also offers the Struie Course, providing another excellent links test. The club has a deep connection to the game's history, hosting prestigious amateur championships like the Carnegie Shield, one of the most famous club championships worldwide.
Playing Links Golf: Tips from the Pros and Players
Reddit users often emphasize the importance of staying out of the gorse bushes, which can be penal. Mastering the low, running shot is often more effective than trying to hit high, lofted shots into the wind. Understanding how to play the ground game – using the contours of the fairway and green – is crucial for success.
Many golfers recommend embracing the challenge and enjoying the experience. Even if your score isn't your best, the sheer beauty and historical significance of playing a course like Royal Dornoch are unparalleled. Consider hiring a caddie; they possess invaluable local knowledge and can guide you through the intricacies of the course, making your round more enjoyable and potentially lowering your score.
The Charm of Dornoch Town
Beyond its proximity to the golf club, Dornoch boasts a stunning cathedral and a picturesque beach, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Sutherland region. The town's historic architecture and friendly locals contribute to its welcoming feel, providing a perfect retreat after a day on the links.
Many reviews highlight the excellent food available in Dornoch's restaurants and hotels, often featuring local Scottish produce. The combination of world-class golf and the charm of Dornoch town creates a truly memorable destination for any golf enthusiast.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit