The North
Golfing tourists are less likely to make it northwards. But they really should. This month will see The Scottish Open played at Castle Stuart, just outside Inverness. It has been a monumental move for a prestige tour event to make it north of the Highland Line. But it is hardly surprising. Developed by Mark Parsinen along with Gil Hanse, it is seen as ‘the sequel’ to Kingsbarns and for many it is the best course in Scotland.
Once you’ve made it to Inverness you’ve almost made it to Royal Dornoch, perhaps the game’s most romantic, most northerly, outpost. Countless aficionados rate Royal Dornoch amongst the most important experiences in a golfer’s life.
But don’t travel all that way for just two courses: consider Moray, Hopeman, Nairn, Nairn Dunbar, Tain, Golspie and Brora. The Carnegie Links just outside Dornoch might be added to the plans of those with contacts: like Loch Lomond it is by invite only.
And on the way to these far flung parts, or perhaps on the way back, the golfer should go via Aberdeen. Here one can play the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. It is one of the most thrilling courses in the land and this year it hosts The Walker Cup, the esteemed biannual amateur event between the USA and Britain & Ireland. Next year visitors to Aberdeen should also be able to play Donald Trump’s first golf course in the UK set amongst the colossal dunes at nearby Balmedie.
