Not all links courses in Scotland are hopelessly penal, and some of them can be downright friendly if the winds happen to lie down. An excellent case in point is Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness. It is a great place to ease into links golf while at the same time following in the spike marks of the world's greatest golfers.
Golf Channel's Mike Ritz continues his look at a six-day Scotland golf trip of a lifetime with a visit to Castle Stuart, which hosted the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open from 2011-13.
Golf developer Mike Keiser's sights are set on the Scottish Highlands. Ground may break on Coul Links, a Coore & Crenshaw design, by the spring of 2018.
Although most of Scotland is fairly mountainous, the Highlands region contains the highest peaks and the most spectacular scenery. It's the most rugged, natural and sparsely populated area of Scotland and contains some extraordinarily beautiful courses, Clive Agran writes. Must-plays include Boat of Garten Golf Club, Moray, Nairn G.C., Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Brora.
Golfing roots in the Highlands of Scotland are just about as deep as anywhere. Towns, no matter how small, seem to have a local place to play, especially those along the sea. The allure of the Highlands is much different than the more urban golf pockets of Scotland like East Lothian or St. Andrews. Pleasant, rural drives between storybook villages, a national forest, scenic beaches and a most relaxing vibe lure groups to the Highlands. Brandon Tucker has more.
Golfers the world over know St. Andrews is where the game began, but golfing in Scotland does not end with St. Andrews. Clive Agran continues his series of "Scotland Beyond St. Andrews" with a look at some of the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands, including Castle Stuart Golf Links and Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
Bringing the Barclays Scottish Open back to a links course seemed like a no-brainer. Moving the event to the remote Highlands on a brand new golf course was the gamble. But those who make the trek to Inverness and set foot on the new Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness will soon realize this is a place that's hard to say no to, Brandon Tucker writes.
For Americans looking to explore Scotland's unrivaled links golf, the Championship Course at Nairn Golf Club is your play. It boasts a history that stretches back to 1887, and it is a quintessential example of linksland golf. Visitors can revel in the history and aura of the course, tracing the footfalls of Old Tom Morris as they go, savoring the occasional magical shot.
With wonderful views of the glorious Cairngorm mountains, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club naturally splits into three equal sections. The first six holes are open parkland in character and provide a gentle introduction. The course tightens considerably over the second six which pass through fairly hilly woodland. Coming off the 12th green, you emerge onto undulating parkland for a particularly pleasing closing stretch which, though comparatively benign, still contains considerable danger.
Luxurious vacationing certainly isn't new to the Highlands of Scotland. But golf has never been as good as it is now in. In addition to Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and others, the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle was entirely rebuilt as a links course by Donald Steel in 1998, making it a must-play for anyone visiting the area.
For those taking a tour of Scotland's great courses, Castle Stuart Golf Links, just north of Inverness, would be an excellent introduction to links golf. The fairways are wider than most links, the rough is not quite as penal, and the undulations in the fairways and greens are not overwrought, as on some modern links. Yet the routing takes advantage of the vistas out over Moray Firth, and the prevailing wind can turn a leisurely round into a real battle.
Viewers who tuned in to watch Phil Mickelson win the 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links ended up gawking in awe at the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Moray Firth.
Nairn Golf Club is a quintessential example of links golf. For first-time visitors, some of the tee shots at Nairn look utterly merciless. Add in a strong westerly wind off the Moray Firth, and hitting a fairway feels almost as great as holing a birdie putt.
Nairn Golf Club has the look and feel of a polished country club in the Scottish Highlands. Everything about Nairn, founded in 1887, delivers a first-class day, especially the 6,774-yard links tied to Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Ben Sayers. The greens here run as fast as any in Scotland.
Tain Golf Club, dating to 1890, is Old Tom Morris' overlooked jewel. Located near the famous Glenmorangie whisky distillery just a short drive from Royal Dornoch, Tain is truly one of the most under appreciated and truly special links courses in the Scottish Highlands.
Like many of the great Scottish links, Royal Dornoch Golf Club has a second course. The Struie Course opened in the early 20th century, and after languishing during WWII, has been restored back to its rumpled, linksy glory. Pound for pound, the Struie Course is one of the most enjoyable links experiences in Scotland.
Golfers come to Scotland from the around the world to see the majestic Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Only the wise leave with an appreciation for the Struie Course as well. Golfers who can't have fun playing the Struie don't belong in my foursome!
Royal Dornoch Golf Club was officially established in 1877, making it the third-oldest golf course in the world. Its location on the northeastern coast of Scotland can be a challenge to reach, but golfers from all over the world still come to play this classic Old Tom Morris layout.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, founded in 1877, is one of Scotland's most historic and beloved links. This small beachside town in the Scottish Highlands has become a coveted destination for golfers all over the world. Old Tom Morris had a large hand in the creation of Royal Dornoch.