DORNOCH, Scotland -- Royal Dornoch Golf Club was officially established in 1877, making it the third-oldest golf course in the world, but golf has been played at the site as far back as the 17th century.
Its location on the northeastern coast of Scotland can be a challenge to reach, even though it's only about 40 minutes from Inverness, but golfers from all over the world still come to play this classic Old Tom Morris layout.
The course's isolation makes it less of a contender for hosting major tournaments, but it makes the rugged landscape seem all the more wild and natural.
The well known 14th hole, a bunkerless par 4 that is the layout's unofficial signature, has even been deemed "the most natural hole in golf."
The course is a straightforward out-and-back layout that offers a round of true links golf, but where it gets really interesting is with the greens, which are built on natural raised plateaus that make approaches especially challenging. They are also flanked with small, deep pot bunkers.
Donald Ross, who was born in the town and served as the head green-keeper for several years, developed his trademark raised domed greens on this course.
In addition to the Championship Course, Royal Dornoch is also home to the next-door, shorter Struie Course.
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Records of golf being played in the town of Dornoch date back to 1616. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club's isolation makes the rugged landscape seem all the more wild and natural. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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The sunrise comes early to Dornoch in the summer, as early as 4 a.m. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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The clubhouse at Royal Dornoch Golf Club overlooks the first tee and the beach. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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The fifth and 11th holes at Royal Dornoch Golf Club play beside one another. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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The sixth hole at Royal Dornoch Golf Club has a small, well defended green. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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The Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a traditional out-and-back routing. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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In the spring, the gorse blooms a powerful yellow throughout Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club culminates with a long par 4. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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Playing alongside the wall of gorse, there are great views of the links from the fourth and fifth holes at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Courtesy of Royal Dornoch G.C.
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