Royal Dornoch Championship Course

Golf has been played on the grounds of this ancient course for hundreds of years, and you can see why the instant you arrive. The land is classic Scottish links set along the Dornoch Firth, there’s a view of the water from virtually every hole. The championship course is originally attributed to Old Tom Morris which was updated by Donald Ross.

There were no bulldozers when this golf course was built, so the imagination was definitely working overtime in terms of how to make the land give up its secrets. Much like Michelangelo is thought to have said, “there is a sculpture in this block of marble it’s just my job to bring it out,” Tom Morris was a master of revealing a golf course where there was only sheep’s pasture.

Out along the ridge and back along the Dornoch Frith and curved bay, Dornoch has a classic ancient golf course layout. At 6700 yards long this golf course is not long, but that is a deceptive stat as it’s a very difficult course and will require expert shot making. This will be very apparent as you stand on the tee box of the number 2 (par 3) hole –as a seemingly straightforward 175 yard par 3 to a raised green — Only after you hit your shot to the green and it rolls off will you notice the green is domed and resembles a green version of Homer Simpson’s head.

BUDDIES GOLF TRIP RATINGS:

Bucket list rank (from 1to 5 buckets): 5 Buckets. Yes you read that right

• Spectacle/ visual: 8
• History: 9
• New/ancient: Ancient
• Playability : 7
• Memorability : 8
• Buddy-a-bility : 8–get your own rooms, hang in the bar with the locals
• Service/etc: 6 (that’s not really why you are here)
• Value: You did not fly to Scotland to play $39 rounds of golf. $175 is a good deal for the memories
• Shopping: The pro shop is classically austere as most of Scotland is. Be sure to get a souvenir or two with the Dornoch coat of arms as it will be a rare badge of honor back home