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Royal Dornoch: A Perfect Finale to My Scottish Golf Journey

Royal Dornoch was the final stop on my epic solo trip through Scotland, and it couldn’t have been a more fitting conclusion. As quintessential a Scottish links course as you could hope for, Royal Dornoch perfectly exemplifies why it’s regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world.

This is yet another masterpiece from Old Tom Morris, and after playing several of his designs on this trip, my admiration for the legendary architect has only grown. Like many traditional links, Royal Dornoch follows an out-and-back layout, offering a wide variety of holes that never feel repetitive. The green complexes are particularly challenging, with deep bunkers and elevated, sloping greens that demand precision and creativity around the greens.

Dornoch is also the hometown of Donald Ross, the famed architect known for his sloped domed greens, especially at his iconic Pinehurst No. 2—a feature that’s clearly inspired by this course.

The journey to Royal Dornoch is well worth it, even if you’re driving from Glasgow. For those flying into Inverness, it's a must-play, and it fits seamlessly into a northern Scotland golf itinerary, especially with so many great courses in the Inverness and Aberdeen areas.

The course starts off deceptively gentle, with the opening holes playing downwind and giving you a sense of comfort. However, the closing stretch—played directly into the wind—was among the toughest I’ve encountered, with longer holes that require every bit of focus. Of course, playing eight courses in five days might have also contributed to my fatigue during the closing holes, but that only added to the challenge.

Royal Dornoch has it all: stunning elevation changes, captivating terrain, rich history, breathtaking views, and that unmistakable Scottish links charm. It’s truly a must-play for any serious golfer, and it firmly belongs on any bucket list of the world's best courses.

Special mention: Huge thanks to the restaurant staff who, knowing I had a long drive ahead with few dining options, prepared and set aside a honey jalapeño pepperoni pizza for me, even after the kitchen had closed. It was a fantastic end to the day, and I highly recommend trying it if you visit!

Note: Royal Dornoch offers a full driving range, so there’s plenty of opportunity to warm up before taking on this legendary course.