HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO PLAY GOLF IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Golf is the official sport of Scotland, and every year the country welcomes both pro and amateur golfers from far and wide. Seasoned players who have spent time in Perthshire, Fife, or East Lothian already know that Scotland’s spectacular scenery is one of the most unique aspects of the sport here. But when it comes to playing on golf courses in the Highlands, the landscapes truly transcend expectations, delivering a rugged beauty that you won’t find anywhere else.

At LTR, we specialise in combining luxury golfing with the full Highland experience. For those who want challenging courses, combined with some of the most dramatic and unspoiled surroundings in the country, golfing in the Highlands is ideal. With towering peaks, tranquil lochs, and the ever-present drama of the sea, it’s easy to see why more and more golfers are heading north.

If you’re planning a Highland vacation this year, you’ll want to keep reading to find out the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club is perhaps the most revered of all golf courses in the Highlands of Scotland. For many, it is the very definition of a true links course. Its breathtaking coastal location, complete with sweeping ocean views, offers an unforgettable experience for golf lovers who crave both sport and scenery. First mentioned in records as early as 1630, this historic course offers a rich and authentic experience that few can match.

The course has evolved over the centuries, thanks to the involvement of legendary designers like Old Tom Morris, J.H. Taylor, and George Duncan. Additionally, world-renowned golf architect Donald Ross, who grew up in Dornoch, once worked here as a greenkeeper before embarking on his illustrious career in the United States.

While Royal Dornoch may not be a “perfect” course in the modern sense, its character and setting make it one of the best golf courses in the Highlands. The challenge, history, and vistas come together to create an unforgettable round.

Featured Property: Located just over an hour away by car is the stunning Aldourie Castle (which can sleep up to 28 people). This is one of Scotland’s finest castles and is ideal for a luxury golfing trip, special occasions, corporate getaways and more. It has its own private marina on the shore of Loch Ness, and non-golfers can enjoy an array of outdoor activities.

The Championship Course at Nairn is a lesser-known gem that continues to surprise and delight visitors. Previously ranked 11th in Golf World Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in Scotland,” it’s a course that blends natural beauty with excellent playability.

The views of Moray Firth are nothing short of spectacular – you can see the sea from every hole. The breeze rolling in from the coast offers a constant challenge, keeping each round fresh and engaging. Nairn has hosted prestigious events like the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, further solidifying its place among the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

Nearby is the Nairn Museum as well as the glorious Nairn Beach, which is ideal for walking or beachcombing. It’s also located close to our featured property at Aldourie Castle (around 50 minutes by car), making this course a favourite for anyone staying in the Inverness or the Loch Ness area. The course is also conveniently located and pairs perfectly with Royal Dornoch or Castle Stuart to create a truly memorable golf itinerary.

Castle Stuart Golf Links is one of the newer entries on the Highland golfing scene, but has quickly become a fan favourite. Opened in 2009 and designed by Gil Hanse, this course sits proudly on the Moray Firth and has already hosted the Scottish Open multiple times.

Though newer than its historic neighbours, Castle Stuart is considered a “modern classic” and often ranks among the best places to play golf in Scotland. It offers wide fairways that are forgiving, yet strategically designed to test your skill and decision-making.

The club offers in-season Play & Stay packages with access to the Clubhouse, practice range, short game area, and putting green. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, Castle Stuart promises a rewarding experience in a picture-perfect setting.

Nicknamed “The Gleneagles of the North,” Boat of Garten is a must for any Highland golf itinerary. Nestled within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this course offers something truly special. With panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountains and a location less than 10 minutes from Aviemore, the setting is just as memorable as the play.

Designed by James Braid – a five-time Open Champion – Boat of Garten is a beautifully crafted inland course that challenges golfers with tight fairways and clever bunkering. It’s considered excellent value for money, and the scenery is among the most majestic of any golf course in the Highlands of Scotland.

For those who prefer forested trails to windswept dunes, Boat of Garten offers the ideal inland Highland golfing experience.

Located near Aviemore and designed by David Thomas, Spey Valley is a standout among moorland courses in Scotland. It forms a prestigious triangle with Royal Dornoch and Nairn and is a proud member of the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

Despite being inland, this course offers the kind of quality and challenge often associated with the links courses. It’s beautifully set in the Cairngorms National Park and features narrow fairways, stunning river views, and the looming presence of the Grampian and Monadhliath Mountains.

The Aviemore area is also a hotspot for visitors, with plenty of non-golfing attractions like the Cairngorm Brewery, the Highland Wildlife Park, and ancient stone circles.

As the oldest established course in the Highlands (founded in 1870), Wick Golf Club brings a timeless charm to your Highland golfing adventure. Located near the northern tip of mainland Scotland, it’s a wonderful destination for those looking to explore the outer reaches of the region.

This traditional links course offers a nine-out, nine-back layout along sandy dunes and picturesque fairways. The remote beauty of Wick makes it one of the most peaceful golf courses in the Highlands, and its simplicity is part of its charm.

If you time your visit right, you might even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. It’s also a fantastic area for bird watching, especially during migration seasons.

Just 30 minutes from Royal Dornoch, Brora Golf Club is another James Braid classic. Dating back to 1891, this exceptional links course is well known for its out-and-back design and wild natural setting.

The course is also home to grazing sheep and cattle, which are part of the charm, not a hindrance. Brora’s traditional layout, coastal location, and light traffic make it one of the best golf courses in the Highlands for those seeking a quieter, more authentic experience.

This hidden gem is well worth the extra drive and offers plenty of reward for the adventurous golfer.

One of the most breathtakingly scenic golf courses in the Highlands of Scotland, the Isle of Skye Golf Club is located in Sconser, right on the shores of the island’s eastern coastline. As the only course on the Isle of Skye, it provides a unique opportunity to play amidst dramatic island landscapes, with the Cuillin Hills forming an incredible backdrop.

This 9-hole course is both welcoming and quietly challenging. Rolling terrain, stunning sea views, and frequent encounters with local wildlife create a unique golfing experience that rivals any mainland course. It’s ideal for travellers looking to combine a round of golf with some of Scotland’s most photographed natural wonders. 

If you’re mapping out a full Highlands golf itinerary, be sure to include this unforgettable stop. The Isle of Skye Golf Club offers a fresh, tranquil perspective and secures its place among the best places to play golf in Scotland.

Located on the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Newtonmore Golf Club offers a scenic inland golfing experience. Nestled along the River Spey and surrounded by both the Grampian and Monadhliath mountain ranges, this flat, easy-walking course is deceptive in its challenge.

With just one par five, the course demands strategy and precision, especially on the tighter par fours and complex par threes. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and the peaceful natural setting makes Newtonmore one of the more serene golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

The village of Aviemore is nearby, offering access to a host of activities and accommodations.

Situated along the western coastline near Arisaig, Traigh Golf Course is one of the most visually striking golf courses in the Highlands. With its elevated fairways, classic links layout, and spectacular sea views, it’s a great choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

The course may only feature nine holes, but its rolling terrain and coastal winds offer plenty of challenge. What really sets it apart is its postcard-perfect views of the Hebrides and nearby beaches. It’s a truly relaxing place to play, and its unique charm earns it a solid spot on any list of the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking legendary links or a first-timer hoping to experience the magic of the Highlands, there are countless incredible golf courses in the Highlands of Scotland waiting to be explored. 

From historic gems like Royal Dornoch to remote treasures like the Isle of Skye Golf Club, this region offers some of the best places to play golf in Scotland, all surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. And what better way to end each night of your golfing adventure than by renting a castle in Scotland and living like royalty? 

To find out more about luxury golfing vacations and where you can stay in Scotland, contact our team and let us create a bespoke Highlands getaway for you and your golfing group/family. You can also call us on +44 (0)1835 824 642 to discuss the availability of our featured properties.