Durness
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Royal Dornoch (Struie)
The second course at Royal Dornoch, named Struie after the local
estuary, is an interesting mix of different holes which have been forged
together over the years. The surfaces are pristine but holes definitely
shift in style and pace. The newest holes (1990s) – mid-round – are out
near the firth and show how beautifully the low duneland can be used
to create exciting holes. The holes here thrive on the natural contours
and while the routing is a tad unusual – thanks to an interesting
evolution – the quality is consistent and the greens glorious. The two
opening and closing holes occupy higher ground before the course
stretches out over that more level terrain where deceptive twists and
turns are almost invisible to the eye. The par threes are strong and the
last of these – the 18th – has broken many hearts.
Muir of Ord
A sweet heathland course outside Inverness, Muir of Ord boasts the
name of James Braid in its design column. The broom, the gorse, that
tight springy turf all combine to give this course its flowing, colourful
feel. The low-lying holes run either side of the railway line but they
still have considerable shape thanks to a naturally twisting landscape
that promises dips, humps and unreadable ripples. Greens are small
and smartly placed so your approach shots are never simple. Old
stone walls chaperone you as you head to higher ground and into the
woods. The holes here are especially good – the par three 12th is one
of the prettiest par threes you’ll find – before you find yourself playing
parallel to the railway line once again. Muir of Ord was awarded
Scottish Golf Club of the Year 2016. Come and see why.
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Reay
Along the Scottish mainland’s northern-most coast you will find
two very different and entertaining links. Reay, west of Thurso,
was founded in 1893 and redesigned by James Braid, in 1933. This
exposed links plays over a tilting landscape that flips back and forth
on the opening holes and more severely on the closing holes. The
back nine definitely boast a climb or two and some blind shots are
tossed in for good measure. Given its location so far north, this is
about the fun of links golf combined with some wonderful holes
and entertaining greens. This is nature’s links. It may only be a par
69 of 5,800 yards but it starts with a 235 yard par three and finishes
with one. Index 1 is another par three of 196 yards to a plateau green.
Anything short will perish. The sweeping par five 6th beside the sea
is named Braid’s Choice.
Durness
The other northern coast links is a nine hole beauty outside Durness.
This may be the remotest of Scotland’s mainland courses but it is
an exhilarating adventure to get here… and one that continues on
the course. The scenery is spell-binding and hitting shots at distant
mountain ranges, towering dunes or beautiful bays takes Durness
to a different level. But this links has so much more. The condition
is magnificent, there are 18 different tees and holes constantly keep
you guessing. The shapes of the land add hugely to that as you
head up and over a rollercoaster landscape that presents greens in
almost unbelievable locations. You finish with a tee shot over low
cliff tops and sea to a par three green that seems almost impossible
to hit. Reload? It would be rude not too. A perfect approach to fun,
welcoming golf.