Dornoch, Nairn and Inverness, Scottish Highlands · Bucket-list links

Planning a Golf Trip to Scottish Highlands (Dornoch): Group Guide

A run of links courses north and east of Inverness: Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Brora, and Cabot Highlands' Castle Stuart and the new Old Petty. Inverness Airport sits at the center of the trip.

Best forGroups who want top-tier Scottish links without the St Andrews crowds.
Group size4–12 · 12–24 golfers
Budget$$$$ Luxury
Best monthsMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Trip styleBucket list ·

The courses to play

  • Royal Dornoch, Championship Course: Visitors are welcome seven days a week subject to availability; tee times are requested by email to [email protected].
  • Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands): Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen links on the Moray Firth, opened in 2009; Cabot sets no minimum handicap and offers five sets of tees.
  • Old Petty (Cabot Highlands): New Tom Doak links that opened May 15, 2026, where the 1st and 18th holes cross each other.
  • Nairn Golf Club: Founded in 1887 and host of the 1999 Walker Cup; visitors book by email or through the club's online system, and the two-course Nairn Ticket allows afternoon play only at Nairn.
  • Brora Golf Club: James Braid redesigned the 18-hole links after visiting in 1924, and the greens are ringed by electric fences to keep grazing sheep and cattle off.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
InvernessINVabout 5 min to Cabot Highlands, about 70 min to Dornoch
AberdeenABZabout 2 hr 30 min to Cabot Highlands

Check live flights to INV on Google Flights →

When to go

Cabot Highlands' 2027 season runs March 26 to November 13. Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn sell three-round Highland Golf Links packages for April, October and November.

Group tip

Base in Dornoch for Royal Dornoch and Brora, then move to Nairn or the Inverness area for Castle Stuart, Old Petty and Nairn. Hire a driver: Dornoch is a little over an hour north of Inverness Airport, and Cabot can help arrange ground transport from Inverness Airport if you ask when booking. Book caddies in advance at both Cabot Highlands and Nairn.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

Fun facts about Scottish Highlands (Dornoch)

  • The earliest written evidence of golf at Dornoch dates to 1616, when Sir Robert Gordon claimed expenses for golf clubs and balls for his nephew, the 13th Earl of Sutherland. source
  • Donald Ross was born in Dornoch in 1872 and was the club's first professional from 1893 to 1898 before emigrating to the United States in 1899. source
  • Tom Watson visited Dornoch in 1981, played three rounds instead of one, and called it the most fun he had ever had on a golf course. source
  • Nairn is one of only ten venues to have hosted the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, The Amateur and the Women's Amateur. source
  • Castle Stuart inspired Cabot co-founder Ben Cowan-Dewar when he created Cabot Links in Nova Scotia. source

Facts last checked November 7, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a Scottish Highlands (Dornoch) golf trip?

Cabot Highlands' 2027 season runs March 26 to November 13. Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn sell three-round Highland Golf Links packages for April, October and November. Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

What airport do you fly into for Scottish Highlands (Dornoch)?

Inverness (INV), about 5 min to Cabot Highlands, about 70 min to Dornoch; Aberdeen (ABZ), about 2 hr 30 min to Cabot Highlands.

What are the best courses at Scottish Highlands (Dornoch)?

Royal Dornoch, Championship Course, Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands), Old Petty (Cabot Highlands), Nairn Golf Club, Brora Golf Club.

Is Scottish Highlands (Dornoch) good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Groups who want top-tier Scottish links without the St Andrews crowds.. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24 golfers.

How far ahead should we book Scottish Highlands (Dornoch)?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

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