During my recent 13-day trip to Scotland, I spent half of my time working on Wellington-based R2 Innovative Technologies’ scoring team at the LPGA’s ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open — held at the Dundonald Links in western Scotland — and the other half of my trip playing some of Scotland’s most spectacular and historic seaside links golf courses.
My first two rounds were played at the Western Gailes Golf Club and the Prestwick Golf Club. Both layouts are perched adjacent to the Firth of Clyde, along the west coast of Scotland. If you can imagine an ideal links golf destination, Western Gailes will fit your description. It’s simply brilliant. My favorite tee shot was to the par-three 7th hole, which is called Sea.
As for Prestwick, it’s a true memory maker, as its historical significance in golf is second-to-none, since it was the site of the first Open Championship on Oct. 17, 1860. Back then, Prestwick only had 12 holes, and now there are 18. When you play Prestwick, you will play one of golf’s most significant and treasured destinations. The last Open Championship at Prestwick was held in 1925. Good luck on your blind tee shot on the par-three 5th hole (Himalayas) and your blind approach shot on the par-four 17th hole (Alps).
From there, I drove north to Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands. My first destination was the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, which has been in existence since 1877. This club has been on my bucket list for nearly 40 years, and I finally made it! The Royal Dornoch sits on the northeast coast of Scotland, along the Dornoch Firth. I played the two courses at Royal Dornoch — the Championship Course and the Struie Course. The Championship Course is truly one of golf’s all-time treasures and best designs. When you play the course’s back nine, relish the seaside views on your left. You should always play the Championship Course twice. Your first round will be an experience. During your second round, you’ll know how to play it. The Struie Course, which will deliver a fun and relaxing links golf experience, is considered one of Scotland’s top 50 links courses.
In 2007, Golf Digest ranked the Championship Course at the Royal Dornoch as No. 3 on its Top 100 International (outside the U.S.) golf courses. Golf writer David Brice has referred to Royal Dornoch as “the king of Scottish links courses.”
If you want a referral on Royal Dornoch, ask five-time British Open Champion Tom Watson, who is an honorary member at Royal Dornoch. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course,” Watson said.
During my three-day, three-round experience at Royal Dornoch, I stayed at the fabulous Dornoch Station Hotel, which caters to visiting golfers. The well-decorated Bar Ross, with its snooker table, is a popular destination at night. The quality of the fare served at the Golden Gorse restaurant and its overall ambiance add to the allure and appeal of the Dornoch Station Hotel. The practice putting green out front is another appealing amenity.
Upon leaving Dornoch, I drove south to Nairn, which is another small seaside community based along the Moray Firth. While in Nairn for three days and two nights, I stayed at the four-star Golf View Hotel & Spa, which is an ideal destination for visiting golfers. Every room has a view of the Moray Firth. The Coast Spa, which includes a heated indoor pool, is truly first-class. The hotel’s overall service is what you deserve. The quality of the food served at the Hickory Restaurant is superb. The hotel does have two resident dogs, Fudge and Finn. You are allowed and encouraged to take them for a walk along the beach.
The two top draws around Nairn are the Nairn Golf Club and the Castle Stuart Golf Links. Nairn is a former host of the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and the 2021 Men’s British Amateur Championship. Many avid golfers say playing golf at Nairn is as exciting as playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. When you play Nairn, make a pit shop for a snack, drink or a bathroom break at the halfway house known as the Bothy, which is adjacent to the 9th green. Bothy is a Scottish word that means shelter.
More than 100 years ago, former five-time British Open champion James Braid recognized Nairn’s positive qualities, which continue to this day. “The texture of the turf and character of the greens are unrivalled,” said Braid, who was the first player to break 70 at Nairn when he shot 69 in 1901.
In my opinion, Castle Stuart is a “Mona Lisa,” as it’s one of the most perfect golf course layouts in the world. It’s also a four-time host of the Scottish Open. The many views of the Moray Firth from the tees, fairways and greens at Castle Stuart are spectacular. The wind is the biggest form of defense at Nairn and Castle Stuart.
Western Gailes, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn — plus the Dornoch Station Hotel and the Golf View Hotel & Spa — await your arrival and my return.
