Golf News’ Greg Evans uncovers the magic of a Highland getaway where world-class golf meets timeless Scottish hospitality at the renowned Links House beside Royal Dornoch.
A journey to the Scottish Highlands is always something to savour, the vast skies, the windswept coastline, and the quiet majesty of the landscape make it one of the most stirring destinations in the world.
But when that journey includes a stay at a hotel as exceptional as Links House, right beside the hallowed fairways of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, it becomes something truly unforgettable.
Our adventure began with an early morning flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to Inverness on a crisp October morning.
After collecting our rental car, we headed north through the rolling Highland scenery, bound for Golspie, a charming coastal village midway between Dornoch and Brora, the setting for our first round of golf.
Golspie Golf Club – A True Highland Gem
Arriving at Golspie around midday, we were greeted warmly in the Pro Shop before stepping out onto a course that perfectly captures the character of Highland golf. Golspie’s layout, a beguiling blend of links, heathland, and parkland, offers variety and challenges in equal measure.
The fairways roll gently towards the sea, framed by distant hills, while the greens – quick, true, and immaculate, demand a deft touch.
Though relatively short by modern standards (we played off the yellow tees), the course tests every club in the bag, and rewards accuracy over power.
What makes Golspie so unique is that it has six links six parkland and six heathland holes. The back-to-back par 3’s at the end of the round were very memorable.
After golf, we drove south for 25 minutes to our home for the next two nights: Links House Hotel, an elegant and luxurious retreat that sits just a few paces from Royal Dornoch’s first tee.
Links House – Elegance, Comfort, and Highland Warmth
From the moment you step inside Links House, you sense that this is somewhere special.
The service is warm yet understated, the interiors beautifully designed with a blend of classic Scottish heritage and contemporary comfort.
We were shown to our respective suites, each individually styled, spacious, and exquisitely furnished, complete with plush bedding, tasteful artwork, and views that capture the serene beauty of Dornoch.
Two bottles of Old-Fashioned cocktails were waiting for me and a lovely welcoming letter from the Managing Director.
That evening, we ventured to the bar and sat by the fire before we dined at Mara, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.
The menu is a celebration of Highland produce, venison, oysters, market beef and fish along with seasonal vegetables, all presented with precision and flair.
Every course reflected local ingredients, complemented by an excellent wine list and impeccable service. Let’s just say I slept very well in the most comfortable of beds.
Mixing in with the locals at Brora
On day 2 we headed north again to play at the breathtaking ‘James Braid’ classic Brora Golf Club. After another warm welcome we set off in the Autumn sunshine to play this absolute gem.
Holes 1-9 go north with holes 10-18 returning to the clubhouse. Inward holes have more elevation changes. All the par 3’s are excellent.
Every green is surrounded by electric fencing to protect the very true greens from the local wildlife, seeing the highland cows was an experience I’ve never seen before.
Talking of the greens, these are tough to hit and the green complexes are tricky, luckily I played some of my best golf and managed to score well.
Before I left I had to make at purchase of and top from the pro shop to reminded me of my visit.
We fell in love with Brora and would highly recommend a visit.
After returning to Dornoch we ventured that evening into the town and visited the Castle Hotel bar and restaurant for drinks and dinner. The village exudes a timeless charm.
Royal Dornoch – Golfing Heaven
The following morning dawned clear and bright, perfect conditions for our long-anticipated round at Royal Dornoch.
That day the club were taking the keys to their new clubhouse, which looks incredible.
Few courses in the world can match its setting: fairways that ripple through golden dunes, greens that perch atop natural plateaus, and views that stretch across the Dornoch Firth.
From the opening tee shot to the final putt, Royal Dornoch is pure golfing joy, challenging but fair, strategic yet fun.
It’s easy to understand why Tom Watson once called it “the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.”
Every hole offers something memorable, from the raised greens and rolling approaches to the ever-present sea breeze that keeps you concentrated.
Bunkers are deep and challenging and undulating fairways make this difficult but rewarding
It’s “must play” for any golfers. And golfers of any skill levels will enjoy this beautiful course.
I recommend pitching up a few minutes early for your tee time and have a chat with the starter who will give you lots of great advice on the course and preferred tee boxes.
A Perfect Highland Escape
After our round, we walked back the 100 yards to Links House and reluctantly packed up and checked out of this wonderful hotel.
Our journey back to Inverness was filled with that familiar mix of contentment, wistfulness and the feeling that you’ve discovered somewhere truly special and already want to return.
As we had a late evening flight back from Inverness to Heathrow, we stopped off at Cabot Highlands for lunch in the clubhouse overlooking the Castle Stuart Course and discussed the new Old Petty Course which opens in May 2026. The club closes from 01st November until 27th March for Winter.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Royal Dornoch’s legendary fairways, the beauty of the Highland coastline, or the promise of exceptional hospitality, Links House Hotel delivers on every level.
It’s more than a luxury hotel, it’s a haven of calm, comfort, and class in one of the most enchanting corners of Scotland.
Stayed:
Links House Hotel at Royal Dornoch
Golf Road
Dornoch
IV25 3LW
Tel: 01862 810279
Email: info@linkshousedornoch.com
Website: www.linkshousedornoch.com
Played:
Golspie Golf Club
Brora Golf Club
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Visited:
Cabot Highlands