Golf
The Kyle of Sutherland is not only blessed enough to be within a short drive of some of Scotland’s most ancient and best-loved golf courses, but it also boasts its very own nine-hole loch-side course, voted the most picturesque in Scotland.
Bonar Bridge Ardgay Golf Club
Described by Peter Allis as a “mini Gleneagles”, the Bonar Bridge Ardgay golf course was originally opened in 1901 by Mrs Andrew Carnegie of Skibo Castle. The current layout is a 9-hole Par 65 at 5162 yards with narrow, tree-lined fairways that require straight driving and small, hard to read greens which test players of every ability. Set within heathland, bordered by woodland, dotted with clumps of purple heather and running alongside Loch Migdale, this is a true gem in Scottish golf.
There is trolley and buggy hire available, as well as practice nets and putting green.
Alness Golf Club
One of the Highlands' best kept golfing secrets, Alness golf course was established in 1904 and since 1997 has offered players 18 holes to test their skills. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned players alike, the 5,013 yard course is set within the rolling parkland overlooking the Cromarty Firth.
Brora Golf Club
Designed by James Braid, of Gleneagles and Carnoustie fame, Brora is another classic Scottish Links course within 40 minutes drive of Bonar Bridge. At 6110 yards the course offers a mixture of bent grass and beach sand, burn water and gorse in glorious yellow May bloom. There is even a railway which comes into play from the tenth tee.
Castle Stuart Golf Links
Currently home to the Scottish Open Championship, the links at Castle Stuart are fast becoming as recognised in Scottish Golf as those at Turnberry and Gleneagles. At par 72 and over 7000 yards, this newly developed course just outside Inverness is a true test of any golfer's skills. With its distinctive Art Deco-designed clubhouse and magnificent setting on the shores of the Moray Firth, this is a must-play course for anyone in the area.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
The famous links of Royal Dornoch have played host to the game of golf for over 400 years. Today, the club boasts two 18-hole courses, The Championship Course and The Struie. Both are open to the public throughout the week, although there are pre-booked times on the Championship course for members only.
Durness Golf Club
The most North Westerly golf course on the Scottish mainland, Durness offers players an 18-hole experience on a 9-hole course, with very different tees for the back 9. Positioned overlooking the beautifully picturesque Balnakeil Bay, the course offers the ultimate experience of natural surroundings and true test of golf.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club
Located on the Chanonry Peninsula in the ‘Black Isle’ this Scottish links golf course enjoys breathtaking views over the Moray Firth, close to the City of Inverness. Established in 1888 the course was re-designed by the five times Open Champion James Braid in 1932.
Golspie Golf Club
Golspie Golf Club offers one of the finest settings for a round of golf in the Highlands of Scotland with stunning views over the Dornoch Firth and the towering backdrop of Ben Bhraggie this is truly a Highland Gem. The Par 70 course offers a unique blend of seaside links, heath and parkland to suit golfers of all abilities and is situated a mear 30 minutes drive from the Kyle.
Invergordon Golf Club
On the shores of the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon golf course, this 18 hole parkland course is situated in the grounds of the, now demolished, Castle Gordon. With close links to the Navy, following Invergordon's status as a Naval base during both World Wars, the golf course was extended in 1996 and now offers some testing par 4s and a dog-leg par 5.
Nairn Golf Club
Nestling on the shores of the Moray Firth this Traditional Scottish Golf Links Course was created from a Highland wilderness of gorse and heather, and tests the talents of professional and amateur alike. Founded in 1887, it is now one of the best courses in Scotland, and is ranked 9th on the list of Top 100 Scottish golf courses.
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
Established in 1899, Nairn Dunbar golf club prides itself on having been founded for working men and women to enjoy the Royal and Ancient game. Enjoying panoramic views over the Moray Firth, the course is a stern test for any golfer, with its gorse-lined, tight fairways.
Tain Golf Club
Venue for the 2012 Scottish Ladies' Amateur Championship from the 14th - 19th May and designed by Old Tom Morris, the links at Tain can boast one of the top 18 designed links holes in Scotland, as well as spectacular scenery and views over the Dornoch Firth.
For further information on all the courses in our area, please visit
