All being well, this summer will see Highland Scotland once again ready to welcome visitors, with its endless miles of breathtaking scenery just waiting to be explored.
If you ask us, that makes summer 2021 the perfect time to polish off those clubs and hit the greens in search of the best-golfing experiences the country has to offer.
There’s plenty of options to choose from too.
Scotland is a world leader in golf tourism, creating an industry worth over £4 billion thanks to the plethora of perfect courses, many of which are renowned the world over thanks to their spectacular views, the friendly greeting offered when you step into the clubhouse, and -most importantly of all-the quality of play.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the greens looking to lower your handicap on the ultimate golfing holiday in Scotland, or you’re simply looking forward to enjoying a few casual games on your summer getaway.
Ready to make your long-awaited return to the greens this summer? Tee-off in spectacular surroundings with our guide to the five very best golf courses in Highland Scotland.
Here’s our pick of the very best golf courses to be found anywhere in the Highlands –
1. Aberfeldy Golf Club (30 minutes from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Where: Taybridge Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2BH
Green fees: From £15 per day | Tee Times: From 9 AM | Website: www.aberfeldy-golfclub.co.uk
Located so close to our five-star hotel that you can almost hear the golf balls dropping into the ninth hole, Aberfeldy Golf Club finds itself in the real heart of the Highlands, surrounded at all sides by unspoiled views, which give a real taste of Scotland at its most spectacular.
The 18-hole course has taken pride in the area since the late 1800s and, much like Dunalastair Hotel Suites itself, combines a real sense of Highland tradition with a modern, contemporary approach.
The flat parkland course makes it a good option for newcomers, while the plentiful obstacles and water hazards mean that even serious players will find it suitably challenging.
2. Royal Dornoch (2 hours, 30 minutes from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Golf Road, Dornoch, IV25 3LW
Green fees: From £50 | Tee Times: From 9 AM | Website: https://royaldornoch.com
Rarely, you’ll ever come across a significant golfing publication that doesn’t rank Donorch as right up there among the world’s most elite courses.
Held in high esteem by polished professionals and serious amateurs alike, the course is undoubtedly one of the oldest in the country, with records showing that players first teed off upon its hallowed greens as far back as 1630.
Centuries later, Donorch’s longevity only adds to its sense of prestige while its 18 holes offer a fascinating game.
Though courses like the Royal Dornoch and Royal Aberdeen may be further away from our five-star hotel in Perthshire, they’re well worth the drive to experience some of the best golf Scotland has to offer.
3. Strathtay Golf Club (45 minutes from Dunalastair Hotel)
Donfield, Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PJ
Green Fees: £190 annual membership | Tee Times: N/A | Website: www.strathtaygolfclub.com
Another top course is ideally situated close to our hotel. The historic Strathtay Golf Club can be reached via a leisurely 45-minute drive along gorgeous country roads, making it a great place to stop for a quick nine holes as part of your perfectly peaceful Scottish break.
While you’re there, you can enjoy working your way through this par 63 course in tranquil surroundings. Unlike other popular courses, Strathtay is generally very quiet and still, meaning it’s ideal if golf for you is more about relaxing and taking in the surroundings than scoring the perfect game.
The peaceful nature also makes Strathtay a great spot to teach beginners, and, of course, the best part is that you’ll rarely need to book a tee time except during the busiest periods.
If you’re new to golf, both Strathtay Golf Club with its quiet course and Pitlochry Golf Club with its beginner-friendly Pitch and Putt both make excellent options.
4. Balgownie Links, Royal Aberdeen (2 hours, 45 minutes from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Links Rd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8AT
Green Fees: From £195 | Tee Times: From 10 AM | Website: http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com
One of Scotland’s most modern courses, Balgownie Links, played a prominent role in the 2014 European Tour’s Scottish Open and has proved to be an incredibly fulfilling traditional links course ever since.
Its location on the edge of Scotland’s third-largest city makes it an excellent choice for a day trip as part of a week-long holiday in the Highlands, and also ensures you get some spectacular views of the North Sea.
Of course, what’s most important is the quality of play, which is second to none at the Royal Aberdeen. Though challenging, the front nine are often regarded as some of the world’s finest and inspire legions of golf enthusiasts to return time and time.
5. Pitlochry Golf Club (45 minutes from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Golf Course Road, Pitlochry PH16 5QY
Green Fees: From £55 | Tee Times: From 9 AM | Website: www.pitlochrygolf.co.uk
Prefer to stay local while staying with us?
Less than an hour’s scenic drive away, you’ll find the fabulous Pitlochry Golf Club, where the relaxed atmosphere ensures it’s very welcoming to new guests.
The golf itself offers the ideal combination of exhilarating play and peaceful relaxation as you
work your way around the 18 hole par 69 course, no doubt trying hard not to be distracted from the task at hand by the exceptional views.
New to golf or looking for something a little less taxing than an 18 hole game? Pitlochry Golf also has its driving range and Pitch and Putt Course.
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop off at the fantastic clubhouse where the delicious food and drink is the talk of the town.
Book your luxury golfing break in Scotland at Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Book online today for our best available rates or call us on +44 (0)1882 580444.