Golf Information’ Greg Evans uncovers the magic of a Highland getaway the place world-class golf meets timeless Scottish hospitality on the famend Hyperlinks Home beside Royal Dornoch.
A journey to the Scottish Highlands is at all times one thing to savour, the huge skies, the windswept shoreline, and the quiet majesty of the panorama make it probably the most stirring locations on the earth.
However when that journey features a keep at a lodge as distinctive as Hyperlinks Home, proper beside the hallowed fairways of Royal Dornoch Golf Membership, it turns into one thing actually unforgettable.
Our journey started with an early morning flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to Inverness on a crisp October morning.
After amassing our rental automotive, we headed north via the rolling Highland surroundings, certain for Golspie, an enthralling coastal village halfway between Dornoch and Brora, the setting for our first spherical of golf.
Golspie Golf Membership – A True Highland Gem
Arriving at Golspie round noon, we had been greeted warmly within the Professional Store earlier than stepping out onto a course that completely captures the character of Highland golf. Golspie’s format, a beguiling mix of hyperlinks, heathland, and parkland, gives selection and challenges in equal measure.
The fairways roll gently in direction of the ocean, framed by distant hills, whereas the greens – fast, true, and immaculate, demand a deft contact.
Although comparatively quick by trendy requirements (we performed off the yellow tees), the course assessments each membership within the bag, and rewards accuracy over energy.
What makes Golspie so distinctive is that it has six hyperlinks six parkland and 6 heathland holes. The back-to-back par 3’s on the finish of the spherical had been very memorable.
After golf, we drove south for 25 minutes to our house for the subsequent two nights: Hyperlinks Home Lodge, a chic and opulent retreat that sits only a few paces from Royal Dornoch’s first tee.
Hyperlinks Home – Class, Consolation, and Highland Heat
From the second you step inside Hyperlinks Home, you sense that that is someplace particular.
The service is heat but understated, the interiors superbly designed with a mix of basic Scottish heritage and modern consolation.
We had been proven to our respective suites, every individually styled, spacious, and exquisitely furnished, full with plush bedding, tasteful art work, and views that seize the serene great thing about Dornoch.
Two bottles of Previous-Long-established cocktails had been ready for me and a beautiful welcoming letter from the Managing Director.
That night, we ventured to the bar and sat by the fireplace earlier than we dined at Mara, the lodge’s fine-dining restaurant.
The menu is a celebration of Highland produce, venison, oysters, market beef and fish together with seasonal greens, all introduced with precision and aptitude.
Each course mirrored native elements, complemented by a wonderful wine checklist and impeccable service. Let’s simply say I slept very effectively in essentially the most comfy of beds.
Mixing in with the locals at Brora
On day 2 we headed north once more to play on the breathtaking ‘James Braid’ basic Brora Golf Membership. After one other heat welcome we set off within the Autumn sunshine to play this absolute gem.
Holes 1-9 go north with holes 10-18 returning to the clubhouse. Inward holes have extra elevation adjustments. All of the par 3’s are wonderful.
Each inexperienced is surrounded by electrical fencing to guard the very true greens from the native wildlife, seeing the highland cows was an expertise I’ve by no means seen earlier than.
Speaking of the greens, these are robust to hit and the inexperienced complexes are tough, fortunately I performed a few of my greatest golf and managed to attain effectively.
Earlier than I left I needed to make at buy of a prime from the professional store to jogged my memory of my go to.
We fell in love with Brora and would extremely suggest a go to.
After returning to Dornoch we ventured that night into the city and visited the Citadel Lodge bar and restaurant for drinks and dinner. The village exudes a timeless appeal.
Royal Dornoch – {Golfing} Heaven
The next morning dawned clear and brilliant, good circumstances for our long-anticipated spherical at Royal Dornoch.
That day the membership had been taking the keys to their new clubhouse, which seems to be unbelievable.
Few programs on the earth can match its setting: fairways that ripple via golden dunes, greens that perch atop pure plateaus, and views that stretch throughout the Dornoch Firth.
From the opening tee shot to the ultimate putt, Royal Dornoch is pure {golfing} pleasure, difficult however truthful, strategic but enjoyable.
It’s straightforward to know why Tom Watson as soon as referred to as it “essentially the most enjoyable I’ve ever had on a golf course.”
Each gap gives one thing memorable, from the raised greens and rolling approaches to the ever-present sea breeze that retains you concentrated.
Bunkers are deep and difficult and undulating fairways make this tough however rewarding
It’s “should play” for any golfers. And golfers of any talent ranges will get pleasure from this lovely course.
I like to recommend pitching up a couple of minutes early in your tee time and have a chat with the starter who gives you numerous nice recommendation on the course and most well-liked tee containers.
A Good Highland Escape
After our spherical, we walked again the 100 yards to Hyperlinks Home and reluctantly packed up and checked out of this excellent lodge.
Our journey again to Inverness was stuffed with that acquainted mixture of contentment, wistfulness and the sensation that you simply’ve found someplace actually particular and already need to return.
As we had a late night flight again from Inverness to Heathrow, we stopped off at Cabot Highlands for lunch within the clubhouse overlooking the Citadel Stuart Course and mentioned the brand new Previous Petty Course which opens in Could 2026. The membership closes from 01st November till twenty seventh March for Winter.
Whether or not you’re drawn by the attract of Royal Dornoch’s legendary fairways, the great thing about the Highland shoreline, or the promise of remarkable hospitality, Hyperlinks Home Lodge delivers on each degree.
It’s greater than a luxurious lodge, it’s a haven of calm, consolation, and sophistication in probably the most enchanting corners of Scotland.
Stayed:
Hyperlinks Home Lodge at Royal Dornoch
Golf Street
Dornoch
IV25 3LW
Tel: 01862 810279
Electronic mail: data@linkshousedornoch.com
Web site: www.linkshousedornoch.com
Performed:
Golspie Golf Membership
Brora Golf Membership
Royal Dornoch Golf Membership
Visited:
Cabot Highlands
