Royal Dornoch Golf Club – Championship Course

Founded:
1877
Architect:
Old Tom Morris and George Duncan
PAR:
70
Type:
Links

Overview

Golf in Dornoch has been played “since time immemorial” and written evidence has survived from 1616. But no matter how long golfers have taken to the links, we can be sure they have all marvelled at the wonderful, natural landscape and the challenge it presents.

Founded in 1877, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is home to one of the world’s most revered links courses, located in the Scottish Highlands overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Consistently ranked among the top courses globally, the Championship Course is famed for its natural beauty, raised plateau greens, and timeless routing that flows seamlessly through unspoiled dunes and gorse.

Often described as “golf as it was meant to be played,” Royal Dornoch offers a pure links experience shaped by nature rather than heavy earthmoving. The course delivers both strategic challenge and breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views stretching across the firth to the mountains beyond.

Host to prestigious amateur championships and visited by golfers from around the world, Royal Dornoch remains proudly traditional while continuing to evolve its facilities, including a new clubhouse which opened it's doors in December 2025, ensuring an exceptional experience on and off the course.

No items found.
chevron_right
chevron_right
just_the_facts_transparent
Signature Hole
14th - Foxy
Golf Digest World Ranking
2
Driving Range
No

Fun Fact:

Royal Dornoch was the childhood home club of legendary golf architect Donald Ross, who went on to design more than 400 golf courses in North America (including Pinehurst No. 2). Ross served as Royal Dornoch’s first professional and greenkeeper before emigrating to the United States and his early experiences here helped shape his design philosophy.

Host To:

The Curtis Cup - Confirmed host venue for 2028. And among many other, the British Amateur Championship (1985). Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship (1993, 2000, 2012 & 2023). R&A Senior Amateur Championship (2022).

its_not_all_about_the_golf

What can a non-golfer do nearby?

1

Visit Dornoch Beach - A stunning, award-winning sandy beach which runs alongside the famous Championship Course.

2

Visit Dunrobin Castle - Explore one of Scotland’s most iconic castles.

Closest Whisky Distillery

Clostest Vineyard

Driving Distances

To

Minutes

Inverness

Glenmorangie

St Andrews

60

10

240

man_with_beer_pie 1

Best Food or Drink at Halfway House or Clubhouse

Royal Dornoch Homemade Sausage Rolls - A firm favourite, freshly baked and perfect with a coffee before or after your round. Freshly Prepared Filled Rolls - Made daily with quality local ingredients. “1616” RDGC Lager & RDGC Malt Miniature - Our own branded lager or a celebratory dram of RDGC Malt whisky - ideal for toasting a great day on the links.

Best Pubs Nearby

1

Royal Dornoch Clubhouse
Tip: Enjoy what we believe is the best view in Dornoch, with panoramic vistas overlooking the Championship Course and the Dornoch Firth.

‍

2

Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar
Tip: Visit the award-winning whisky bar in the heart of town, set within the historic Dornoch Castle - ask the team to recommend a Highland dram.

‍

3

The Eagle Hotel
Tip: A go to for post-round Highland hospitality, serving hearty Scottish pub fare, local ales, and over 50 malt whiskies - the perfect way to finish a day on the links.

‍

Best Grub Nearby

1

Royal Dornoch Clubhouse
Tip: Book a window table in the famous new clubhouse overlooking the 1st tee and Dornoch Firth.

‍

2

Luigi’s Restaurant
Tip: A local favourite serving relaxed daytime favourites and seasonal evening dishes with a focus on local seafood - complemented by a well-curated wine list

‍

3

Links House at Royal Dornoch
Tip: The hotel’s 2AA Rosette restaurant, MARA, is open to both residents and non-residents seven days a week, serving breakfast, Sunday Lunch and dinner. Menus showcase the best of local Seafood and Highland Fayre.

‍