Golf in Dornoch has been played "since time immremorial" and written evidence has survived since 1616.  Since golfers have taken to these links, all who have experienced have marvelled at the wonderful, natural landscape including the high dunes and ridges that line the white sandy beaches along the Dornoch Firth. Royal Dornoch Golf Club formed as a Club in 1877 with the course laid out in 1886 by Old Tom Morris. Dornoch's own - Donald Ross was born in 1872 and took to the game at a young age serving as Dornoch's "keeper of the greens" and the Club's first Professional from 1893-1898 before emigrating to the USA in 1899.  Ross was heavily influenced by the topography of his home course with like features among his hundreds of designed couses - most iconic status.

Royal Dornoch is spellbinding and golfers from all over the world make the trip to the incredibly scenic Scottish Highlands to play the course that is annually recognized as a top-ten course in the world.  The dune land rises in two distinctive levels, providing narrow strips of land providing just enough room for parallel fairways.  Holes 1-8 follow the upper ridge "out" and holes 9-18 play in opposite direction "in" and are bounded, (except holes 17 and 18), on the left by the sand beaches of the Firth.  Royal Dornoch is not a long course compared to modern layouts (Par-70, Yards - 6,799), but the plateau greens originally created by Old Tom Morris, revered and maintained by Donald Ross, is the soul of the course.

Iconic and pristine greens, fairways rolling across the natural terrain, exceptional views, unparallelled Club service - golfers all agree Royal Dornoch is one of the finest links golf experiences in the world!

An experience best described as golf as it once was, Cabot Highlands harkens back to a simpler era of the game.

Hugging the shoreline of the Moray Firth, the rugged and natural landscape is comprised of vast expanses of gorse, broom, heather, and sea marram. Tightly framed vistas combine the immediacy of natural surrounds with far-stretching views, creating at once a sense of grounding and grandeur. Manicured playing surfaces and natural rugged vegetation come together in a design reminiscent of golf’s transitional period from 1890 to 1935.

From infinity edge greens to rumpled fairways, natural bunkers, and spectacular open views, Castle Stuart offers an experience that is truly “of the place” and yet of a different era. Picture wayward shots finding thin wispy fescue or pockets of bare sand where balls are easily found and recoveries manageable.

An experience best described as golf as it once was, Cabot Highlands harkens back to a simpler era of the game.

Hugging the shoreline of the Moray Firth, the rugged and natural landscape is comprised of vast expanses of gorse, broom, heather, and sea marram. Tightly framed vistas combine the immediacy of natural surrounds with far-stretching views, creating at once a sense of grounding and grandeur. Manicured playing surfaces and natural rugged vegetation come together in a design reminiscent of golf’s transitional period from 1890 to 1935.

Our second 18-hole course designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak, will officially open in 2026. Playing on a pristine piece of land surrounding the 400-year old Castle, Old Petty incorporates natural contours, meandering through hillsides and expansive open land with several holes along the water.

Par 72, yardage 6,721. One of the finest, best-respected championship links in Scotland, Nairn is capable of testing the most gifted of players. It has hosted a number of high-profile national tournaments including the Scottish Amateur Championships and the Walker Cup in 1999. Nairn boasts fast, hard-to-read greens and thick links gorse which conspire to provide you with one of the toughest challenges you're ever likely to face. Founded in 1887, the course has been extended and modified by Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Archie Simpson. Incidentally, the town of Nairn is a wonderful base for golfers with great hotels, bars and restaurants.

Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women.

Par 70, yardage 6,404. Tain is a well-respected links course with fast greens and aptly-positioned bunkers. It overlooks the Dornoch Firth while the River Tain winds its way through the course on three occasions. Whatever the weather, this course's challenge is not to be underestimated. 

Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1890, Tain guarantees a great round for all visitors and, because of its sheltered nature, winter greens are a rarity. The comfortable and traditional clubhouse is available for a warm beverage and for some post-round relaxation.  

The meandering Dornoch Burn, tighter fairways, and smaller greens ensure the Struie, often referred to as “The Low Course” by local, is well worth playing on any trip to the Highlands. 

Par 70, yardage 6,395. It's no surprise whatsoever that Cruden Bay makes such a big impression on almost everyone who plays it, the course being a classic Scottish links test in every way. It is by no means long, but don't be fooled into thinking it's a pushover. You'd be in for a nasty shock if you took this course lightly.

It's a place where you have to show some imagination; it's not just about blasting big drives and throwing approaches high up into the air here. Every hole provides its own test and it's one of those courses where it really is difficult not to completely enjoy your round of golf.

Cruden Bay is situated on the east coast of Scotland 23 miles north of Aberdeen and only two hours drive from St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”

It is claimed that golf was played in the village of Cruden Bay as early as 1791. The original course, on the present site, was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) following the expansion of the railways at the end of the 19th century, designed by Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, and opened in 1899.

Cruden Bay offers an internationally famous golfing experience – old fashioned links golf at its best – on one of the best links courses in Scotland. The scenic course creates unique challenges demanding the skills of power, placement and fine judgement upon the discerning golfer. Set against a backdrop of subtly contoured greens and magnificent panoramic views, our course truly justifies its position as Top 100 in the world by golf media.

Par 70, yardage 6,800. The Royal Aberdeen Balgownie Links is one of the oldest courses in the world and, as such, has attracted many top players over the years. Even some of them have found it to be a tough test and, for many, it is a perfect example of the exacting nature of links golf. The 18th is a par-4 measuring 434 yards and is reckoned to be one of the best finishing holes anywhere in Scotland. There's plenty of trouble awaiting a wayward tee shot and, even if you find the fairway, the approach is far from easy.

Originally founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is the sixth oldest golf club in the world.  Before or after a round, golfers can review an number of historical golf memorabilia in the clubhouse to add to your experience.
Maximum handicap: 24 men, 24 women.

The Fascination of the Old.

The majestic Trump International Links - Old lies within The Great Dunes of Scotland along one of the most spectacular coastal settings in golf.  A stunning championship links woven among The Great Dunes of Balmedie, Aberdeenshire follow a classic two out-and-back loops of nine holes.  All 18 holes thread their way through the dunes, rising to offer stunning views of the North Sea and coastline, then plunging into secluded valleys.  The sequence of dramatic topographies and landscapes provide close surround of native grasses, gorse, wildflowers and wildlife habitats, plus panoramic views of the Scottish countryside and sea. Each hole features 6 separate teeing grounds catering for all classes of golfer.

A golfer's paradise, the Trump International Links is home to the most expansive and advanced practice facilities in the country.  Spanning over 20 acres, the world-class practice grounds are designed to meet the needs of players at every level. The driving range features both north and south-facing tees; the short game area meticulously condioned for every aspect of wedge play, chipping and bunker technique.  The heart of the facility is the 3,500 square metre putting green - expertly maintained to mirror the speed and consistently of both links courses.

Now firmly established as a world-class golfing destination, Trump International - Old attracts golfers from around the world and is now ranked amongst the Top-50 courses in the world. We look forward to your stay...and fascination of the old!   

The Excitement of the New.

A bold masterpiece of links golf,  Trump International Links - New course winds among the The Great Dunes of Scotland along one of the most spectacular coastal settings in golf.  The newest championship links course at the resort, New also follows a classic two out-and-back loops of nine holes and like the Old, offers stunning views of the North Sea, coastline and scenic northeast Scotland countryside. Each hole features 6 separate teeing grounds catering for all classes of golfer.

A golfer's paradise, the Trump International Links is home to the most expansive and advanced practice facilities in the country.  Spanning over 20 acres, the world-class practice grounds are designed to meet the needs of players at every level. The driving range features both north and south-facing tees; the short game area meticulously condioned for every aspect of wedge play, chipping and bunker technique.  The heart of the facility is the 3,500 square metre putting green - expertly maintained to mirror the speed and consistently of both links courses.

Now firmly established as a world-class golfing destination, Trump International Scotland and the New course is attracting golfers from around the world and garnering outstanding reviews.  With two extraordinary courses, plus exquisite onsite lodging and dining, message your Golf Zoo Scotland team today about a Trump International Scotland stay & play package. We look forward to your stay...and excitement of the new!   

*You must be a guest of Murrayshall Country Estate to play this course.

An idyllic 18-hole championship parkland course that meanders its way around our countryside estate through large pine trees, offering golfers the perfect combination of an enthralling layout, impeccable course conditions and stunning panoramic views.