Here at Highfield Golf Escapes we offer two packages for you. These are 'Links Golf off the Beaten Track' and '9 Hole Courses of Northern Scotland'.
Links Golf off the Beaten Track
Experiencing the hidden golfing gems that Northern Scotland has to offer.
We offer a group of 4 golfers the chance explore some of the hidden golfing gems that Northern Scotland has to offer. Many golf tours in the region involve playing the likes of Royal Dornoch, Cabot Highlands and Nairn Golf Club. These are obviously fantastic golf experiences to tick off the bucket list. We offer a slightly different experience, by focusing on some of the so-called hidden gems within the area. These courses are becoming more popular on golf tours, and offer visitors the chance to play golf off the beaten track and meet some of the locals at these historic golf clubs. The green fees at these courses are great value and the experience gives guests a feel for playing golf as it was played over 100 years ago. In many respects courses were laid out using the natural features rather than creating them. Its astonishing to think that some of the great players of the past like Braid, Vardon and Taylor shot the scores they did using the old equipment on these courses.
My name is Neil and I manage Highfield House as a holiday home. I'm a very keen golfer and am a member at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club. Being familiar with all the courses you'll play, I can either be a forecaddie for the group or individual caddies can be arranged. I've played each course numerous times, and will be able to guide you round these historic layouts.
The tour lasts for 7 days and runs from Saturday to Saturday, with day 1 commencing on the Sunday. Guests will play 5 rounds of golf at the following courses. The tours can be booked between March 1st and October 31st.
Day 1
The first day is a settling in day. There is an option to play
Muir of Ord Golf Club www.muirofordgolfclub.co.uk.
This is a heathland course in the centre of Muir of Ord. Not a long course but a good challenge. Some very unique and interesting holes, small greens and tight fairways make it a good test of golf. Its only half a mile from the house. Its included in the price if you wish to play it.
Its not included in the main itinerary, but its a very good James Braid designed heathland course. It gives guests the opportunity to have a warm-up round.
There is the option to visit Glen Ord Singleton Distillery in the afternoon followed by dinner at The Allangrange.
Day 2
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk
Including lunch basket, dinner at Crofters and a walk to Fairy Glen
The 15th recorded golf course in the world. A quirky and truly unique links golf course set on a peninsula of land that is surrounded on 3 sides by water. Not overly long, but a great test of golf with small undulating greens and gorse lining many of the fairways. I think its fair to say you'll never play a course quite like Fortrose, a golfing experience not to be missed.
Day 3
Moray Old Course www.moraygolf.co.uk
Including lunch basket, dinner at Harbour Lights and stop-off Brodie Fayre.
Located in Lossiemouth, this Old Tom Morris layout has arguably the best finishing hole in Scotland. It recently came 2nd to the 18th at the Old Course in St Andrews in a magazine feature. A longer course than the previous two, with a magnificent last 5-6 holes. There is also The New Course which is a bit shorter and tighter. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton, this course is more strategic, and provides a nice contrast to The Old Course. Set in the town of Lossiemouth, it has a feel like St Andrews with golfers starting off and finishing in the town. A very under-rated golf course of championship standard.
Day 4
Reay Golf Club www.reaygolfclub.com
Including a visit to John O Groats. Lunch basket and dinner at The Golspie Inn.
The most northerly 18 hole links course on mainland Britain, just west of Thurso. Very few venture this far north to play golf at Reay. A James Braid Masterpiece at under 6000 yards. Hole 6 named 'Braids Choice' is a superb par 5 with a burn in play. It gives you the option of going for the green in two shots, but any approach shot slightly left of target will find the burn. The 7th is a par 3 of 200 yards to a raised green, again a super hole. Stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean grace most holes. The 1st hole is a par 3 of over 230 yards, undoubtedly one of the toughest opening holes around. Very under-stated but if this course wasn't in such a remote location, it would be far more well-known.
Day 5
Golspie Golf Club www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk
Including a visit to Dunrobin Castle, lunch basket and dinner at Luigi's in Dornoch.
This is a fascinating golf course with 3 different styles of golf in one layout. Links, Heathland/Woodland and Parkland. Some truly brilliant par 3's and in a beautiful setting by the sea. You'll never see a course quite like it. The 9th hole is called 'Paradise' and must be one of the finest par 4's anywhere. A 430 yard dog-left left with heather on both sides off the tee, and green surrounded by bunkers. A finish like no other as well, with two very demanding par 3's followed by a long par 4. This is one of my firm favourites in a beautiful Sutherland Village.
Day 6
Tain Golf Club- www.tain-golfclub.co.uk
Including visit to Glenmorangie Distillery, lunch basket and dinner at Greens.
Tain was designed by Old Tom Morris. A challenging layout with two longish par 3's at the finish followed by a nice par 4. The signature hole is 'The Alps' at the end of the Front 9. A blind approach shot to the green over a hill with a nice view over the Dornoch Firth. Like many Braid courses, it has a demanding last 4-5 holes. Another great course to finish the trip off with.
This website is a great resource for golf in The Highlands
These are very historic courses, all different in their appeal. Four of them are designed by James Braid, with Tain and Moray Old being laid out by Old Tom Morris. The Old Course at Moray has arguably the finest finishing hole in Scotland. Reay is the most northerly links 18 hole course in mainland Britain, and provides a great layout in a stunning setting. The map above shows all the regions the tour covers.
You'll be staying at Highfield House, with full use of the whole property and grounds of half an acre. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a very well equipped kitchen, an open plan dining/lounge area, games room with seating area and an additional lounge in the flat area with kitchenette. To see the accommodation, click here.
A rental vehicle is provided, and I would be able to pick up/drop you off at Inverness Airport. During the week guests are driven to all the courses and attractions by myself.
The total cost of the trip is £14,000. This includes accommodation for 4 golfers, golf green fees, transportation, airport transfers, guide/forecaddie fees (individual caddies are extra) and entry to the other attractions. I will be your guide for the whole week and can assist with any queries you may have. This price doesn't include the evening meals at various restaurants. But extensive continental breakfast items will be provided at Highfield House as well as a lunch basket each day. To book please check dates are available with myself via email.
9 Hole Courses of Northern Scotland
Experience the best 9 hole courses we have to offer, whilst visiting some of the most remote areas of the British Isles.
We offer a group of 4 golfers the chance to play some of the best 9 hole courses in the region, combined with some of the most amazing scenery Northern Scotland has to offer. Durness in particular is located at the north western tip of Scotland adjacent to Balnakeil Bay. The beauty of this trip is that it mixes golf with visiting some of the most remote areas of the British Isles. The trip also visits The Isle of Skye which is a beautiful island reached by bridge. We cater for group of 4 golfers. Like the previous tour, I will guide you round these courses as a forecaddie.
The tour lasts for 7 days and runs from Saturday to Saturday, with day 1 commencing on the Sunday. Guests will play 9 rounds of golf at the following courses. On two of the days there is a fair bit of travelling (day 3 and day 5) to reach some of the most remote areas. It's totally worth it, as these are set in stunning landscapes. This is a Scottish golf experience unlike any other.
Day 1
I like to call this a settling in day. A visit to the Glen Ord Singleton Distillery near the house.
Light lunch at Corner On The Square in Beauly, and a walk around The Priory. We'll then head to Inverness and have dinner there in the evening at The Mustard Seed.
Day 2
AM Portmahomack (Tarbat) Golf Club www.portmahomackgolfclub.com
Lunch Basket
This is a very picturesque course over-looking the Dornoch Firth. Located in a beautiful village with a sandy beach. Tarbat Ness Lighthouse is not far away. The course has small greens and challenging bunkers, and is by no means straight forward. Just behind the 8th green is a Pictish museum in the old Tarbat Church providing a nice stop-off after golf. The last hole is a very tricky par 4 with out of bounds left with a precise 2nd shot to a small green required. The Tarbat Ness Peninsula receives a lot of sunlight due to its westerly alignment, so is a beautiful place to be on long summer evenings.
PM - Bonar Bridge Golf Club www.golfhighland.com/bridge-ardgay-golf-club
Dinner at Greens in Tain
Generally considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the Highlands, with it being a blend of heath and moorland. Narrow tree-lined fairways and small greens make it a very good test of golf. Opened in 1904 by Mrs Carnegie of Skibo. Set in beautiful Sutherland rolling Hills, with Purple Heather, Scots pine and views over Loch Migdale. The late Peter Alliss described it as a mini Gleneagles, and he wouldn't be far wrong. This is one of my favourites, a gem of a course with some super golf holes.
Day 3
AM - Durness Golf Club www.durnessgolfclub.org
Lunch Basket
Located in one of the remotest areas of mainland Scotland. Not far from Cape Wrath there are miles of unspoilt natural beauty. Designed by local golf enthusiasts and opened in 1988 this 9 hole course with two sets of tees is set in some of the most stunning landscape backdrops you will see in the golfing world. The 6th and 9th holes are highlights and this is a location not to be missed. Out of all the courses on this itinerary, this is the highlight.
PM - Ullapool Golf Club www.ullapoolgolfclub.co.uk
Dinner at Sea Food Shack in Ullapool
On the shores of Loch Broom this is a very picturesque course. Opened in 1997 there are a variety of coastal and parkland holes. A very interesting course not far from the harbour in Ullapool, which is a great place to visit for dinner. A beautiful little town where visitors can take ferries to the Scottish Islands.
This day of the trip is one of my favourite drives in Britain. We'll venture through the geo-park and pass landscapes formed from glacial activity.
Day 4
AM - Abernethy Golf Club www.abernethygolfclub.com
Lunch Basket
Situated in Nethy Bridge it's built on classic moorland surrounded by very tall pine trees. With some challenging holes this is a very friendly club that welcomes visitors. Nestled in The Cairngorm National Park it is home to a diversity of wildlife, including red squirrels, curlews and sometimes osprey. A truly beautiful place to play golf.
PM - Aigas Golf Club www.aigas-holidays.co.uk/aigas-golf
Dinner at Allangrange in Munlochy
A parkland course nestled in tall pines next to the river Beauly, this provides a beautiful setting. Whilst not overly challenging there are some excellent holes and the turf is very nice to play off. Set amongst four holiday cottages this is a very nice place to stay and play. The environment here is absolutely stunning and not to be missed.
Day 5
AM - The Isle of Skye Golf Club www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk
Lunch Basket
Designed in 1964, with two sets of tees, its nestled at the base of the Red Cuillin mountains just south of portree. With stunning views over to Raasay this is a beautiful place to play golf. The course is of a parkland style with generally small greens. Not overly long, but very tricky in places set in an amazing location. I grew up playing golf here on holidays to Scotland, so this place has a special place in my heart. A trip here always brings back many memories.
This day of the trip will include sightseeing in the north of Skye. Including the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr and a visit to Portree. There are some photos of these areas on the attractions page.
Day 6
AM - Carrbridge Golf Club www.carrbridgegolfclub.co.uk
Lunch Basket
Formed in 1980 this is a well maintained but challenging 9 hole course. The course rises to 1000 feet giving views of the Cairngorm Mountains. Make no mistake this is not an easy course, it will provide a good test for even the scratch golfer. Set in stunning scenery with a friendly welcome this is a course that shouldn't be missed.
PM - Fort Augustus Golf Club www.thehighlandclub.co.uk/team/fort-augustus-golf-club
Dinner at The Fiddlers Highland Restaurant, Drumnadrochit
Laid out in 1924 this is a beautiful yet challenging course. Accurate driving is required with plenty of heather and gorse to catch wayward shots. A small welcoming clubhouse provides food and refreshments. There are often sheep roaming the course which provides a unique experience.
Some of these courses are truly great experiences. Don't be put off by the 9 hole tag, many are challenging layouts. The tour will show guests some beautiful areas of Northern Scotland that few visitors manage to reach. The map above shows the regions the tour takes in. We'll explore Easter Ross, Inverness, Wester Ross, Sutherland and The Isle of Skye which is shown on the bottom left hand corner at Kyle of Localsh, this is where the bridge is. As some of these courses are run on tight budgets, there are occasions when the conditioning of the putting surfaces are not quite as good as the bigger courses. Whilst this is unlikely, I would be more than happy to refund some money to guests if this is the case. This will obviously be discussed should the situation arise.
You'll be staying at Highfield House, with full use of the whole property and grounds of half an acre. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a very well equipped kitchen, an open plan dining/lounge area, games room with seating area and an additional lounge with kitchenette in the flat area with a kitchenette. To see the accommodation, click here.
A rental vehicle is provided, and I would be able to pick up/drop you off at Inverness Airport. During the week guests are driven to all the courses and attractions by myself.
The total cost of the trip is £11,000. This includes accommodation for 4 golfers, golf green fees, transportation, airport transfers, guide/forecaddie fees (individual caddies are extra) and entry to the other attractions. I will be your guide for the whole week and can assist with any queries you may have. This price doesn't include the evening meals at various restaurants near the golf courses. But extensive continental breakfast items will be provided at Highfield House as well as a lunch basket each day. To book please check dates are available with myself via email.
