The Scottish Highlands offer some of the world's finest links golf, with championship courses that combine dramatic scenery, challenging layouts, and a sense of remoteness that makes Highland golf special. Here are the best championship golf courses in the Scottish Highlands, with travel times from Inverness and private transfer options.
Best Highland championship courses
1. Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Dornoch, Sutherland • 1 hour from Inverness
Royal Dornoch is consistently ranked among the world's top links courses. The Championship Course offers timeless Highland links golf with dramatic coastal views, elevated greens, and a layout that rewards strategic play. The Struie Course provides a welcoming alternative for a second round.
Why play here: Bucket-list destination for serious golfers; world-class links; stunning Highland scenery.
Private transfers to Royal Dornoch Golf Club →2. Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands)
Inverness • 15 minutes from Inverness
Castle Stuart is a modern championship links just minutes from Inverness Airport. Now part of Cabot Highlands, it offers dramatic Moray Firth views, challenging holes, and excellent facilities. Ideal for early morning tee times or as part of a multi-day Highland golf tour.
Why play here: Championship standard; closest to Inverness Airport; pairs well with Royal Dornoch and Nairn.
Private transfers to Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands) →3. Nairn Golf Club
Nairn, Moray Firth • 25 minutes from Inverness
Nairn is a classic seaside links with a warm clubhouse feel and a layout that rewards good ball-striking. It's hosted Scottish Opens and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than some championship venues, making it ideal for a calm Highland golf day.
Why play here: Classic links; welcoming atmosphere; easy pairing with Castle Stuart or Royal Dornoch.
Private transfers to Nairn Golf Club →4. Brora Golf Club
Brora, Sutherland • 1 hour 15 minutes from Inverness
Brora is a characterful north-coast links with a wilder, more remote feel than its southern neighbors. The course shares the fairways with grazing sheep and offers dramatic coastal scenery. It's a natural pairing with Royal Dornoch for multi-day Highland golf tours.
Why play here: Wild Highland scenery; characterful links; pairs with Royal Dornoch.
Private transfers to Brora Golf Club →Plan a Highland golf tour
We arrange private multi-day Highland golf tours with Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Brora, and other courses. We handle all transfers, accommodation coordination, and timing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best championship golf course in the Scottish Highlands?
Royal Dornoch is widely considered the best championship course in the Highlands and one of the world's finest links. Castle Stuart (championship standard, near Inverness Airport) and Nairn (classic seaside links) are also excellent choices.
How far is Royal Dornoch from Inverness?
Royal Dornoch is roughly 1 hour from Inverness via the A9 north. It's an easy day trip or a natural stop on a multi-day Highland golf tour.
Can you play multiple Highland courses in one trip?
Yes. We arrange multi-day Highland golf tours with Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Brora, and other courses. We handle all transfers, accommodation coordination, and timing.
Which Highland course is closest to Inverness Airport?
Castle Stuart Golf Links is 15 minutes from Inverness Airport, making it ideal for fly-and-play itineraries or early morning tee times.
Private Highland golf transfers
Luxury chauffeur transfers to Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn and Highland courses from Inverness.
Planning a day in Inverness, Loch Ness, or a private shore excursion from Invergordon? We’ll tailor the route around your interests.
