Looking for the best golf courses near Inverness? You’re in the right place.
Scotland is the home of golf, and the Highlands is no exception. Within easy reach of Inverness you’ve got world-famous championship links, traditional Highland courses with serious history, and a few absolute gems that offer incredible value for money and scenery you’ll remember long after the round is over.
Whether you’re a low handicap player planning a bucket-list trip, or you’re simply wanting a brilliant day out on holiday, there’s a course near Inverness that will suit you.
Below are 10 of the best golf courses near Inverness to consider for your next golfing trip.
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1) Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands), Inverness
If you want championship links golf right on the Moray Firth, Castle Stuart is hard to beat. It’s close to Inverness and makes a perfect “arrival day” round if you’re flying in.
Expect strong coastal holes, clever angles off the tee, and greens that keep you honest, especially when the wind gets up.
If you’re arranging tee times and want the day to run smoothly, we can handle the driving. Just contact our team.
2) Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch
Royal Dornoch is a genuine bucket-list course. It’s famous for natural dunes, firm turf and a layout that feels timeless. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want your camera out almost as much as your driver.
We regularly run golf transfers from Inverness to Dornoch and can build the day around tee times and lunch stops.
3) Nairn Golf Club, Nairn
Nairn Golf Club is a superb championship links with proper Highland character. It rewards good ball striking, punishes lazy lines, and offers cracking coastal views.
It’s also a great option if you want a top links experience without travelling too far north.
4) Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Nairn
Right next door to Nairn, Nairn Dunbar is a brilliant visitor-friendly option and often feels like one of the best-value quality rounds in the area.
It has that classic links feel and a great atmosphere, while still giving you a proper test when conditions turn.
5) Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, Black Isle
Fortrose & Rosemarkie is a favourite with visiting golfers. It’s a traditional links course on the Black Isle with a great coastal setting and loads of character.
On the right day, you might even spot dolphins out in the Moray Firth before your tee shot.
6) Tain Golf Club, Tain
Tain is a traditional Highland links that’s a joy to play. It’s firm underfoot, scenic, and it makes you think your way round rather than just smashing driver all day.
It pairs nicely with Dornoch if you’re building a couple of days up north.
7) Brora Golf Club, Brora
Brora is a classic Highland links with real personality. Expect firm fairways, gorse, sea air, and that proper old-school feel.
It’s absolutely worth the drive if you’re putting together a Highlands golf itinerary.
8) Golspie Golf Club, Golspie
Golspie is another strong links option north of Inverness, with a layout that feels varied and very “Highland”.
It’s a great shout if you’re heading up towards Brora and want a second course nearby without repeating the same experience.
9) Spey Valley Golf Course, Aviemore
If you fancy a change from links golf, Spey Valley gives you a beautiful inland round near Aviemore, with tree-lined holes and mountain scenery.
It’s a good choice if you’re combining golf with a Cairngorms stay, or if you want something more sheltered when the coastal wind is doing its thing.
10) Boat of Garten Golf Club, Boat of Garten
Boat of Garten is one of the most enjoyable Highland courses for a relaxed day. It’s scenic, welcoming, and ideal if you want a great round in a classic setting.
It also fits perfectly into an Aviemore / Cairngorms day.
Honourable mentions
If you want a couple more options to consider, Inverness Golf Club is a handy choice close to town, and The Kings Golf Club is another local option that works well for a quick round. Skibo Castle is also special if you have access and everything lines up.
Golf transfers from Inverness
If you’re playing golf in the Highlands and want the day to run smoothly, we can help with golf transfers from Inverness, pickups from hotels and estates, and multi-day itineraries that keep everything on time around tee slots.
We operate luxury Mercedes vehicles with plenty of space for golf bags and luggage. To get things moving, contact our team.
Want to add whisky, scenery or history after your round?
A lot of guests like to add something extra once the round is finished. Depending on the route, we can incorporate a distillery stop, a scenic coastal drive, or a short history stop on the way back to Inverness.
If you’re looking for the full Highlands experience, take a look at our private tours from Inverness, or our chauffeur service in Inverness for transfers and multi-day itineraries.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best golf courses near Inverness?
Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Brora and Spey Valley are all strong choices. The “best” one depends on whether you prefer links golf, inland courses, or a mix.
How far is Royal Dornoch from Inverness?
It’s roughly an hour from Inverness by road, depending on traffic and where you’re staying.
Can you arrange golf transfers from Inverness?
Yes. We provide transfers to courses across the Highlands, with luxury vehicles and plenty of space for golf bags. We can also help plan multi-course days around tee times.
Ready to plan your golf days? Contact our team and we’ll help you map it out.
