When planning a Scottish golf tour, many golfers face the choice: Highland golf (Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn) or St Andrews and the East Coast? The answer: both, if you have time. Here's how to plan a Scottish golf tour that combines the best of Highland and St Andrews golf.
Highland vs St Andrews: Quick comparison
| Aspect | Highland Golf | St Andrews |
|---|---|---|
| Signature course | Royal Dornoch Championship Course | St Andrews Old Course |
| Distance from Edinburgh | 3.5–4 hours to Inverness/Royal Dornoch | 1.5 hours to St Andrews |
| Scenery | Wild, remote, dramatic Highland coast | Historic, town setting, iconic links |
| Atmosphere | Quieter, more remote, unhurried pace | Busy, historic, pilgrimage feel |
| Nearby courses | Castle Stuart, Nairn, Brora, Tain | Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Dumbarnie, Lundin Links |
| Best for | Golfers seeking remote links, dramatic scenery, bucket-list Royal Dornoch | Golfers seeking history, Old Course ballot, multiple St Andrews courses |
Combined Highland + St Andrews itinerary (5 days)
If you want the best of both regions, here's a suggested 5-day itinerary:
Days 1–2: St Andrews & East Coast
St Andrews Old Course (or New/Jubilee), Kingsbarns
Base: St Andrews
Day 3: Transfer to Highlands
Scenic transfer from St Andrews to Inverness (3.5 hours) with optional stops
Base: Inverness
Days 4–5: Highlands
Castle Stuart, Nairn, Royal Dornoch
Base: Inverness or Dornoch
Why combine Highland and St Andrews?
- Variety: Remote Highland links + historic St Andrews = complete Scottish golf experience
- Bucket-list courses: Royal Dornoch and Old Course in one trip
- Scenery: Dramatic Highland coast + Fife coast and villages
- Pace: Quieter Highland courses + busier St Andrews = balance
Request a Highland + St Andrews golf tour
Share your preferred courses, dates, and group size. We'll plan the itinerary, transfers, and accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I play Highland golf or St Andrews?
Both. If you have time, combine Highland golf (Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn) with St Andrews and East Coast courses for a complete Scottish golf tour. Highland golf offers remote links and dramatic scenery; St Andrews offers history and the Old Course.
How far is Royal Dornoch from St Andrews?
Royal Dornoch is roughly 3.5 hours from St Andrews via Inverness. We provide private transfers with optional scenic stops and flexible timing.
Can you combine Highland and St Andrews golf in one trip?
Yes. We arrange multi-day golf tours that combine Highland courses (Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn) with St Andrews and East Coast courses. We handle all transfers, accommodation, and timing.
How many days do you need for a Highland and St Andrews golf tour?
We recommend 5–7 days: 2 days in St Andrews area, 1 day transfer to Highlands, 2–3 days in Highlands. This allows time for Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, St Andrews, and Kingsbarns or Carnoustie.
Explore golf transfers
Private Scottish golf tours
Multi-day golf tours with Highland and St Andrews courses, private transfers, and accommodation coordination.
Planning a day in Inverness, Loch Ness, or a private shore excursion from Invergordon? We’ll tailor the route around your interests.
