Golf News’ Gold Evans features the magic of the Hignand Getaway where world-class golf meets the best of hospitality at Sconed Links House alongside Royal Dornoch.
A trip to the Scottish Highlands is always something to behold, the big skies, rugged coastline, and quiet majesty of nature make it one of the most moving places in the world.
But when that trip involves staying at a hotel like EXPLAG like The Links Housenear the sanctified streets of Royal Dornoch Golf Clubit becomes truly unforgettable.
Our adventure began with the first morning flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to check in on a crisp October morning.
After collecting our rental car, we headed north through a high, paved area Golspiean affluent coastal town midway between Dornwenino and Brora, the setting for our first round of golf.
Golspie golf club – A true gem
Arriving at the golf course around mid-afternoon, we were greeted warmly by the pro shop before heading out onto a course that perfectly captures the character of Highland Golf. Golspie’s layout, a combination of clearing links, Heathand, and Parkland, offers variety and challenges in equal measure.
Small roads go around the sea, built by distant hills, while the greens – fast, true, and ampaclate, want to touch.
Although short by today’s standards (we played on yellow tees), the course tests every club in the bag, and rewards rewards over power.
What makes the golspie so unique is that it has six parkland links and six heathland holes. The 3’s behind the PAR 3’s at the end of the round were very memorable.
After golf, we drove south 25 minutes to our home for the next two nights: Links House HotelA great return and excellent comfort sits a few holes from the Royal Dornoch First Tee.
Links House – beauty, comfort, and maximum warmth
From the moment you step inside and connect the house, you realize that this is special.
The service is warm but understated, the interiors are well designed with a blend of Scottish heritage and modern comfort.
We were shown our respective suites, each tailored, handicapped, spacious, and impeccably furnished in bed, tasteful art, and views that capture the beauty of dornoch.
Two bottles of classic cocktails await and a lovely welcome letter from the managing director.
That night, we entered the text and sat by the fire before we ate at Old ladyNice hotel restaurant.
The menu is a celebration of Highland produce, venison, oysters, beef and fish and seasonal vegetables, all presented with precision and flair.
Every course showcases local ingredients, accompanied by an excellent wine list and attentive service. Let’s just say I slept very well in the most comfortable beds.
Mingling with the locals in Brora
On Day 2 We headed north again to play again at the Broadythaking ‘James Braid’ Classic Brora Golf Club. After a warm reception it has been successfully received in the fall of the sun to play this perfect gem.
Holes 1-9 go north with holes 10-18 back to the Clubhouse. The inner holes have the highest changes. All 3 animals are very cute.
Every green is surrounded by an electric fence to protect the real vegetables from the local wild animals, to see high cattle was in the background that I have never seen before.
Speaking of greens, these are hard to hit and the greens are tricky, luckily I played some of my best golf and was able to score well.
Before I left I had to do some shopping and I’m up in the pro shop reminding me of my visit.
We fell in love with Brora and would recommend a visit.
After returning to Dornnoch we entered the town in the evening and visited The Castle Hotel Bar and restaurant for drinks and dinner. The town exudes a timeless charm.
Royal Dornoch – Golf Heaven
The next morning started clear and bright, perfect conditions for our long awaited tour Royal Dornoch.
On that day the club took the keys to their new clubhouse, which looks incredible.
Few subjects in the world can match its setting: Fairays pulling gold dunes, greens burning on the plains of nature, and views stretching across the Forth Forth.
From Tee Tee shot to Puttt Putt, Royal Dornoch is pure joy, challenging but fair, the techniques will still delight.
It’s easy to understand why Tom Watson once called it “the most fun I ever had on the golf course.”
Every hole offers something memorable, from raised fountains and twisting existing ocean paths that keep you deeply focused.
The bunkers have deep and challenging and consistent fairways that make this difficult but rewarding
A “must play” for any golfers. And golfers of any skill level will enjoy this beautiful course.
I recommend stopping by a few minutes early for your tee time and having a chat with the Starter who will give you lots of great advice on the course and preferred tee boxes.
The ultimate escape
After our round, we came back 100 yards to connect the house and without hesitation comment and check in this beautiful hotel.
Our trip back to Inverness was full of that familiar mix of satisfaction, excitement and the feeling that you’ve found another special place and already want to come back.
As we had an overnight flight back from the ban at heathrow, we stopped there Cabot Highlands noon at the club looking up Castle Stuart course and discussed new A classic petty course which opens in May 2026. The club closes from 01east November until 27th March in winter.
Whether you are drawn by the Allere of Royald Dornoch’s famous streets, the beauty of the high coast, or the promise of exceptional hospitality, Links House Hotel It delivers on all levels.
It’s more than an expensive hotel, it’s an offering of calm, comfort, and class in one of Scotland’s most overlooked corners.
Always:
The Links House Hotel in Royal Dornoch
Golf course
– Of course
Iv25 3lw
Tel: 01862 810279
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.linkshousedon.com
Played:
Golspie Golf Club
Brora Golf Club
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Visited:
Cabot Highlands
