Wild and isolated, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a bucket list course for many golfers. Founded in 1877 — though records show golf was played here as early as 1616 — it is one of Scotland's finest championship courses. It bears the hallmarks of Old Tom Morris, responsible for the original course features, and was a training ground for architect Donald Ross. The first hole of Royal Dornoch's Championship Course sits just 200 yards from the hotel.

Another testament to Old Tom Morris, Tain Golf Club has evolved from its origins as a 15-hole course to the beloved 18-hole layout it became around 1894. Sheltered enough to play for most of the year, it offers a genuine challenge for beginners and seasoned links golfers alike.

Founded in 1889 and shaped by James Braid in the 1920s, Golspie offers something rare — links, heathland, and parkland holes in a single round, with views to the Dornoch Firth on one side and Ben Bhraggie on the other. At 6,021 yards it plays well for all abilities, but don't let the yardage fool you. A natural stop for those travelling the North Coast 500.

Founded in 1891 and redesigned by James Braid in 1924 — he arrived by train, walked the course, and left the same day — Brora has remained virtually unchanged ever since. The front nine hug the North Sea coastline, sheep roam the fairways, and electric fences protect the greens. As traditional as Scottish links golf gets, and all the better for it.

Founded in 1887 and shaped by some of the greatest names in course design — Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Ben Sayers, and most recently Mackenzie & Ebert — Nairn's Championship Course stretches along the Moray Firth with views across to the Black Isle. One of only nine clubs in the UK to have hosted all four major amateur events, including the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup. The nine-hole Cameron Course is ideal for beginners and families.

Moray offers two courses on the south coast of the Moray Firth. The Old Course, laid out by Old Tom Morris with no earth moved and no dunes created, has all the classic links attributes — deep revetted bunkers, undulating gorse-lined fairways and smooth fast greens. The New Course, designed by Henry Cotton in 1979, is shorter and tighter with smaller greens, but no less rewarding.

Often known as "The Low Course," Royal Dornoch's Struie Course has earned its own reputation as one of Scotland's finest links. Tighter fairways, smaller greens, and panoramic Highland views create a memorable round just steps from the Championship Course.

Originally gifted to the Highlands by the Carnegie family in 1904, Bonar Bridge Golf Club is a welcoming nine-hole course overlooking Loch Migdale. Beautifully maintained and full of Highland character, it's an enjoyable round for golfers of every ability and an ideal addition to a golf itinerary through the Scottish Highlands.

Founded in 1793, Fortrose & Rosemarkie is the 15th oldest recorded golf club in the world, a links course on the Chanonry Peninsula in the Black Isle, with views across the Moray Firth. James Braid, five-time Open Champion, reshaped the course in 1932, and it remains one of the Highlands' most storied championship venues. Play here often comes with company: Chanonry Point, right by the course, is one of Europe's best spots to watch dolphins from the shore.

Set beneath the Cairngorms, Boat of Garten was shaped by James Braid, the architect behind Royal Troon, Carnoustie, and Gleneagles, with steam trains passing alongside as you play. Braid himself rated the 12th among his finest work: "the birch woods and the mountains beyond, I don't think there is any equals it." This par 70 course blends heathland and moorland with firm, links-like fairways, and keen eyes might spot an osprey or golden eagle overhead.

Opened in 2009 and designed by Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, Castle Stuart is the youngest course on this list, and plays like something far older. Its "infinity edge" greens appear to spill straight into the Moray Firth, with ten of the eighteen holes framed by sky or water alone. The course has hosted the Scottish Open four times, with views out to the Kessock Bridge, Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George, and Ben Wyvis.