Just minutes from the city centre, Inverness Golf Club is a beautifully maintained parkland course with a warm welcome and an active membership. Tree-lined fairways, well-protected greens, and subtle elevation changes make it an enjoyable test.
The course is accessible and walkable, with a strong finishing hole back towards the modern clubhouse. For those staying in Inverness, it’s the perfect place to warm up before venturing further north.
Way up on the north coast lies Reay Golf Club, Britain’s most northerly 18-hole links. Designed in part by James Braid, it’s a wonderfully remote and rugged experience. Sweeping views of Sandside Bay and Dunnet Head frame a layout that flows naturally through dunes and moor.
Reay is a true links test with firm turf, ever-present wind, and simple, timeless charm. It’s well worth the journey.
On the Black Isle peninsula, Fortrose and Rosemarkie is one of the oldest clubs in Scotland, dating back to 1793. The course occupies a narrow strip of land jutting into the Moray Firth, with sea views on almost every hole.
Short in length but big on challenge, Fortrose demands precision, especially when the wind blows. Its setting and uniqueness make it a favourite stop on any Highland golf tour.
Highland 9-Hole Gems
Set in the Cairngorms National Park, Abernethy is a Highland woodland gem. Towering pines, crisp turf, and peaceful surroundings define the experience. It’s a great place to unwind and reconnect with the simple joy of golf.
Another Cairngorms delight, Carrbridge is fun, friendly, and quirky. Natural hazards and blind shots make it a real adventure. The scenery is spectacular, and the welcome even better.
One of the most remote and spectacular courses in Scotland, Durness features clifftop holes and breathtaking views. The final par-3, played across a sea inlet, is unforgettable.
This 9-hole course on the iconic Isle of Skye is pure magic. The Cuillin Hills provide a dramatic backdrop, and the layout is both simple and satisfying. Playing here is about the experience, not the score.
Other Honourable Mentions
Aigas, Bonar Bridge, Strathpeffer Spa, and Gairloch each offer memorable 9-hole rounds, each with a unique character and a warm Highland welcome.