Royal Dornoch

However, this fact did not deter the likes of Vardon, Taylor and Braid from visiting the links in the earlier part of this century. In more recent times Tom Watson; Ben Crenshaw, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo have all embarked on what is seemingly an irresistible pilgrimage. Tom Watson described his experiences of Royal Dornoch as 'the most fun I have had playing golf in my whole life'. So what makes Royal Dornoch so special? Primarily the location and setting. It is miles away from anywhere and has been called 'The Star of the North'. The setting is really special. It is bordered by The Dornoch Firth and for its entire length by a beautiful sweep of pristine white sand. Mountains and hills fill the horizon creating the illusion that you are playing on a stage. In spring and early summer much of the links turn from green to gold with the gorse as much a backcloth as a hazard. It is thought that golf has been played at the links as early as the 16th century. Officially the course is the third oldest course in the world. The quality of the golf is another reason for visiting. it is widely regarded as the most natural links course in the world and blends perfectly into it's landscape. It is golf in it's purest form with natural hazards and is surely one to visit for both the historian and the player.