That the Royal Dornoch Club is mesmerizing is a foregone conclusion but only the hardiest and the most dogged golfer finds that out for himself. Why such qualities are needed? It takes about five hours and a lot of perseverance to reach the town of Dornoch from Glasgow itself! Still, golfers pursue this Highland golfing jewel, consistently in the top world 20 because it is an experience of a lifetime. Topping every golfers wish list, the Royal Dornochs Championship Course at 6,732 yards affords a moment of pure exultation. You know you are playing one of Old Tom Morris best creations and a track that has seen greats like Vardon, Locke, Crenshaw and Norman and that makes the journey worthwhile.

Golf has been played at the Royal Dornoch since 1616, much before the addition of the Royal via a decree from King Edward VII in 1906. Old Tom Morris designed the first nine in 1886 and another nine in 1904. Although the Royal Dornoch has never hosted the British Open, owing to its remote location, the fact adds to its uniqueness than be a comment on its quality.

Golf is a mind game; its you against the elements and the Royal Dornoch rewards the strategist fair and square. Carved out of stunning Scottish landscape, The Royal Dornoch looks innocent in its apparently straightforward layout and its surrounding flowering gorse. A pristine beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and adds to the beauty. However, let it not trick you for the sea wind can wreak havoc at its own will and the layout is a tough test of skills. Large, undulating greens and changing elevations on every hole, the most famous being the 4th, 6th and the 14th , make Donald Ross home ground a tough challenge for a skilled player.