Summary: In the first of our winter 2015 golf course series we showcase one of Scotland’s most visited and enjoyed links golf courses Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The course attracts golfers from all over the world for its course design, history and setting. Golf Course Review A classic Scottish links course famed for having the strongest collection of par 3s anywhere in the world, Royal Dornoch is perhaps the perfect example of authentic Scottish links golf. With crown greens and deep imposing bunkers prominent throughout, this Tom Morris design requires a variety of shot selection applied across the fast and firm links. Read Graylyn's hole by hole review here. Background History Golf dates back in Dornoch for almost 400 years with Royal being added to the title in 1906 courtesy of King Edward VII. The course like many in Scotland benefited from the railway industrialisation in the early 20th century with the wealthy from London and the south of England visiting during the summer, many enjoying the golf. Ru & Graylyn's Thoughts Having both played and loved the course the praise of the links at Dornoch was plentiful. The course Ru & Graylyn believes offers both a genuine and authentic Scottish links golf experience with Graylyn admitting it could be one of his favourites anywhere in Scotland. 2015 Greenfees based on High Season Rates Per Round £120 Per Day £190 Twilight Round (After 6pm) £70 Combination Ticket (Both Courses) £140 Number of Visitors The club is open to visitor play 7 days a week on both the Championship and Struie Course with bookings annually coming from all over the world. The advice from the club is book early with bookings strong once more in 2015. Most surprising perhaps is the 30% increase in booking for the Struie course which suggests that the combination ticket above may be worth considering. Best Time to Play? - Late Afternoon/ Evenings Success of 2014 Listing 6th in Golf Digest's Golf Course Rankings Improvement Area for 2015 Season Pace of play and the time a round takes on both courses Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 "Book early as tee times can become limited and play consider playing the Struie Course, it might surprise you." (Neil Hampton - Royal Dornoch General Manager) Advice from your Hosts Stay in town and enjoy one of Scotland's great golf towns. (Ru) Stay in town and don't rush a visit to Dornoch. Reading A Season in Dornoch: Golf and Life in the Scottish Highlands is a nice way to prepare for your visit. (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. If left with any questions don't hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com. For Scottish golf course reviews and more check out Graylyn's website.
