Golf in Scottish Highlands as a Single

dlow206 · May 15, 2023

Going to be in the Scottish Highlands for 3 days or so during a family vacation in the UK, so its not a dedicated golf vacation. I'm the only golfer in the group. Is it easy to walk on as a single at Royal Dornoch and other courses? I'm happy to be paired with another group.

hammergolf · May 15, 2023

1 hour ago, dlow206 said:

Going to be in the Scottish Highlands for 3 days or so during a family vacation in the UK, so its not a dedicated golf vacation. I'm the only golfer in the group. Is it easy to walk on as a single at Royal Dornoch and other courses? I'm happy to be paired with another group.

I would contact courses in the area you are staying and ask if they have spots available.

Chanceman · May 15, 2023

I arranged a tee time at Royal Dornoch as a single in May 2019 but it was about 2 weeks before from memory. You should be ok because there were not too many people out on the day itself so I am sure there were plenty of spare places.

El Gringo · May 15, 2023

I would contact any big gun course such as Dornoch ASAP. It has become common for all visitor slots to be filled these days in high season. The good news is there are plenty of cool courses that aren't as rammed. In fact, as a single, unless you get an early time, you may enjoy the place of play at other places that aren't as crowded. 4.5 hours as single can be a nightmare.

hammergolf · May 15, 2023

6 hours ago, El Gringo said:

I would contact any big gun course such as Dornoch ASAP. It has become common for all visitor slots to be filled these days in high season. The good news is there are plenty of cool courses that aren't as rammed. In fact, as a single, unless you get an early time, you may enjoy the place of play at other places that aren't as crowded. 4.5 hours as single can be a nightmare.

Off subject, but have you played Durness? Just by looking at pics and videos I’m looking to add it in to my next highlands trip.

El Gringo · May 16, 2023

9 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Off subject, but have you played Durness? Just by looking at pics and videos I’m looking to add it in to my next highlands trip.

Nope, but I would play it if convenient. I will be in Dornoch in August, Durness is not convenient 😎.

hammergolf · May 16, 2023

18 hours ago, El Gringo said:

Nope, but I would play it if convenient. I will be in Dornoch in August, Durness is not convenient 😎.

Yes, it definitely out of the way but it looks amazing! Looks like it’s worth the 2hr drive from Dornoch.

MattyO1984 · May 17, 2023

On 5/15/2023 at 1:41 AM, dlow206 said:

Going to be in the Scottish Highlands for 3 days or so during a family vacation in the UK, so its not a dedicated golf vacation. I'm the only golfer in the group. Is it easy to walk on as a single at Royal Dornoch and other courses? I'm happy to be paired with another group.

Dornoch might be problematic just because there is such great demand and the moment but like anywhere else, I would think that they would do what they can to get you out. Pretty much everywhere in this neck of the woods will be as accommodating as the can. If you are east of Inverness give Nairn a try, well well worth it. Any further east let me know and I would have no issue in getting something lined up at my home club in Elgin.

lazyjk · May 17, 2023

Royal Dornoch has online booking now so you can easily see what availability they have. I would guess even in high season that you could probably get in somewhere to fill out an open spot if you are flexible.

dlow206 · May 18, 2023

i was able to get a tee time on the Championship course along with a hotel booking.

what i had not realized was that it looks like you can book a tee time as a single on the online booking system.

harveythomas · June 16, 2023

Brora, Nairn, Castle Stuart, Boat of Garten as well as Royal Dornoch all well worth a try in the area. Book in advance for Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn in high season. They’re usually happy to pair you up and the locals are very friendly for joining up with a members game.

It’s fantastically beautiful up there and the golf is great. One of the best golf holidays you can do.

Food in restaurants not great though although a good restaurant or two in Inverness.

Castle Skibo worth a go too if you can get on (which is hard if not a member or willing to pay thousands).