TWO Highland courses have made a ‘hidden gem’ list aimed at savvy golfers wanting to avoid rip-off rates and waiting lists.
For many, a pilgrimage to the home of golf begins and ends at the Old Course.
But while the hallowed turf of St. Andrews is iconic, beyond the eye-watering green fees and exclusive ballots, there are several Scottish courses that deserve their share of the spotlight.
More from us on Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club
That’s according to NCG Top 100s Podcast hosts Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy who have come up with some lesser-known courses which they believe rival their famous neighbours for enjoyment and character.
Their under-the-radar list includes Fortrose an Rosemarkie and Durness.
Of the former, Tom Irwin admits: “There is a bit more gorse than I would like, but it is one of the only places where the topography justifies it.
“It’s very scoreable. It has everything people go to places like Nairn for, but it’s a quarter of the money, takes half the time, and you’ll likely make more birdies.”
Irwin believes Durness is “golf on the absolute limit.”
“It has a ‘worldie’ of a par three. The turf is really good, it has all the blind shots you would want, and it’s moderately bunkered with only about seven or eight on the whole property. Set amongst some pretty spectacular dunes – it’s just cool.”
Here’s the top 9 in full:
Dunaverty (Kintyre peninsula) – Relaxed, “heroic” links golf with drivable par fours
Durness (Scottish Highlands) – Spectacular Highland scenery and “golf on the absolute limit.”
St Olaf (Cruden Bay) – A pretension-free 9-hole gem that rivals major links
Fraserburgh – A “rollercoaster” playground for a true taste of Aberdeenshire
Paisley (Lowlands of Scotland) – Outstanding greens with dramatic, traversing slopes
Auchterarder (Perth and Kinross) – A sporty, accessible stop sharing the same turf as Gleneagles
Fortrose & Rosemarkie (Scottish Highlands) – Fast, scoreable, and a quarter of the cost of nearby trophy venues
Kilspindie (East Lothian) – Pure ground and “Royal Aberdeen vibes” in East Lothian
Kilmacolm (Inverclyde) – Skillful moorland routing with “top of the world” summit views.
Do you agree? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk or leave a message on Facebook.
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
