Balnakiel,
Durness, Sutherland IV27 4PX
The Course:
9 holes. Clifftop links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Clifftop seaside setting on shoreline of Balnakiel Bay.
Designer:
Designed by three local golfers: Lachie Ross, Ian Morrison and Francis Keith.
This nine-hole layout has two sets of tees for each hole, making for a varied 18-hole experience.
58.576297
-4.774214
1.5 mi W of Durness / 106 mi NW of Inverness.
Durness
Durness Golf Club: this stunningly scenic nine-hole course is located in the far northwestern tip of Scotland, overlooking Balnakiel Beach. It's the UK's most northerly mainland course, and one where the backdrops will surely stir your golfing soul.
If you do make the three-hour drive from Inverness to get here, you'll pass through some of the most remote and rugged areas of the Highlands. And then arrive at one of Scotland's most remote, rugged and immensely scenic golf courses.
Pick of the holes: in this wonderfully natural setting, the 6th (15th) hole plays as a right-to-left dogleg alongside Loch Lanlish. But the best "water hole" comes at the end. The par-3 9th (18th) plays across a rocky inlet, with stunning Balnakiel Beach and Bay framing the hole.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Worth booking in advance; alternatively golfers can pay at the clubhouse when its staffed, or use the honesty box.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2025].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (if booked in advance).
Limited
The small village of Durness, one of the most northwesterly on mainland Britain, lies in the historic county of Sutherland. It is the largest village in the northwest corner of Scotland with a population of around 400. The Scottish clans most closely associated with the area are Mackay, Morrison, MacLeay and McLeod.
Scotland's 76th best course (Golf World, 2024).
Durness, Sutherland IV27 4PN.
+44 (0)1971 511 202
Visit websiteA collection of seven individually designed luxury rooms, as well as a house and cottages in the centre of Durness village, on the rugged edge of the Scottish Highlands.
Durness
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Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7).
After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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