Royal Dornoch Golf Club in the Scottish Highlands is one of Scotland's most historic and beloved links

Royal Dornoch Golf Club, founded in 1877, is one of Scotland's most historic and beloved links. This small beachside town in the Scottish Highlands has become a coveted destination for golfers all over the world. It's also home to one of the most famous club competitions, the Carnegie Shield, which has led to a thriving international membership.

Old Tom Morris had a large hand in the creation of Royal Dornoch. Morris arrived in 1886 and offered his expertise to the course. World War II led to the destruction of four holes, which were later recreated. New holes were developed as well. Many holes have raised and crowned greens heavily defended by small, deep pot bunkers. One of the most famous holes, however, is the bunkerless 14th, known as "Foxy."

The town of Dornoch was also the birthplace of Donald Ross, who worked at Dornoch as "keeper of the green" and later under the tutelage of Morris in St. Andrews before permanently moving to the United States, where he served as greenskeeper at the Pinehurst Resort and would design an estimated 400 golf courses in his lifetime.

Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Located in the Scottish Highlands town of Dornoch, the summer days are long at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

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Royal Dornoch - Championship Course

Donald Ross was born in Dornoch and brought what he learned at this course to the United States, where he designed approximately 400 golf courses.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 2

The par-4 second hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is guarded by a row of traps beside the fairway.

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Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club - gorse

The ever-present gorse is something you'll want to avoid on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

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Royal Dornoch GC in Scotland

Royal Dornoch Golf Club was founded in 1877.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 1

The first hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a gentle par 4 that plays beside the town.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 5

The par-4 fifth hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club features one of the more treacherous green complexes.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 6

The sixth hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is the famous "Whinny Brae," a short par 3.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 7

The seventh tee box on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is the highest point on the golf course.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 8

The par-4 eighth hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club tumbles down toward the sea.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 10

The 10th hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a short and tricky par 3 surrounded by deep bunkers.

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Royal Dornoch D.C. - Championship Course - hole 17

The par-4 17th hole on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club heads downhill before it doglegs left and back up to an elevated and partially blind green.

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