Scottish Highland Golf Courses and where to live nearby
From sweeping links to coastal fairways, Highland Golf Courses capture the spirit of Scotland and the lifestyle that comes with living beside them.
The Scottish Highlands are more than a golfer’s paradise; for discerning homebuyers, the region offers not only an unrivalled lifestyle, but also the potential for long-term value that comes with living close to elite sporting venues.
And with strong road and rail links connecting the Highlands to the rest of Scotland and further south, life here feels not only exceptional but also remarkably convenient.
For buyers seeking a home that blends outdoor pursuits with refined living and long-term investment appeal, the magnetism of living near Highland golf courses is hard to overlook.
Why is Highland golf so special?
Part of the magic lies in the setting. The Highlands offer landscapes that are both dramatic and timeless, where courses are shaped by natural linksland, centuries of wind and sea, and framed by heather moorland, rolling dunes, and rugged coastal cliffs.
Each course feels distinctive, yet all share an authenticity that has drawn golfers from around the world.
The climate plays its part too: cooler summers and brisk winds shape the game, while the fact that many clubs remain open through winter means golf can be enjoyed year-round, offering residents a near-constant invitation to the fairways.
Here we share some of the best Scottish Highland golf courses and where to live nearby.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Royal Dornoch is often spoken of with a kind of reverence, and for good reason. Golf has been played here since the early 1600s, making it one of the oldest clubs in the world.
The Championship Course runs along the Dornoch Firth; its greens are quick and full of character, with natural dunes shaping the play. There’s also a second 18-hole course and a friendly clubhouse, so the sense of welcome matches the quality of the golf.
Skibo Castle (Carnegie Club)
Tucked away on the shores of the Dornoch Firth, Skibo Castle is home to the Carnegie Club, one of the most private and prestigious golfing estates in Scotland.
First created by Andrew Carnegie, the course is set against a backdrop of Highland hills and open water, with fairways that feel as immaculate as the setting itself. It’s a place where membership is by invitation only, adding to its sense of exclusivity.
Where to live nearby: Dornoch, Sutherland
The seaside town of Dornoch sits on the Sutherland coast and is known for its cathedral, long sandy beach, and easy-going charm.
It’s also just minutes from both Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the exclusive Skibo Castle, making it a standout destination for those seeking Highland golf courses of the highest calibre.
Homes in Dornoch range from traditional stone cottages and Victorian villas to larger family houses and smart period conversions.
The town has good schools, while day-to-day life is enriched by independent shops, cafés, and welcoming inns. For anyone wanting a slower pace of life with world-class golf on the doorstep, Dornoch is hard to beat.
Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands)
Located just outside Inverness, Castle Stuart Golf Links (now part of Cabot Highlands) is a modern classic. It opened in 2009 and quickly earned acclaim for its sweeping views over the Moray Firth and its innovative design, which makes it both challenging and enjoyable for all levels.
Its striking Art Deco-style clubhouse offers panoramic views and refined dining, and there are also exclusive opportunities to own property within the setting.
Where to live nearby : Inverness
Inverness is often called the capital of the Highlands, and it manages to feel both busy and welcoming. You’ll find a mix of property here: smart townhouses, riverside apartments, modern family homes, and larger country houses a short drive out of the city.
It’s well-connected, with its own airport and rail services, and schools in the area have good reputations. Day to day, life in Inverness balances Highland friendliness with the practicalities of a small city with shops, restaurants, theatre, and easy access to some of Scotland’s best golf.
Nairn Golf Club
Nairn Golf Club has been part of the local community since 1887 and is recognised as one of the great links courses of the north. The greens are famously quick, the winds off the coast keep play interesting, and over the years, it has hosted events like the Walker Cup.
As one of the finest Highland golf courses, it attracts players from across the region. The clubhouse has a relaxed but traditional feel, with good practice facilities and a strong membership.
Where to live nearby: Nairn, Highland
Nairn is both a seaside town and a market town, with long, sandy beaches and a centre full of character.
Houses range from Victorian villas to modern family homes and flats, as well as cottages tucked into quieter streets. It has well-regarded schools, plenty of local shops and cafés, and a growing food scene.
The coastal setting means outdoor life comes naturally in Nairn, whether it’s sailing, walking on the beach, or playing golf.
It’s a good choice for anyone who wants a gentler pace of life while still being within reach of Inverness.
Brora Golf Club
Brora Golf Club has been part of the landscape since 1891. Redesigned by James Braid, it’s a true Highland Golf Course, right on the edge of the North Sea.
Sheep and cattle still graze on the fairways, which adds to its old-fashioned charm. The setting is dramatic, with the sea on one side and hills in the distance, and the course is as beautiful as it is challenging.
Where to live nearby: Brora, Sutherland
Brora is a small, close-knit, and relaxed village that sits on the coast, with stunning views over the sea.
Brora properties include traditional stone cottages, family houses, and newer builds, many with wide open views.
Day-to-day life is quiet, with local shops, cafés, and schools covering the essentials. The village is ideal for anyone who enjoys walking, fishing, or simply being outdoors.
For those wanting community and calm, Brora offers both.
Spey Valley Championship Course
Spey Valley in Aviemore is a striking course which is part of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
Long fairways sweep along the River Spey, with the Cairngorm Mountains as a constant backdrop.
The course is challenging in both length and design, with natural hazards that keep even experienced players on their toes, yet the setting ensures every round is unforgettable.
Being part of the resort also means there’s more than golf on offer, with facilities and activities to enjoy throughout the year.
Where to live nearby: Aviemore, Cairngorms
Aviemore is one of the most energetic towns in the Highlands, famous for its year-round outdoor pursuits.
Property in Aviemore is varied, from timber lodges and cosy holiday cottages to modern family houses and apartments, many designed to make the most of the dramatic mountain views.
The town has schools, shops, cafés, and leisure options in abundance, and with skiing, hiking, and biking on the doorstep, it’s a place that attracts families, professionals, and second-home buyers who want both convenience and adventure.
Living near the top Highland golf courses
Alongside these famous names, there are many more outstanding Highland golf courses, each with its own character and nearby communities that make them wonderful places to live.
- Golspie Golf Club in Sutherland mixes links, heathland, and parkland in a single round. Golspie village itself is relaxed and friendly, with sandy beaches, stone cottages, and a community feel.
- Tain Golf Club overlooks the Dornoch Firth and has long been considered one of the Highlands’ great historic courses. The town of Tain is lively, with schools, shops, and a busy local scene that appeals to families and retirees.
- Boat of Garten Golf Club, known affectionately as “The Boat,” sits in the Cairngorms close to Aviemore. The village is picture-book pretty, with traditional homes, small cafés, and access to beautiful walking routes and wildlife.
- Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club is framed by woodland and set close to a handsome Georgian town. Grantown offers independent shops, cafés, and a warm welcome, making it one of the most desirable places to live in the region.
Choosing to live close to one of these Highland golf courses isn’t just about enjoying a great game; it’s also about investing in a lifestyle and a property with enduring appeal.
Homes near Scotland’s top golf courses are often in high demand, attracting interest from both local buyers and an international audience.
If you’re thinking about living in the Highlands, Garrington Property Finders can help. With in-depth local knowledge and access to properties both on and off the open market, we’ll work with you to find a home that suits your lifestyle, offers strong long-term value, and puts world-class golf on your doorstep.
Please contact us today for a no-obligation discussion about your requirements.
