Royal Dornoch

This photo of the 3rd oldest golf course in the world, Royal Dornoch, and globally ranked as the 15th in the world by Golf Digest does not possess the grandeur of Cypress Point or the massive dunes of Ballybunion but what it does possess is pure golf design genius. And who shall we thank for that genius? Start with the Man Above with some earthly help along the way. When you have a site against the sea like Dornoch, you really don't need much else. Your main job is not to screw it up. And designers over the centuries did not screw it up. They realized their duty of stewardship.

Without question, this is one of the most magical golf courses in the world. It's magic because it is so subtle and understated but it grows on you like chia pet.

First of all, it's beautiful. It's walkable. The green complexes are the best I have ever played on. The bunkers are penal and a lost stroke is a given. The rolls in the fairways simulate the nearby North Sea wave patterns. The short and long views are spell-binding. The sky, the clouds, the light, the shadows and the weather are mesmerizing and ever-changing. The grasses, the vegetation, the colours compose a palette of visual delights that are thrilling to see. And the designer's best friend, Mr Wind, blows, quiets, hisses, blows again from all directions within a day. All the above conspires with each other to present a golfing experience worthy of many visits and of increasing your index.

There's one last thing that makes Dornoch so special. It's a village golf course. The public road to the beach crosses directly in front of the first tee. Mind you, this isn't PCH but it is a road with sporadic traffic...motor vehicles and walkers, and they have right-of-way. The villagers walk about the golf course like it's their backyard...which it is. There is a love affair going on between the citizens of Dornoch town and their golf course. They belong to each other. It's really something to witness.

So, if you go and you must if you're a golfer, don't mess around anywhere else and stay at the Royal Golf Hotel. It's newly refurbished. Comfortable. Affordable. Great staff. Terrific food and drink. And it's only 100 yards from the first tee.

Happy golfing.