Durness Golf Club Sutherland

Although there are only 9 greens the clever positioning of a second set of tees ensure there is variety on the back 9. It is no easy course, the record still stands at 69, and is a test for any level of golfer.

The first is an uphill dogleg to the left with the second, third and fourth played out in the direction of the famous and spectacular Fionaven mountain. We turn round on the fifth, a challenging par 4 and the sixth is the American style par 5 with lots of water hazards. This was the favourite of Ronan Rafferty on his visit and a good score here can be the makings of a satisfactory round. The seventh is a delightful par 3 while the par 4 eighth is dominated by the view of Balnakeil Bay and Faraid Head.

The 9th/18th hole was played by and featured in Peter Alliss’ recent TV programme “Travels with Alliss” and consists of a 108 or 155 yard shot across a deep gully to the green. When the tide is in you are in actual fact playing across the Atlantic Ocean so it is a mental challenge.