The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the world’s great road trips - a 516-mile loop around the northern Highlands of Scotland, starting and finishing in Inverness. Famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, empty beaches and rugged mountain passes, the NC500 is also a hidden gem for golfers. For those looking to combine a bucket-list drive with unforgettable rounds, an NC500 golf trip delivers links golf at its purest.
Heading north from Inverness, your first must-play stop is Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Consistently ranked among the world’s best links courses, Royal Dornoch offers raised greens, natural undulations and breathtaking views over the Dornoch Firth. It’s a true Highland classic and a highlight of any Scotland golf tour.
Continuing up the east coast, you’ll reach Wick Golf Club and Reay Golf Club, two traditional links layouts that showcase the raw beauty of the north. Expect firm fairways, coastal winds and a warm Highland welcome. These courses may be less famous, but they deliver authentic Scottish links golf without the crowds.
On the north coast near Durness, Durness Golf Club is one of the most remote courses in the UK. A nine-hole layout perched on the edge of the Atlantic, it offers unforgettable views and a wonderfully natural feel - golf in its most elemental form.
As you travel down the west coast, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Gairloch Golf Club, set beside the sea with mountains rising behind it, provides a relaxed but memorable test. Further south, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club on the Black Isle is another standout. A traditional links course just outside Inverness, it combines tight fairways and small greens with stunning views over the Moray Firth.
An NC500 golf road trip blends spectacular driving with world-class and wonderfully quirky courses. Whether you’re building a dedicated Scotland golf itinerary or adding a few rounds to your Highlands adventure, the North Coast 500 offers a golfing experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
