Durness Golf Club is located in one of the most remote areas of mainland Scotland, way up in the far northwest corner of the country, close to Cape Wrath. It’s an area of unspoiled natural beauty, with miles of rugged coastline, vast tracts of barren moorland and isolated pockets of beautiful sandy beaches.
It’s in this spectacular setting that the golf course at Durness Golf Club is set and it’s recognised as one of the true hidden gems of Scottish golf, featuring on many a “must play” list of golfers who’ve read about the beguiling attractions of this little 9-hole links layout.
Established in 1988, the course was laid out by three golfing enthusiasts on land overlooking Balnakeil Bay and they configured the layout in such a way, with nine greens and eighteen tees, that an 18-hole round can be played quite comfortably.
Officially recognised as a nine hole course, but with a second set of very different tees Durness plays like a traditional 18 holes. Being situated in North West Sutherland golfers are ensured spectacular scenery and a closeness to nature.
The 6th/15th is the only par five on the card and it’s a wonderful long hole, sweeping right around Loch Lanlish to a raised green. Fabulous though this hole undoubtedly is, the par three 9th /18th hole trumps it somewhat, as the tee shot is played across a sea inlet to a well-protected green on the other side. The par four 4th/13th use different fairways to get to the same green.
Durness’ website says golfers can enjoy playing from dawn until dusk. Now dusk, in the summer at least, happens to fall a little later than most places.
In fact, it’s possible to play after midnight and, certainly, very late in the evening. In June, that brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘the longest day’.
