Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club

It’s 125 years old and is spectacularly located on the Chanonry Peninsula in the ‘Black Isle’. This stunning but underrated links enjoys breathtaking views over the Moray Firth. The handiwork of James Braid, this is a short but magical Highlands links exquisitely plotted on the narrow Chanonry peninsula.

You’re guaranteed a memorable round of golf along with breathtaking coastal scenery – eight holes run close to the sea – which could well involve spotting the neighbouring dolphin colony.

It may lack length but the course is no pushover. The small, deceptive greens, well-placed bunkering and dense gorse make this a tricky test. Pick of the holes include the stroke-index-1 4th, known as Lighthouse and the following par 3.

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Course architect James Braid's remarkable achievement in designing 18 challenging holes within the narrow Chanonry peninsula is instantly obvious and admired by first-time visitors. Modern-day golf writers enthuse over the course layout and condition, with accolades such as 'a gem of a course by the sea' - 'the smallest but perhaps the brightest jewel in the Highlands' golfing crown' - 'one of the most pleasant rounds of golf in the north' - 'a unique course with a special character to be found nowhere else'.

What Fortrose and Rosemarkie may lack in yardage is more than offset by its small, deceptive greens and strategically-placed bunkers - challenges which are multiplied in the mind of the player by a public road dissecting the course, the proximity of the sea to eight of the holes and the dense island of gorse that awaits the wayward shot at numerous others.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 A Putters dream 07 August 2014

  By Ronnie Ewart

  If there are better greens "anywhere" I have yet to play on them, including the cream of Scottish links golf and worldwide. A great layout with nice variety in lengths .A Miniature links classic. played 5/8/14 R Ewart.

• 3 out of 5 What quick greens 09 March 2007

  By Anonymous

  A lovely setting and a stunning summers day. We knew we were in for a good day when my partner started to put on the practice green. He sailed his first put 15 feet past...."these are a bit fast"he remarked and indeed they remain the quickest and truist greens I've putted on. Good variety of holes ,fun to play in the very best of settings. A must for those visiting the Highlands.