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Royal Dornoch Climbs To Number Three in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses

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ROYAL Dornoch has edged up to number three in Golf Digest’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. 

The renowned 6704-yard, Par 70 Championship Course previously featured at number four in the biennial rankings compiled with input from 350 panelists drawn from 25 different countries. 

While three Scottish courses made the top 10 list of courses beyond the USA, number one was Royal County Down in Northern Ireland – like Dornoch, an Old Tom Morris design – with New Zealand’s Tom Doak designed Tara Iti retaining its number two spot. 

Royal Dornoch was followed by Royal Melbourne, Morfontaine in France, Japan’s Hirono Golf Club, Muirfield – slipping from third last time round – Royal Portrush, The Old Course at the Home of Golf, which is preparing to host the 150th Open, and Cabot Hills in Nova Scotia. 

The glowing Golf Digest review recalled that celebrated American writer Herbert Warren Wind hailed Dornoch “the most natural course in the world,” while his fellow countryman and eight times Majors winner Tom Watson famously remarked that it was the most fun he’d had playing golf. 

The original Old Tom Morris imprint with its teasing plateau greens amidst the split-level fairways inspired local lad Donald Ross as he went on to craft more than 450 courses, including Pinehurst #2, in the USA. 

Neil Hampton, general manager of Royal Dornoch, has welcomed the latest accolade to come the Highland club’s way. 

“While Royal Dornoch Championship Course regularly features in any list of the world’s top courses, no one here takes anything for granted,” he said. 

“It’s wonderful to be ranked among the top three by such a respected publication as Golf Digest, especially when you see the legendary courses and highly regarded newcomers that feature in their top 10. 

“I am delighted for everyone in the team here at Royal Dornoch who are again welcoming visitors from home and abroad in their droves, following the travel issues created by the pandemic. 

“It’s marvelous that those who have secured bookings for the 2022 season can again enjoy the historic links at Royal Dornoch Championship Course and the Struie sister Course.”