courses.” The Championship Course has also been listed No. 1 in the world by Golfscape, the online golf reservation service. Tom Watson, who is an honorary member at Royal Dornoch offers high praise, “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.” Patty Gates of Worcester, Massachusetts, echoed Watson’s praise, “My overall memory at Royal Dornoch was that it was the most fun and happy round of golf I’ve ever played.” During my three-day, three-round experience at Royal Dornoch, I stayed at the Dornoch Station Hotel. The well-decorated Bar Ross, with its snooker table, is a popular destination at night for hotel guests. The quality of the fare served at The Golden Gorse restaurant, plus its overall ambiance add to the appeal of the Dornoch Station Hotel. Upon leaving Dornoch, I headed south to Nairn, which is another small community based along the Moray Firth. I stayed at the Gulfview Hotel & Spa for three days and two nights and enjoyed the view of the Moray Firth. The Coast Spa, which includes a heated indoor pool, is truly first-class. The hotel’s overall service, as well as the Hickory Restaurant is superb. Nairn is the home of both Nairn and Castle Stuart Golf Links. Nairn has hosted the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and the 2021 Men’s (British) Amateur Championship. Avid golfers say golf at Nairn is as exciting as playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. When you play Nairn, make a pit shop for a snack, drink or a bathroom break at the halfway house known as the Bothy, which is adjacent to the 9th green. More than 100 years ago, former five-time (British) Open champion James Braid recognized Nairn’s positive qualities, which continue to this day. Braid fired a 69 on Nairn in 1901 and was the first player to break 70 on the course. “The texture of the turf and character of the greens are unrivalled.” In my opinion, Castle Stuart is a ‘Mona Lisa,’ as it’s one of the most perfect golf course layouts in the world. It’s also a four-time host of the Scottish Open. Western Gailes, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, and Nairn – plus the Dornoch Station Hotel and the Gulfview Hotel & Spa -- await your arrival and my return.
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