Golf
There are certain courses in Scotland, which may only have nine holes, but Durness Golf Course is on the “must to be played” list. You don’t get much more remote than this but you don’t get much more beautiful. It’s a simple affair, carefully placed along the stunning Faraid Head peninsula set behind the ancient Balnakiel Church – the most northern course on the Scottish mainland.
Amongst many wonderful assets is the light: it can be light here well into the night, and evening rounds of golf are most enjoyable. In the height of summer why not try a round of midnight golf, with porpoises in Balnakiel Bay for company – who could ask for more?
The ultimate hole here is the 9th or 18th which is straight over the North Atlantic Ocean.
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 closeness to nature. They can enjoy their game in tranquil surroundings at a very affordable price. It is no easy course; the record still stands at 69, and is a test for any level of golfer.
The first is an uphill dogleg to the left with the second, third and fourth played out in the direction of the famous and spectacular Foinaven Mountain. We turn round on the fifth; a challenging par 4 and the sixth is the American style par 5 with lots of water hazards. This was the favourite of Ronan Rafferty on his visit and a good score here can be the makings of a satisfactory round. The seventh is a delightful par 3 while the par 4 eighth is dominated by the view of Balnakeil Bay and Faraid Head.