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4.9
3 Reviews (3)
5 Stars
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Conditions
4.9
Value
3.3
Layout
4.0
Friendliness
5.0
Pace
4.9
Amenities
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
3 out of 3 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Private
Style Links
Par 71
Length 6833 yards
Slope 137
Rating 74.2

The course, designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, offers the golfer a rare opportunity to play a links course which remains firm and fast. It requires a broad repertoire of shots, not simply the modern style of aerial bombardment golf, and demands that any golfer, regardless of standard, is rewarded for thoughtful and skilful play rather than for power.

At 6,833 yards from the back tees, the course is not long by modern standards, but in a wind, it will test even the mightiest of players. Its varied layout takes the golfer past exceptionally rare wildlife habitats which have been carefully retained and protected and are now managed to ensure their future. Birdlife abounds and with the sea on three sides and the hills of Sutherland and Ross-shire all around, this course must have one of the finest settings in the world of golf.

Course Details

Year Built 1898
Architect Donald Steel (1995) Tom MacKenzie (1995) Martin Ebert (1995)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes
Pull-carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Caddies Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Walking Allowed Yes

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Spa

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Reviews

4.9
3 Reviews (3)
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 638
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Advisor
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Walked

Inside the gates of Scotland's finest private club

Skibo Castle sits in the long shadow of Royal Dornoch, but playing here is every bit as special and in some ways better than its more famous neighbor. Although it is a very exclusive private club, anybody can play Skibo's Carnegie Club if they're willing to fork out the highest green fee in Scotland. The walk is a pleasant one. There's a great mix of beauty and beasts regarding its best holes. The holes along the water are both gorgeous and strategically challenging. The wind usually plays a major factor. The collection of par 3s is one of the best in Scotland. Playing Skibo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 27
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Golf Channel
First Time Playing
Good weather
Walked

All you can handle on a windy day

To be honest, I didn't know much about Skibo Castle before I played there. A couple of my colleagues had teed it up there a number of years ago, but they didn't remember much about it. I was pleasantly surprised after playing a full round there. I thought there were several strong holes -- particularly the par-3 sixth and short par-4 seventh -- and the back nine is brutally difficult in a 25-mph wind. It's a fun course for a team match, and you can't beat the shot of scotch when you walk off the 18th green.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 109
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Golf Channel
Previously Played
Fair weather
Walked

Don't overlook Royal Dornoch's beautiful neighbor

I played here five years ago and forgot how beautiful it is. That day was gray and windy and it was really a survival test. I didn't have time to take it all in.

This time, although windy and a little rainy, it was clear, which gave me a whole new appreciation for how great the course and the views are. The par 3s are terrific and it's a great walk.

The staff is great and the food is some of the best you'll find in the area. When in that area everyone wants to play Royal Dornoch (and rightfully so), but Skibo is only four miles away. Make it a priority.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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5.0
13
Bonar Bridge, Sutherland
0.0
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Golspie, Sutherland
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Portahomack, Ross-shire
0.0
0
Invergordon, Ross-shire
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Alness, Ross-shire
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Brora, Sutherland
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4.8571428571
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Fortrose, Ross-shire
4.8201470588
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8
Golf Packages

Scottish Highlands Signature Golf Package

FROM $417 (USD)
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at the Kingsmills Hotel and 5 rounds of golf at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Nairn Golf Club, Brora Golf Club, and Moray Old Course at Moray Golf Club.

Scottish Highlands Hidden Gems Golf Package

FROM $277 (USD)
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at the Glen Mhor Hotel and 5 rounds of golf at Tain Golf Club, Brora Golf Club, Nairn Golf Club, Golspie Golf Club, and Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club.

Awesome Aberdeen Golf Package

FROM $477 (USD)
ABERDEEN | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at Chester Hotel and 5 rounds of golf at Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Cruden Bay Golf Club, Trump International Golf Links at Trump International Scotland, Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club, Murcar Links.

St Andrews Signature Golf Package

FROM $517 (USD)
ST. ANDREWS | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at The Albany Hotel and 5 rounds of golf at New Course at St Andrews Links, Jubilee Course at St Andrews Links, Balcomie Links at Crail Golfing Society, Castle Course at St Andrews Links and Leven Links Golf Course at Leven Links Golf Club.

St Andrews Value Golf Package

FROM $327 (USD)
ST. ANDREWS | Enjoy 7 nights' accommodations at The Albany Hotel and 5 rounds of golf at New Course at St Andrews Links, Jubilee Course at St Andrews Links, Balcomie Links at Crail Golfing Society, Castle Course at St Andrews Links and Leven Links Golf Course at Leven Links Golf Club.
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