Ness Road East,
Fortrose, Ross-Shire IV10 8SE
Office
+44 (0)1381 620 529Pro shop
+44 (0)1381 620 733Fax
+44 (0)1381 621 328Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Rob Douglas (PGA, Head Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
James Braid designed the current layout in 1932. Golf was probably played on the Chanonry Peninsula from at least 1700 onward, and a club formed in 1793.
57.582688
-4.108897
14 miles NE of Inverness
From Inverness go north on A9. After 6 mls, at roundabout, take the A832 direction Fortrose. After 9 mls, at top end of Fortrose, turn right into Ness Road. After 0.5 mls turn left into Ness Road East. After 400 yds golf is on your right.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club: Located between the neighbouring villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie, no course in Britain and Ireland, except perhaps the Old Head near Cork, is more spectacularly surrounded by the sea. But unlike the dramatically elevated Old Head, here at Fortrose you will often be playing directly beside the beach.
The 18-holes of this wonderfully scenic, seaside golf course occupy the lion's share of Chanonry Ness, which points finger-like into the Moray Firth. Every hole rubs shoulders with or looks onto the Firth, often from any direction you care to face.
The opening stretch of holes underline the need for accuracy versus length as a foundation for scoring well. Seriously deep, revetted bunkers, ball-grabbing whins (gorse bushes) and firm bounces on the fairways and greens underline that this is a traditional links golf course in every respect.
The front-nine forms a clockwise loop, hugging the peninsula's shoreline. This leaves the eight consecutive par-4s and closing par-3 of the back-nine to journey counter-clockwise through the layout's equally scenic and slightly higher middle ground. At no point will you be more than a well-hit 5-iron away from the sea.
Although short by modern standards, the wind will undoubtedly play its part in lengthening some holes and shortening others. On any given day, the tee-shot at the 130-yard par-3 5th, alongside the Chanonry Point Lighthouse, might require a bunt with a sand-wedge, or a full larrup with a 3-iron, or anything in-between. A wee gem of a course - don't miss it!
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club is located on Chanonry Ness, an immensely scenic spit of land that extends into the Moray Firth between the villages of Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. At the end of Chanonry Ness is Chanonry Point, one of the best places in the UK to view Bottlenose dolphins at close range. The dolphins are frequently visible, especially on an incoming tide when they play and fish in the strong currents.
A lighthouse situated at the tip of Chanonry Point was first lit in 1846. Across the Moray Firth you'll clearly see Fort George. This vast garrison fortress is the largest artillery fortification in Britain, and has served as home to some of Scotland's most distinguished regiments, not least the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons), and the legendary Black Watch.
Scotland's 47th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 169th best course (Golf World, 2024).
Union St, Fortrose IV10 8TD
+44 (0)1381 620 236
Visit websiteThe Anderson (pub - restaurant - accommodation) is located on Cathedral Square in the center of the seaside village of Fortrose. Most of the structure dates from the 1840s, and includes a 50-seat restaurant, cozy Whisky Bar and firelit country pub. Upstairs are 9 ensuite guest rooms, which combine antique decor with modern conveniences.
No
Fortrose & Rosemarkie
Tain (using Nigg-Cromarty ferry)
Marine Terrace, Cromarty, Ross & Cromarty IV11 8YN
+44 (0)1381 600 217
Visit websiteThe Royal Hotel has a Scottish country house atmosphere with open fires and good local fresh Scottish cooking and is personally run by the owners, Janice and Neil Campbell. The 10-guest room hotel overlooks Cromarty harbour and enjoys stunning views of the Cromarty Firth and Sutherland mountains.
No
No
Fortrose & Rosemarkie; Tain and Royal Dornoch (using Nigg-Cromarty ferry)
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