Dornoch Golf Club was formed in 1877, became Royal in 1906 courtesy of King Edward VII, and has always been operated as a private members club. However, since the very beginning, the members and the people of Dornoch have realised the joy that their course gives to golfers and the value of the tourism to the area so have welcomed visitors ever since the first ball was struck.

The par 70 course is evenly distributed over the two halves, each featuring two par threes, a par five and six par fours. If the wind blows the course will demand more from the player especially the par four finishing hole where a par can be considered a birdie. Old Tom Morris was the architect responsible for extending the original 9 holes layout to 18 holes in 1866. He introduced the plateau greens which are the soul of the course, their uniqueness lies in their size and their inverted saucer shapes.