A local pro's guide by John Patrick Herold on the overlooked gems along the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, offering a wilder, authentic taste of Highland golf.

• Golspie: A brilliant hybrid of links, heathland, and pine-lined holes shaped by James Braid. Watch the swirling wind off the Dornoch Firth.
• Brora: The legendary sheep-fence links. James Braid's 1924 routing remains untouched. Mind the par-3 6th ("Witch") and ask Director of Golf Gary Dingwall for a read of the turf. Details at page-3192574.
• Reay: Braid's remote 18-hole links on Sandside Bay, facing the Pentland Firth.
• Durness: A spectacular 9-hole cliff-top challenge in the far northwest, featuring a nerve-wracking par-3 over an Atlantic chasm. Uses an honesty box!
• Wick & Lochbroom: Wick offers a classic, flat Caithness links. Lochbroom provides stunning sea-loch views on a 9-hole hill course near Ullapool.

Local Tips: Bring cash for honesty boxes, play twilight slots (light until 11 PM in June/July), and use the bump-and-run.

Planning a loop? Grab our Highlands Golf Trip Planner and tag your photos on Instagram!