The Journey to Scotland: Where It All Began

My connection to golf begins in the north of Scotland—but the story runs deeper than the game itself.

On my mother’s side, I descend from William Ross, born in 1732 in Tain, Scotland. He left his homeland with the Fraser Highlanders (78th Regiment) and fought in the capture of Louisbourg and the siege of Quebec. (While the genealogy on my father`s side (the Roy) is less clear, it’s not inconceivable that my ancestors opposed each other during the battle on the plains of Abraham!)

When William Ross’s service ended in 1763, he made a life-changing decision: he stayed in Canada, settling along the lower St. Lawrence River.

Generations later, that Scottish thread still pulls.About 15 years ago, I finally made the journey to Tain. After a business trip to London, I took the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from Euston Station to Montrose, where I joined my longtime friend Richard who was living there at the time. From there, we drove up the coast to Tain and Dornoch. Standing where my family story began, and discovering the golf of the Highlands at the same time - it’s hard to describe what that felt like. But if you love golf, you already understand.

This part of Scotland is sacred ground for the game. At the heart of any trip to this area should be Royal Dornoch Golf Club - one of the purest links experiences in the world. Just down the road lies Tain Golf Club, a classic Highland links designed by Old Tom Morris. It’s understated, beautiful, and deeply authentic - rolling terrain, sea air, and mountain backdrops that remind you exactly where you are. Further up the coast, you find two unforgettable contrasts: Brora Golf Club - raw, exposed, and wonderfully untamed. No trees, roaming sheep maintaining the turf, and that feeling that you’ve reached the edge of the world. This is links golf in its most natural state. Golspie Golf Club - one of the most varied courses you’ll ever play. Links, heathland, and woodland all in a single round, originally designed by James Braid. Every few holes feel like a new course. And then there’s the modern addition: Castle Stuart Golf Links (Cabot Highlands) - a stunning contemporary links overlooking the Moray Firth.

For those thinking of making the trip:

When to play: Late May through early October offers the best conditions—long daylight hours (you can play well into the evening). But I went in early November, after a business trip to London, and it was still very pleasant.

What makes it special: The golf is inseparable from the land - firm fairways, unpredictable bounces, ever-changing wind. There’s very little “manufactured” here. It feels real in a way that’s increasingly rare.

What surprised me: How quiet it all is. For courses of this quality, you’d expect crowds - but instead, you often feel like you have the landscape to yourself. And the variety - within such a small area, the differences between courses are remarkable.

This was more than a golf trip for me. It was a return - to family roots, to the origins of the game, and to a kind of golf that stays with you.

Have a thought, suggestion, or story to share? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have feedback on a blog post, ideas for future course features, or a golf experience worth telling, feel free to get in touch. This space is all about connecting golfers and sharing the game—your voice is always welcome.