The Championship Course here is one of the most famous links courses in the world; it is generally ranked among the top five courses in the world outside the United States. For example, five-time Open champion Tom Watson arrived at this course one day to play eighteen holes, but ended up playing 54 holes and later said, "it's the most fun I've ever had on a golf course!"

The club at Royal Dornoch formed in 1877, with Old Tom Morris formally designing a layout in 1886. During World War II, four holes were lost to a temporary aerodrome; George Duncan designed four new holes to replace them, as well as the first nine of what was then-known as the "Ladies' Course." That course is now the "Struie Course" and is a full 18 holes. A three-hole "Academy" practice course, a large practice range, and a putting green with sand bunker are also available.

Visitors are welcome via advance reservations Sunday to Friday, and then on Saturdays normally after 2:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. during July and August). Carts/buggies are available to golfers with a medical certificate at £25.