Practice line and speed, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Durness Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
13
13 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
83
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
4 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Durness Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Durness, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Durness
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts using an alignment mirror.
Sand | Parallel Ball Lines | 9 Stop Zones
Up to 5 players compete to stop a sand shot in the stop zone(s). The player with the most points at the end wins the challenge. Up to 80 balls are needed.
Short irons (9,8) | Backswing
Work only on backswing using short irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Short irons (9,8) | Takeaway
Work only on takeaway using short irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Short irons (9,8) | Around the Stick
Curve the ball around the alignment stick using using short irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Short irons (9,8) | GIRs Simulation
Simulate X number of GIR (Green in Regulations) using short irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of greens hit.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Durness.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
lucy@durnessgolfclub.org
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Facilities
Location
Balnakeil
Course Description
Durness Golf Club is a coastal 9-hole links golf course in Scotland’s north, offering a second set of tees to provide an 18-hole experience amid dramatic sea and mountain scenery. Located on the North Coast 500 route, it is Britain’s most north-westerly course on the mainland and features a rugged, seaside layout that attracts visitors and locals alike. Open to visitors with additional events such as open competitions, the club also maintains a small online presence including an affiliated shop. The club is based in Balnakeil, Durness, Sutherland, IV27 4PX, Scotland.
nine hole links • coastal golf course • scotland golf • durness golf club • north coast 500 golf • britains north west golf • golf in sutherland • open competitions • visitor golfing • seaside golf • clinched by sea views • course with second tees • balnakeil golf • durness golf shop • golf • sports • recreation • club • outdoor activities
Course Information
Holes
9
Par
35
Type
Links
Opened
1988
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Durness
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 13 Programs
% match to course practice profileSand from deep bunkers, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Handle tight lies, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stick to woods line, for a 13-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
16 Week Flagship Program for Durness
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Durness. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 16 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Focus On Green Reading
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Short Game · Chip
Stick Chip Close To Hole
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Short Game · Flop
Flop 20–30 Yds Over Hazard
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 15.0
Short Game · Sand
Sand 10–25 Yds
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 14.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Control Short Iron Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Stop Missing Greens With Long Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Stop Missing Greens With Short Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Shape it perfectly: fade or draw with wedges
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 26.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Pick your line and stick it—woods accuracy challenge
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 13.0
Maximize in regulation, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stop within 2 feet, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedStick flops to green, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Land close to pin, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Save par consistently, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Hit close to flag, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Eliminate hooks, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Stop missing greens, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Fade or draw wedges, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Durness
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Durness
Get answers to common questions about playing Durness and what to expect.
How difficult is Durness for mid-handicap golfers?
Durness presents a demanding test. This slope level makes it manageable compared to championship venues. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 35.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Durness?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Durness?
With a course rating of 70 and par 35, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 35 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Durness and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 6500 yards from the back tees, it does not overwhelm length but rewards accuracy.
What type of course is Durness and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Links design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Durness strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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