Podcast: Communities For Coul Tries To Resurrect Links With Mike Keiser

You may recall past posts about the proposed golf course near Royal Dornoch that sadly did not get approved.

It’s visionary seems to have stepped back but a combination of locals with the long term health of Highlands golf as a destination have devised a creative approach to resurrecting the project. If they are successful, Mike Keiser has vowed to bring his development vision to get the course built.

While the area is already a destination with the courses it has, Coul Links would undoubtedly add to the Highlands and bring more affinity for several gems. The site is extraordinary but is sensitive, which makes the careful approach of the first and latest efforts worth tracking.

In the latest Scottish Golf podcast Ru Macdonald interviews Gordon Sutherland, who operates Fionn Lodge overlooking Dornoch’s first green and is part of the Communities For Coul effort. They’ve crafted some compelling ideas for land stewardship and long term protection of huge swath of land that is not currently getting the care it deserves. It’s a great listen.

The group’s page is worth checking out as a clear and concise explanation of what they’re trying for. They also have a sensational silent auction for incredible golf trip to raise funds. I’ve been to all the places, eaten at the world class Links House Hotel, had the local whiskies and gins, and can say the package for up to eight and worth £10,000 is dreamy:

• Accommodation in the five star Fionn Lodge, a luxury self-catering property 
• Five rounds of links golf, one round at each of Royal Dornoch’s Championship and Struie courses, Brora, Golspie and Tain.
 • Dinner one evening at MARA, the fine dining experience at five star Links House Hotel.
 • Private dinner at Fionn Lodge on three evenings.*
 • Private tasting of local whiskies and gins.
 • Private transport between Fionn Lodge and Brora, Golspie and Tain golf courses (if required).
 • An accompanied visit to Coul Links to view the site of the proposed new Mike Keiser golf course, designed by
 Bill Coore of Coore & Crenshaw

Bids are to be emailed to buildcoul@gmail.com.