Conde Nast Traveler has smart advice for readers visiting the 2014 Ryder Cup at St Andrews.

When the golf is done, they suggest, tour the Highlands and stay at The Torridon.

Good idea, but that doesn’t mean you need to forsake your golf.

There are lots of fun but challenging nine hole golf courses throughout the Scottish Highlands and islands. True they may not be manicured to Ryder Cup standards but the views compensate for that. And happily, you rarely need your handicap certificate.

Two courses sit within a handy 30 minute drive (by car, not three wood) from The Torridon.

Gairloch Golf Club has a great links course set amongst the dunes beside a long sandy beach and with fine views out towards the Hebrides. Visitors are made very welcome, a round of golf costs just £20 and clubs can be hired for £8 a set.

If there is nobody at Lochcarron Golf Club to take your £20 green fee, just use the honesty box. This is another fine 9 hole course, where keeping your ball away from the loch poses a considerable challenge over the first few holes.

Whichever course you play, there will be good tales to tell in the Whisky Bar back at The Torridon.

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