AN iconic Scottish golf club is set for a major expansion after splashing out on 50 acres worth of farmland.
Royal Dornoch in the Highlands was recently named the second best course in the WORLD – beating out the likes of St Andrews (Old) and Trumpy Turnberry (Ailsa)
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Sutherland, ScotlandCredit: Alamy
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The Royal Golf Hotel overlooks both of the club’s coursesCredit: Alamy
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The Struie course is set for a major transformationCredit: Alamy
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Work has already started
It’s one of several excellent venues on Scotland’s North Coast 500 and it boasts not one but two 18-hole courses.
The Championship Course is the track that takes most of the acclaim and attracts golfers from all over the world to play the famous links.
It’s sister course, the Struie Course, is also highly-rated and has been included in the list of Scotland’s 50 best links courses.
After buying land from the adjacent farm to the course, Royal Dornoch has revealed it will be used to develop the Struie and potentially build a brand new nine-hole course.
A further £1.5m has been spent on a new irrigation system to further enhance the playing offering at the near-150-year-old club.
Royal Dornoch has already ploughed £13.9m into the construction of a new clubhouse as it prepares the mark its 150th anniversary.
A statement from the club read: “Royal Dornoch Golf Club has announced a 50-acre land purchase which will see the Struie Course developed in years to come.
“While the Championship Course is the magnet luring golfers from around the globe to the Highlands, our sister course is ranked among Scotland’s top 50 links.
“Now, with adjacent rolling farmland at Davochfin secured for a six-figure sum and work on a new £1.5 million high-tech irrigation system beginning this week, members can expect to have design proposals to consider over the next two or three years.”
General manager Neil Hampton said: “It’s another exciting milestone for the golf club.
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“With the new clubhouse project well under way, it has been apparent from member surveys that an even better Struie Course and improved practice facilities top their wish list.
“This has always been a very progressive club and I’m glad to say the desire is there to keep improving.”
It was architect Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie & Evert who identified the potential for expanding the Struie.
He noticed land beyond the current 10th hole that could be used for future development.
And as many as SIX new holes could be created.
Hampton added: “Tom said this parcel of land, which mirrors the landscape of holes seven to 14, would be ideal for any further development should it ever become available.
“He felt it had enormous potential to create some fantastic golf holes, and he incorporated a few into his sketches.
“We spoke to the landowner and from the outset, while it wasn’t designated an SSSI, we also ran it by NatureScot for their advice.
“Sadly, the farmer passed away and then the pandemic put everything on hold. It has been a protracted process but following talks with the family a deal has been agreed to transfer 50 of the undulating acres to us.
“We are imagining five or six holes with plenty of space for wild grasses and the heather to thrive. You can be sure it will be sensitively handled.”
Eoin Riddell, the course manager, has been asking for an updated irrigation system for several years.
As it stands, only the tees and the greens on the Struie have full irrigation, leaving the fairways to the elements.
With the new system it will allow not only for improvements to the Struie, but for the potential creation of the nine-hole course.
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The Struie Course is set for a major transformationCredit: Alamy
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The new land for the new holes for the Struie Course and potential nine-holer
“Currently we have irrigation only on the tees and the greens, none on the fairways, and just one or the other can be on at any given time.
“We bought a big bowser so we could put some water on the fairways when needed.
“The new system will be much better on the sustainability front. We won’t be using more water; the system will allow us to target where water is needed and controlled from mobile phones and laptops.
“A key driver has been that the Struie is getting a lot more play, from both our members and visitors, which has been most encouraging.
“Word has been spreading of its quality, so we felt it was time to move ahead with this significant investment.
“There is an element of future proofing involved as we look to develop plans for the Struie and perhaps a new nine-hole course.”
Even before the works are completed, a new Par 3 hole with an infinity green overlooking the Dornoch Firth has been built.
It comes after the 9th hole and new tees will enhance the current 10th, with players playing along the shoreline and will be ready for play at the start of next season.
“The views looking down the new hole are stunning,” Hampton said.
“It looks like a classic Struie hole and once the sand is in the bunkers the definition will be further enhanced.
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“A slight delay caused by bad weather last year has proved a blessing in disguise, allowing more time for it to bed in.
“Work has been progressing well and we are all looking forward to it opening for play in the spring.”
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Royal Dornoch’s Struie Course has seen an uplift in visiting playersCredit: Getty
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