One of Scotland's premier golf clubs has taken a step towards long-held expansion plans with the six-figure acquisition of 50 acres of linksland.
Royal Dornoch has closed the deal more than a decade after one of its members, architect Tom Mackenzie, identified land beyond the 10th hole of the Struie Course as ideal for development. General manager Neil Hampton said the purchase is an "exciting milestone" for the club, which will be hosting the 2028 Curtis Cup.
“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,” Mr Hampton said. Some sketches of the potential holes were incorporated into a 2013 master plan prepared by the firm Mackenzie and Ebert for Royal Dornoch.
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“We spoke to the landowner and from the outset, while it wasn't designated an SSSI [Sites of Special Scientific Interest], we also ran it by NatureScot for their advice," Mr Hampton said.
“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.”
The land has been acquired to reimagine Struie, the sister track to Royal Dornoch's championship course, along with the creation of new practice facilities. No firm timeframe is yet in place for the development, with design proposals set to go before members within "the next two or three years".
Struie, which ranks among Scotland's top 50 links courses in its own right, is said to be in increasing demand which has led to the start of work on a new high-tech irrigation system. The current irrigation system at Struie, which is many years old, covers tees and greens but not fairways.
From next year a new par-3 hole with an infinity green overlooking the Dornoch Firth will come into play at Struie. It is located after the current ninth hole, though it has yet to be decided what its hole number will be.
“The views looking down the new hole are stunning,” Mr Hampton said. “It looks like a classic Struie hole and once the sand is in the bunkers the definition will be further enhanced.
“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.”
Meanwhile, work is progressing on Royal Dornoch's new £13.5m clubhouse which is due for a "soft opening" on an unspecified date next year. This development, also delayed by the pandemic, has been financed with a £5m funding package from the Royal Bank of Scotland and the remainder from the club's financial reserves.
“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," Mr Hampton said. “This has always been a very progressive club and I’m glad to say the desire is there to keep improving.”
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