Dornoch Strikes Gold at 59Club Awards Night

Royal Dornoch was lauded at the annual 59Club Service Excellence Awards.

The industry ‘Oscars’ style event, which recognises the best venues, teams and individuals across the UK, Ireland and Europe South, was hosted by BBC presenter Dan Walker at The Belfry Hotel and Resort.

Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton said: “We were delighted to be listed among the Gold Flag Destinations, alongside Ryder Cup venues like The Belfry, Celtic Manor and Gleneagles, and other leading venues like Portmarnock, Mount Juliet and The Grove.”

Brad Smith was short-listed for the Golf Retail Manager of the Year and, looking ahead, he has been laying the groundwork to ensure the highest quality merchandise is available for the 2022 season for golfers enjoying The Championship and The Struie courses.

Eoin Riddell was among the contenders for the Greenkeeper of the Year.

Our experienced course manager was recently presented with a limited-edition framed print to mark 35 years’ service with the golf club and the winner of the Food and Beverage Manager of the Year award was Royal Dornoch’s Sue Robb, who retired at the end of the year.

“Congratulations are in order for everyone recognised in these prestigious awards but I’m sure Brad, Eoin and Sue would be among the first to say the accolades reflected a very fine team effort in the most challenging of circumstances,” said Neil.

“We take pride in the clubhouse welcome we provide to members and visitors alike, along with the quality of our golf courses.

“Highland hospitality is renowned the world over and after the challenges posed by the pandemic over the last two years we are looking forward to welcoming our many international friends back to Royal Dornoch in the weeks and months to come.”

The 59Club awards recognise the highest standards of customer excellence, with input from impartial, mystery visitors during the course of 2021.