ROYAL DORNOCH BACKING FOR “HEART MONTH”

SCOTTISH Golf has been running a far-reaching “Heart Month” campaign on social media.

Royal Dornoch is delighted to be playing a part in getting the health message across to golfers around the country, and beyond.

Scottish Golf has partnered with the British Heart Foundation to encourage more golf clubs to install and register defibrillators – and to encourage golfers to learn basic life saving CPR skills in just 15 minutes.

The Scottish Golf campaign notes: “The renowned Highland venue – host to the 2023 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship – made global headlines 10 months ago when they became the first golf club in the world to install lifesaving defibrillators and first aid kits on all their buggies.”

Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton said that after being approached the club was swift to endorse the Scottish Golf campaign.

“We are fully supportive of the ‘Heart Month’ initiative and delighted to help in promoting defibs and CPR to the golfing community,” he said.

“As we know, golf is a great way to exercise and so will reduce instances of heart conditions, but we have to be ready for an emergency on those occasions when making a birdie or hole in one is too much!”

Royal Dornoch was approached last year by Surrey-based businessman David Sullivan, who began championing CPR and defibs after losing two golfing chums to cardiac arrests.

Having popped into Royal Dornoch during a 1100-mile fundraiser and explained his ambitions, the club was determined to upgrade our own safety provisions.

Neil said that while, mercifully, the kit has not been required since being installed on our buggies, the reassurance offered to members and visitors is appreciated.

“The feedback we have received has been very positive.

“The kit is simple to operate and can be used by anyone,” he said. “We feel safe in the knowledge that we are ready for any emergency. It could mean the difference between life and death.”

To learn CPR in just 15 minutes, see the British Heart Foundation’s easy-to-use RevivR app at bhf.org.uk/revivr