WOOSIE WAXES LYRICAL ABOUT ROYAL DORNOCH

EVER since Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw shared stories about their experiences at Royal Dornoch, famous names have been beating a path to the Championship Course.

Green Jacket winner and victorious Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam OBE became the latest to savour his trip to the Highlands.

In advance of this week’s Senior Open presented by Rolex at Carnoustie Golf Links, former European Tour Golfer of the Year and World Golf Hall of Famer Woosie headed further north, taking-in Nairn, Cabot Highlands and Royal Dornoch.

It proved to be a memorable trip for the big-hitting Welshman, who memorably won The Masters in 1991.

Like most visiting golfers, Woosie happily posed for a photograph in front of the famous flags, which, naturally, included the Welsh flag to welcome the popular veteran pro, now teeing it up on the Legends Tour.

Woosie (66), who captained the European team to victory over the USA at the K-Club in 2006, revealed he had played Nairn for the first time in around 45 years before having another “wonderful day” at Cabot Highlands on the outskirts of Inverness.

Then it was time to head for Dornoch.

Woosie took to X (formerly Twitter) for his verdict.

“Played Royal Dornoch Golf Club twice on my trip to Scotland. Enjoyed every single minute of it. Such a great experience. Can’t wait to get back to a wonderful part of the world.”

Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch, was delighted with the feedback from one of the “Big Five” of his generation, which also included Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle.

“It was tremendous to have someone of Ian’s pedigree playing the Championship Course,” said Neil, who enjoyed the opportunity to see the Welshman’s enduring class at close quarters.

“His long game is still a joy to watch, power and control, ideally suited to links golf.

“Ian was generous in his praise for the course, and the atmosphere of the club and the town, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return.”