GOLF AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE NATURAL BEDFELLOWS
ROYAL Dornoch’s environmental credentials are being recognised again.
The club has been shortlisted for Best Sustainability Project at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards gala dinner supported by Luxe Scot, which is being held at Aberdeen’s P&J Live arena on March 20.
Pioneering measures aimed at protecting the Struie Course from the threat of coastal erosion have already been recognised at the Scottish and UK level.
Club general manager Neil Hampton said the stream of accolades reflects well on the dedication of Eoin Riddell, Scott Aitchison and the greenkeeping staff.
He also noted that the project – which is seeing swathes of the salt marshes being restored to reduce the impact of waves crashing in from the Dornoch Firth – is a fine example of the benefits which can be accrued by adopting a collaborative approach.
“It is probably a microcosm of what the rest of the world might be doing to counter the effects of climate change,” said Neil.
“We have been working closely with various organisations for several years now, with encouraging signs of progress being documented by the academics.
“We have been working with Dr Clare Maynard and the University of St Andrews, Green Shores, NatureScot and, more recently, staff and youngsters at Dornoch Academy, who are being very supportive.
“The collaborative approach and sharing of knowledge have been crucial in advancing the project, which has entailed the laborious installation of swathes of chestnut fencing and bedding-in countless thousands of plants.
“Rather than resorting to concrete blocks, we have been exploring a more natural approach which is designed to take the sting out of waves before they impact the shoreline.
“It has been particularly rewarding to see the project capturing the imagination of local school pupils.
“In addition to bringing on plants in a polytunnel the club gifted to the Academy, over the next few weeks they will be joining our greenkeeping staff again down on the shore to plant them out.
“It shows youngsters that this style of ‘soft engineering,’ working with, rather than against Mother Nature, can make a positive impact in their local area.”
Neil said the Royal Dornoch project has underlined the role being played by golf courses nowadays in terms of sustainability.
“Times have moved on, and we are seeing golf courses being recognised more and more for having a positive influence on their environment, whether than be flora and fauna or wildlife,” he observed.
Joining Royal Dornoch on the shortlist for the RAWCharging Best Sustainability Project are Carnoustie Golf Links, the Fife Golf Trust “Seven Golf Courses for Nature” and Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course.