MONDAY MEMORIES: WILLIE SKINNER, ROYAL DORNOCH PROFESSIONAL, 1973-1998
WITH a new clubhouse on the horizon and plans being laid for the 150thanniversary celebrations in 2027, Royal Dornoch Golf has been inviting long-time members to share their recollections of life in the town and the transformation they have witnessed in the fortunes of the golf club.
The “Oral Memories” series is designed to capture milestones, events and the wealth of characters and golfers who have shaped the history of a club which nowadays lures visitors from around the world to tread the famous links.
General manager Neil Hampton has welcomed the enthusiastic response from members.
“With the new clubhouse taking shape by the first tee on the Championship Course, we are looking forward to an exciting new era for Royal Dornoch,” he said.
“The project had been mooted for many years before members decided the time was right to invest in a clubhouse which will be commensurate with the reputation of our golf courses.
“At the same time, we decided it was the perfect time to look back on how the golf club, and the town, had evolved over the years since the end of the Second World War.
“Older members have witnessed far-reaching changes on and off the golf course.
“Royal Dornoch’s reputation as one of the finest links golf experiences in the world ensures that our tee times are highly prized, with visiting golfers lured to the Highlands from countries near and far.
“But it hasn’t always been like this. The “Oral Memories” are designed to capture fascinating recollections of a bygone era, when jumble sales kept the wolf from the door and membership forms were dangled in front of occasional visitors returning to the pro shop after a round.
“In many ways, we are compiling a social history of Dornoch and the golf club which was in danger of being lost to future generations.”
The club is planning to profile interviews on the Royal Dornoch YouTube channel, with weekly “Monday Memories” teasers on social media channels.
First up is an interview with long-time professional Willie Skinner, whose father William followed on from the legendary golf club secretary and town clerk John Sutherland, and whose son Andrew took over the professional reins when he retired in 1998.
In conversation with past captain Willie MacKay, the long-time pro recalls a reluctant introduction to golf with a cut down wooden shafted club, a memorable visit from multiple Majors winner Tom Watson – “one of the nicest professionals I met here” – and his pride in being recognised for his contribution to the PGA and golf.