BEN HELPED PAVE THE WAY FOR OUR US VISITORS 

FORTY-FIVE years ago, a visit by Ben Crenshaw helped resurrect the fortunes of Royal Dornoch. 

In July 1980, the American star – who had been runner-up in all four Majors the previous season – was tempted north to play the Championship Course in the company of the late club member and sports agent Mark McCormack, before teeing up at Muirfield in that summer’s Open. 

The two times Masters champion is pictured with (from left) Mark, Dr John Macleod (captain), Willie Skinner (head professional), Ken Murray (secretary) and Ian Mackintosh (club champion). Photo: HistoryLinks Museum.

Famously, when asked how he had enjoyed Royal Dornoch, “Gentle Ben” responded: “I almost didn’t come back!” 

The publicity generated by Ben and subsequent visits by fellow American Tom Watson have been credited with luring fellow countrymen to the Highlands in the decades since. 

Both men were granted honorary membership of the golf club in 1985.