CATHEDRAL LINKS CELEBRATED IN NEW CLUBHOUSE
The main entrance to the new Royal Dornoch clubhouse echoes the town’s historic Cathedral and a staircase heritage wall features a panel depicting an eye-catching stained-glass window. Photo: Andy Kirby
DORNOCH is a town where golf and religion have been inextricably bound together for hundreds of years.
The first written evidence of golf being played on the links dates to 1616.
But religious ties with St Andrews, where the earliest reference to golf has been traced to 1552, would suggest that it was part of Dornoch life long before an expenses account was submitted by the tutor to his nephew, the 13th Earl of Sutherland.
Sir Robert Gordon was seeking reimbursement, noting “Item ten pound is guven this yeir for bowes, arrowes, golff clubbes, and balls, with other necessars for his Lordship’s exercise.”
Historians suggest golf was brought north by clergy, given the strong ecclesiastical ties between St Andrews and Dornoch Cathedral in the period before the 16th Century Reformation.
While the origins of the game in Sutherland have been lost in the mists of time, the bonds between the golf club and the Cathedral, which last year celebrated its 800th anniversary, have endured over the centuries.
The new clubhouse, entrusted to award-winning architects Keppie Design, not only reflects the familiar honeyed sandstone of local buildings, but the Cathedral doorway is echoed in the main entrance which will be used by golfers from around the world making the pilgrimage to experience the glories of the Championship Course.
Past captain and Cathedral elder Willie MacKay noted that the heritage wall welcoming golfers on the stairway to the upper levels on the December 15 “soft opening,” also pays homage to the town’s oldest building.
“The arched entrance is a nice touch by architect Fraser Davie and there are others to look out for when the clubhouse opens on December 15,” said Willie.
“When the Cathedral celebrated its 750th anniversary, the late Crear McCartney was commissioned to create a stunning stained-glass window for the south wall depicting St Gilbert crossing the Moray Firth.
“It’s a lovely touch to have it featuring among all the marvelous golfing photographs and golfing memorabilia.
“I’m sure it will encourage many golfers to visit the Cathedral during their stay in Dornoch.”
Willie observed that the links between the golf club and the Cathedral extended to ministers holding offices, including the captaincy, and even notes penned for the Championship Course planner.
“Past Minister Susan Brown very kindly contributed these for each hole, and they have proved very popular with golfers. I suspect it is unique to Royal Dornoch,” explained Willie.
“I particularly like her lines for the closing 18th hole on the hallowed turf, observing ‘As you prepare to tee off, think of the number of people in the last 400 years who have stood where you are. Regardless of your round, be grateful for the energy to play and for the company and the scenery. Take a deep breath. Swing slow and true and give thanks for the exercise of body, mind and spirit.’”