A CLUBHOUSE TO SERVE GENERATIONS TO COME
SUPERLATIVES were being bandied about as members savoured their introduction to Royal Dornoch’s five-star new clubhouse.
Any lingering doubts over the wisdom of the decision taken two years ago to press ahead with the long-debated project vanished as they roamed through the three-storey building which is now the luxurious home of club celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2027.
Young and old were wide-eyed as they enjoyed their first glimpse of the stairway heritage wall capturing the club’s rich history, the classy changing rooms, spacious restaurant and bar area, stylish pro shop and contemporary Trackman studio.
Long-standing members Christine Murray, Willie Skinner and Sander MacDonald have amassed more than 220 years with the club, and they led the way inside the building on an historic day for Royal Dornoch.
Retired teacher Christine, who grew up in the old clubhouse by the first tee on the treasured Championship Course – recalling the clock striking high above her childhood bedroom – summed up the prevailing mood, saying: “I love it!
“I didn’t want to take a peek inside until the big day. It is wonderful and I am just so happy. I can’t imagine any members not being delighted.
“For many years I realised our clubhouse wasn’t suitable for the modern day. The club has changed beyond recognition in my lifetime.
“I had a lot of contact with the archives team Christine Callingham and Eileen Macrae, so I knew how much had gone into what they were hoping to achieve.
“The most stunning aspect of the restaurant is our Carnegie Shield, the famous club trophy which dates to 1901. It’s beautifully showcased and it’s a marvelous centrepiece.”
Long-time professional Willie, whose son Andrew followed in his footsteps, was equally enthusiastic.
“I was very impressed with what I saw. It is a new chapter in the history of the club.
“The old clubhouse holds a lot of memories for members but it was a bit outdated and I’m afraid it was past its sell-by date.
“Three generations of my family have been involved in the golf club, my father served as secretary. It’s in the DNA.
“It’s incredible that a club which had to hold a jumble sale to keep the club going now has this. I remember we once raised £500 and we thought it was an absolute fortune!
“The main attraction will still be the Championship Course. The club has changed gradually but never would I have thought we would have a clubhouse like this.”
Cousin Sander MacDonald admitted: “It will be sad to see the old clubhouse taken down but this is a beautiful building with lovely views from the restaurant.
“I don’t think the artist’s impression we saw did this clubhouse justice.
“It is lovely and I’d imagine it has to be among the best anywhere in golf. It’s certainly the best I have ever been in.
“It’s going to take me weeks, maybe even months, to look over all the club memorabilia that is on show.”
Meanwhile, grand-daughter 19-year-old Zara MacDonald said younger members had also been looking forward to viewing the clubhouse.
“It is amazing, far better than I ever imagined. Everything about it is lovely.
“I had gone to the interior design meetings, but this is way beyond my expectations.
“I can’t believe we will be able to play the Championship Course in the Trackman studio. That’s going to be incredible.
“This is something for the club and the town to be proud of and it will serve us well into the future.”