TOWN AND CLUB IN GARY’S DNA

CLUB captain Gary Bethune had the privilege of welcoming members to the opening of the new clubhouse, heralding the beginning of an historic new era for Royal Dornoch.

In an interview with past captain – and his former gym teacher at Dornoch Academy, Willie MacKay – before taking on the role, the retired dentist sat down for our “Monday Memories” series.

Golf, like Dornoch itself, figures in the Bethune DNA, with his grandmother Bunnie handling stewardess duties in the 1960s.

Sleepovers, sharing Coke and crisps with childhood chums and the joys of heading home with Penfolds and Dunlop 65s in the pocket feature among happy memories of the old clubhouse.

His late father Dennis was a captain and club president who spent several years as the pro at Haggs Castle and Elgin before returning to his Highland roots. Gary grew up golfing with pals on the links.

The club captaincy has been a great honour for Gary and on the playing front, 1989 and 1991 provide especially fond, and poignant, recollections.

“I played in three consecutive Carnegie Shield finals, losing in 1990,” Gary recalls.

“The 1989 final is probably my proudest golfing moment. My dad had lost two finals and he was there to watch it.”

Asked to name his favourite hole on the celebrated Championship Course, Gary is in no doubt, despite the plethora of options, including four of the most testing Par 3s in world golf.

“The fifth hole. It was also my dad’s favourite and his bench is on top of the tee just now. But there are no weak holes.

“I am fortunate to have played a lot of good golf courses in my life but I have never played one with as good as the Par 3s here.

“A tip on how to tackle them? Pray!”

Gary has witnessed at first-hand how membership of Royal Dornoch opens doors around the world, recounting how he enjoyed an impromptu 20-minute chat with a fellow member after playing exclusive Taras Iti on New Zealand’s North Island.

“Everyone in the golfing world knows Royal Dornoch and how special it is.”

But the deep community ties are equally important to Gary and he doesn’t see that changing with the advent of the new clubhouse and ambitious plans to develop the Struie Course and add a third offering for members and visitors to enjoy in years to come.

Watch the full interview with Gary below: