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Teams at the Morcott Challenge

HOME ADVANTAGE MADE TO COUNT IN MORCOTT CHALLENGE

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TWENTY-ONE years after the inaugural Morcott Challenge pitted Royal Dornoch youngsters against American counterparts, the class of 2026 made home advantage count to retain the trophy with a 32-16 victory.

The select picked by PGA Teaching Pro Ally McNaughton welcomed teenagers from Chicago’s Lake Forest to the Highlands, and the annual match further strengthened the bonds between the club and golfing communities in the USA.

The match has become a highlight of the Junior golfing calendar since the original relationship with Hilton Head Island was established in 2005.

Photos: Matthew Harris

It is a legacy created by Cynthia and Woody Morcott, Royal Dornoch member and former Juniors convener Jim Campbell and PGA member and Senior Tour winner Jim Ferree, with a Ryder Cup style format ticking all the boxes.

Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton said: “It was lovely that Cynthia, Woody and Jim could join us for this year’s event, along with their son Scott – who has taken over the organisational reins on the US side – his wife Rhian and sister Deborah.

“That made the week even more special.

“Heartfelt thanks are also due to Jim, Derek MacDougall, Wade Gurysh, Nick Papadakes and Ally for their tireless work in pulling together the itinerary for the youngsters to enjoy.

“With local families hosting the travelling team, it’s a wonderful opportunity to create enduring friendships and experience a different way of life and contrasting golf courses during the summer break,” said Neil.

“We wish our visitors safe travels back to Chicago.”

Foursomes, fourballs and singles matches were played over the Championship Course, Fortrose and Rosemarkie, and Skibo.

Ally said: “We got very lucky with the weather, managing to dodge the conditions blowing through much of the Highlands this week.

“In addition to enjoying top-class courses, the youngsters managed to fit in some sightseeing, with a chance to play picturesque Durness and tour spectacular Smoo Cave on the north-west coast.

“They rounded off the week with a traditional ceilidh.

Left: Ally McNaughton with Jim Campbell. Right: Teams enjoying a traditional Highland ceilidh.

“Dornoch has now won three successive matches but trails 11.5 to 7.5 in the overall standings. We are already looking forward to next year’s trip to Lake Forest.”