US FILM CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF ROYAL DORNOCH

CARAVAN – a production company based in Charlotte, North Carolina – has fallen for the charms of Royal Dornoch.

Founding director Bernardo Marentes and producer David Fitzgerald made the trip to Scotland to film for a company committed to combining exclusive golf experiences with charitable spin-off benefits.

And after chatting to club general manager Neil Hampton and seeing the Championship Course at close quarters, the American duo requested an opportunity to capture the famous links in all its glory.

The upshot is a short film which Neil believes captures the essence of the golfing experience at an historic club which celebrates its 150th anniversary next year, but where the sport Scotland gave the world has been played on linksland “since time immemorial.”

He said: “The film is amazing. It gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. The lads from Caravan have captured the spirit of Royal Dornoch.”

“We are very proud of this project,” said Bernardo, speaking from award-winning Caravan’s Charlotte base.

“During our visit to Royal Dornoch, I felt compelled to create something that captured the club’s remarkable beauty, history, and legacy.

“Watching the sunrise or sunset over Royal Dornoch, with the changing light revealing the textures of the course as the waves roll in, is truly unforgettable!”

Sifting through the club website, Bernardo chanced upon our popular “Monday Memories” series interview with club president Alan Ramsey and one quote immediately grabbed his attention.

Alan recalls: “I remember for the first time walking up the path between six and seven and turning back. It was something just out of this world. I tell everybody that’s what really put Dornoch in my blood.”

Bernardo admitted: “Visiting Royal Dornoch was an epic experience for us and that line from Alan really resonated with me and I was eager to use it in our film.”

He said the former captain’s quote chimed perfectly with the Caravan duo’s thoughts after walking the two-tiered linksland created by Mother Nature, with a helping hand from the likes of Old Tom Morris..

“It’s a view unlike any other and Alan’s memories perfectly reflected our experience of walking up the hill and looking back across the course,” said Bernardo, whose company’s impressive portfolio includes commissions from leading brands including Levi’s, Harley-Davidson, Nike, Wilson, and The North Face; handling everything from creative development and production through post-production.

He added: “We are thrilled by the response we have received to the film from Neil and others at Royal Dornoch.

“We’re incredibly excited to see this film shared with the world and hope it’s the first of many opportunities to partner with Royal Dornoch, telling more stories that celebrate the club’s rich history, breathtaking landscape, and enduring legacy.”