HOME ADVANTAGE HELPS SECURE THE ROLY BLUCK PUTTER

ROYAL Dornoch took the honours in the eagerly anticipated annual match with the Country Club of North Carolina.

Captain Colin Mackay is pictured (left) receiving the Roly Bluck Putter from US team captain Ralph Ronalter after the 16.5 to 7.5 win.

The home team bounced back from a one point deficit in the opening Four Balls to edge the Foursomes 4-2 and post an impressive 10-2 margin of victory in the Singles matches over the Championship Course.

Colin said: “It’s great to get our hands on the trophy for the next 12 months, at least.

“It was nip and tuck going into the Singles and I suspect the breezy conditions played into our hands over the links

“Unfortunately a back injury ruled me out of action but I took to a buggy to pour the occasional dram to help spur on the team.

“As ever, we all enjoyed the camaraderie and a great week of golf with our friends from the United States and we look forward to defending the trophy next year at the Home of American Golf in Pinehurst.”

The close ties between Royal Dornoch and the CCNC date back decades, with the Dornoch name featuring prominently on the North Carolina club grounds, where a lake and the main driveway bear the name of the Highland town.

The trophy, named in memory of the late Roly Bluck, a past captain at Royal Dornoch, has been played for since 2011.