CADDIES AND CHARACTERS FROM A BYGONE ERA

BILLY “Strathy” Mackay is a familiar figure to members and visitors as a course ranger and a long-time caddie.

And in his interview for our “Monday Memories” series with past captain Willie MacKay – no relation – he fondly recalls some of the local worthies who have enhanced the visits of golfers from around the world to the famous links of Royal Dornoch.

Nowadays, caddies with a keen knowledge of the course are requested by many of the golfers to enhance their experience, and most summer fourballs are accompanied by a quartet of red-bibbed companions.

Requests for caddies are received along with bookings a year and more in advance of a visit.

Most, says Billy, regard their visit to Royal Dornoch as “the Holy Grail” on a golfing trip to Scotland.

But he can recall the days when you had to be a member of Royal Dornoch to carry bags on the links.

One of his favourite stories, like so many, involves the legendary caddie Sandy “Pipey” Matheson, who features in Canadian journalist Lorne Rubenstein’s highly acclaimed book “A Season in Dornoch.”

Lorne wrote: “A golfer couldn’t do better than have Sandy as his caddy.”

His father had played in the Dornoch Pipe Band and he had worked as a pipefitter, hence the nickname.

“Everyone knew Pipey,” observed Billy.

“There are so many stories. An American golfer was in the rough at, I think, the 5th hole and he asked ‘which club will I use here caddie?’

“I’ve no idea sir, I’ve never been here in my life!” quipped Pipey.

Billy, who has been a Royal Dornoch member since 1971, has been a long-standing member of the “Sunday Boys” established by the late Sinclair Gunn, and also the “Gerries,” a band of senior golfers who meet year-round, every Wednesday, come rain, hail or sunshine for golf and a post-round refreshment, or two.

Billy was one of the 12-strong group of Scots members led by pro Andrew Skinner on a memorable trip to Circling Raven golf course in Idaho in 2005, which features in our November 2025 “Dornoch Days” online magazine.

He is also a veteran of half a dozen trips to the Country Club of North Carolina, with the close bonds between the clubs treasured on both sides of the Atlantic.

“They make us so welcome. They embarrass us with their hospitality, and we try to reciprocate when they come over here. Great memories,” says Billy.

Enjoy Billy’s full interview below.