HEAD PRO ANDREW FEATURES ON COAST-TO-COAST SHOW  

AS a third generation of a family steeped in Royal Dornoch, it’s no surprise that our head professional Andrew Skinner is sought out for his opinions of the famous Championship Course. 

The son of former pro Willie and grandson of club secretary and town clerk William, Andrew grew up in the town and around the golf courses. 

So when the US based Matt Adams “Fairways of Life” show arrived in Dornoch as part of a trip to Scotland, Andrew was delighted to have a three-minute chat with the host about the “pure links,” its history and influence on prolific golf course architect Donald Ross. 

The show, which aired on ESPN and has been syndicated to more than 100 million homes coast-to-coast across the USA, focuses on news, interviews, travel, equipment and golf history. 

Matt describes Royal Dornoch as “absolutely magnificent and so authentic.” 

Andrew admits management and staff are aware of their roles as custodians of land shaped by Mother Nature with initial embellishment by Old Tom Morris, investing heavily in the golf courses as well as the five-star clubhouse facilities. 

The natural two-tiered terrain is key to the enduring reputation of Royal Dornoch, with Andrew observing that a finely honed short game is a vital tool in the golfer’s armoury when it comes to posting a decent score. 

“Go out there and take it all in,” advises Andrew. 

“The most distinctive part of the course is our large, plateaued greens.  

“Several are over 50 yards long. You could have a difference of three clubs depending on where the greenkeeper puts the pin. Long putting is key. 

“It’s not the longest of Championship courses but you must be master round the greens here.” 

Show producer Domenic Scarano, who joined Matt for a game in the company of past captain Gary Bethune and his wife Debbie, admits: “I will remember the trip for the rest of my life. 

“My round at Royal Dornoch is burned in my mind forever. It was an extraordinary experience from start to finish.”  

To get a flavour of Matt’s visit to Royal Dornoch see below.