by An iconic Scottish golf club is set for a major expansion after purchasing 50 hectares of farmland.
Royal Dornoch in the Highlands was recently named the second best golf course in the WORLD – beating the likes of St Andrews (Old) and Trumpy Turnberry (Ailsa).
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It is one of several outstanding venues on Scotland’s North Coast 500 and features not one but two 18-hole courses.
The Championship Course is the most acclaimed course, attracting golfers from all over the world to play the famous links.
Its sister course, the Struie Course, also receives high ratings and was included in the list of the top 50 links courses in Scotland.
After purchasing land from the farm adjacent to the course, Royal Dornoch announced that it would be used for the development of the Struie and possibly the construction of a brand new nine-hole course.
A further £1.5 million was spent on a new irrigation system to further improve the playing offering at the almost 150-year-old club.
Royal Dornoch has already spent £13.9 million building a new clubhouse in preparation for its 150th anniversary.
A statement from the club said: “Royal Dornoch Golf Club has announced the purchase of a 50 hectare site which will enable the development of Struie Golf Course in the coming years.”
“While the Championship Course is a magnet that attracts golfers from all over the world to the Highlands, our sister course is ranked among the top 50 golf courses in Scotland.
“With the adjacent hilly farmland in Davochfin now secured for a six-figure sum and work starting this week on a new £1.5 million high-tech irrigation system, members can expect to see this in the next two or three years to consider design suggestions. “
General manager Neil Hampton said: “It’s another exciting milestone for the golf club.
“With the new clubhouse project well underway, member surveys have revealed that an even better Struie course and improved practice facilities are high on their wish list.
“This has always been a very progressive club and I’m pleased to say there is a desire to continue to improve.”
It was architect Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie & Evert who saw the potential for expanding the Struie.
He noted land beyond the current 10th hole that could be used for future development.
And up to SIX new holes could be created.
Hampton added: “Tom said this property, which reflects the landscape of holes seven to 14, would be ideal for any further development should it ever become available.
“He felt there was huge potential in it to create some fantastic golf holes and he incorporated some of them into his sketches.
“We spoke to the landowner and from the outset, although it was not designated as an SSSI, we also ran it through NatureScot to seek their advice.
“Unfortunately the farmer passed away and then the pandemic put everything on hold. It was a lengthy process but after discussions with the family, a deal was agreed to transfer 50 of the hilly acres to us.
“We envision five or six holes with plenty of space for wild grasses and heather to thrive. You can be assured that it will be handled sensitively.”
Eoin Riddell, the course leader, has been calling for an updated irrigation system for several years.
Currently only the tees and greens at Struie have full irrigation, leaving the fairways open to the elements.
With the new system it will not only allow for improvements to the Struie, but also the possible creation of the nine-hole course.
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“Currently we only have irrigation on the tees and greens, none on the fairways, and only one or the other can be on at any time.
“We bought a big bowser so we can pour some water on the fairways if needed.
“The new system will be much better in terms of sustainability. We will not use more water; The system will allow us to target water where water is needed and control it via mobile phones and laptops.
“An important factor has been that the Struie is being played a lot more by both our members and visitors, which is very encouraging.
“Word has spread about his quality, so we felt it was time to move forward with this significant investment.
“As we look to develop plans for Struie and perhaps a new nine-hole course, an element of future-proofing is also required.”
Even before the work is complete, a new par 3 hole has been built with an infinity green overlooking the Dornoch Firth.
It comes after the 9th hole and new tees will complement the current 10th hole, with players playing along the coast and ready to play at the start of next season.
“The view of the new hole is breathtaking,” Hampton said.
“It looks like a classic Struie hole and once the sand is in the bunkers the definition is improved even further.
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“A slight delay due to bad weather last year proved to be a blessing, allowing more time to fall asleep.
“The work has progressed well and we are all looking forward to it being opened for play in the spring.”
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