Long-service awards for two Royal Dornoch Golf Club members of staff
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TWO members of staff at Royal Dornoch Golf Club have been recognised with long-service awards.
Course manager Eoin Riddell was presented with a limited edition print to mark 35 years’ service, while office administrator Donna Sutherland received a club crested crystal bowl for 25 years at the club.
A local resident, Eoin joined Royal Dornoch straight from school, aged just 16. He has been in charge of the Championship and Struie courses for 16 years.
He said: “Way back when I started, it was a small club in the Highlands and it has become known worldwide, attracting members and visitors from all over.
“Visits from a few great champions really put us on the map. So many golfers around the world have us on their bucket list.”
Eoin’s wife Claire, the assistant manager, has been at Royal Dornoch almost as long as her husband.
Donna, meanwhile, has been part of the office team for a quarter of a century, coming on board after college and a spell at RAF Tain.
Royal Dornoch has a 40-strong workforce, most of whom hail from in and around the town. The greenkeeping team number 19.
General manager Neil Hampton said that the club had deep roots in the community.
“It is very much about local people and our international members like that,” he said.
With the coronavirus pandemic receding, the club is now on the hunt for more staff.
“We have two administrative posts in the office and other roles in the bar waiting team and outside roles like meet and greet, starter and rangers,” said Mr Hampton.
“We had a full team coming into 2020. Having slimmed down last year, now is the time to ramp things up for the season ahead.”
The club last week revealed that it was experiencing “unprecedented” player demand for 2022 and was no longer accepting new bookings from non-members for its championship course.
However, bookings have not been restricted on the 18-hole Struie course.
