Royal Dornoch Golf Club expansion plans for Struie course after land purchase
ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club has announced the purchase of 50 acres of land, which will see the development of the Struie Course in the coming years.
While the Championship Course is the magnet that draws golfers from around the world to the Highlands, its sister course is ranked in the top 50 links in Scotland.
Now, with the adjacent rolling farmland at Davochfin 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 have design proposals to be considered over the next two or three years.
General manager Neil Hampton said: “This is another exciting milestone for the golf club. With the new clubhouse project well under way, member surveys have shown that an even better Struie Course and improved practice facilities are at the top of their wish list.
“This has always been a very progressive club, and I’m glad to say that the desire is there to keep improving.”
The seeds of a redesigned Struie were sown when member and acclaimed architect Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie and Ebert drew up a masterplan in 2013 and identified links land beyond the 10th hole.
“Tom said this parcel of land, which mirrors the landscape of holes seven to 14, would be ideal for any further development should it ever become available,” explained Neil.
“He felt it had enormous potential to create some fantastic golf holes, and he included some in his sketches.
“We spoke to the landowner, and from the outset, we also ran it by NatureScot for their advice, although it wasn’t designated an SSSI.
“Sadly, the farmer passed away, and then the pandemic put everything on hold. It has been a protracted process, but following talks with the family, a deal has been agreed for 50 of the undulating acres to be transferred to us.
“We envisage five or six holes with plenty of space for wild grasses and the heather to thrive. You can be sure it will be sensitively handled.”
With the eagerly-awaited £13.9 million clubhouse taking shape near the first tee of the Championship Course, Neil has also welcomed the start of work on a new irrigation course for Struie.
He said: “The current system is many years old. Course manager Eoin Riddell has been asking for a modern system for years, but other projects, including the new clubhouse, have taken priority.
“Currently we only have irrigation on the tees and greens, none on the fairways, and just one or the other can be on at any given time.
“We bought a big bowser so we can put water on the fairways when needed.
“The new system will be much better on the sustainability front. We won’t be using more water; the system will allow us to target where water is needed and control it from mobile phones and laptops.
“A key driver has been that the Struie is getting a lot more play from both our members and visitors. Word has been spreading of its quality, so we felt it was time to move ahead with this significant investment.
“There is an element of future proofing involved as we look to develop plans for the Struie and perhaps a new nine-hole course.”
In the meantime, a new Par 3 hole with an infinity green overlooking the Dornoch Firth has been built after the 9th hole, and new tees will enhance the current 10th, playing along the shoreline.
“The views looking down the new hole are stunning,” said Neil. “It looks like a classic Struie hole, and once the sand is in the bunkers, the definition will be further enhanced. Work is progressing well, and we are all looking forward to it opening for play in the spring.”