Trophy gift from Royal Dornoch to Wick Golf Club on 150th anniversary

Royal Dornoch Golf club has donated a trophy to Wick Golf Club to mark its 150th anniversary.

The John Sutherland Quaich commemorates the legendary Royal Dornoch secretary who was hugely influential in the development of golf in the north of Scotland and beyond.

The formal handover of the quaich was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but a team from Royal Dornoch recently headed north for a presentation ceremony and a friendly competition, with Wick enjoying a 3-2 win.

Wick Golf Club is the oldest in the Highlands - the Sutherland Golf Society at Dornoch Links was created some seven years later.

John Sutherland took over as secretary at Royal Dornoch in 1883 when he was still a teenager and remained in the post for 58 years until 1941.

Sutherland, who also served as town clerk, was also responsible for inviting Tom Morris to Dornoch to enhance the links.

He taught legendary US golf course architect Donald Ross to play the game; and he was integral in putting the town on the Edwardian era tourist map.

Presenting the memorial quaich, Royal Dornoch captain Willie Mackay highlighted the influential role of the Dornoch secretary in marketing and developing golf in the north of Scotland.

Wick Golf Club historian Roy Mackenzie has uncovered ties between the two clubs dating back to the 1880s.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.