Royal Dornoch Golf Club prepares to host major international competition as Europe take on Great Britain and Ireland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club is preparing to roll out the welcome mat for the leading female amateur golfers from home and abroad.
The famous Highland links is hosting the prestigious Vagliano and Junior Vagliano Trophies on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1.
Teams flying the flag for Great Britain and Ireland go head-to-head with the continent of Europe over the Championship Course, which is rated among the best in the world.
Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch, believes being selected to host the double header is another feather in the cap for the club.
“It is an honour to have been selected by The R&A and the European Golf Association to host the biennial match, which is back on track again after the pandemic,” he said.
“It was last played at Royal St George’s Golf Club four years ago.
“Some of the very best and most promising female golfing talent will be on display playing foursomes and singles. It promises to be quite a spectacle.
“Entry is free and spectators will have a chance to see if they can spot the next Anna Nordqvist, Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, Leonna Maguire, Carlota Ciganda, Céline Boutier or Sophia Popov.
“The home crowd will be particularly interested in seeing Scots duo Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont.”
GB&I are looking to reclaim a Vagliano Trophy they last won in 2005 and to beat the continental girls for the first time ever to get their hands on the Junior Trophy.
Hampton revealed around 60 volunteers had signed up to support the event, which can trace its roots back to 1931, when teams from Great Britain and France squared-up.
“Members are looking forward to welcoming the Vagliano and Junior Vagliano Trophy teams to this part of the world and spectators are welcome to watch the action unfold on the links, which is in superb condition.
“In 2015 we hosted the Jacques Léglise Trophy and last year we welcomed the R&A Senior Women’s Amateur and Senior Men’s Amateur, with around 300 competitors descending on Royal Dornoch.
“This summer we are also welcoming the return of the Scottish Men’s Amateur for the first time since Grant Forrest captured the crown in 2012 before going on to make his mark in the pro ranks.”
