Golf is the driving force of the Dornoch community as sport brings millions of pounds from tourists
OVERSEAS visitors are worth almost £4 million to Royal Dornoch Golf Club it has revealed with golf tourism believed to inject over £5 million to the Dornoch community each year.
The figures have been revealed as representatives from Royal Dornoch Golf Club were at the world’s biggest golf industry trade fair, the PGA Show in Orlando promoting the Highlands as a tourist destination.
The golf club have revealed how much overseas visitors are worth to the golf club and the surrounding area.
Surveys have estimated that golf tourism injects more than £5 million annually to the Dornoch economy, with overseas visitors spending nearly £4 million at the golf club. This income supports jobs in hospitality and retail as well as supporting the many trades who service, maintain and improve local accommodation.
The club have also revealed that golfers also spend around £700,000 on caddies when they play the Championship Course.
Hampton says golf is the biggest industry in Dornoch and it can play greater prominence elsewhere in the region.
He said: “Golf is the main driver of the economy in Dornoch and the surrounding area, but we believe there is scope for further growth which would be advantageous to the wider Highlands area.”
Hampton has also said Royal Dornoch was supportive of plans for the new Coul Links course proposed near Embo.
He says any development which greater enhances the Highlands as a golfing destination must be welcomed.
“We are in favour of a development which would further enhance the reputation of the Highlands as a must-visit and must-stay destination.
“World famous courses like Royal Dornoch, Nairn and Cabot Highlands at Inverness – which has invested heavily in the eagerly awaited Old Petty Course – already act as a magnet for visitors, who are encouraged to play other lesser known but hugely enjoyable courses in the area.
“We see the Highlands as second only to Fife as a golfing destination in Scotland.”
Hampton says the investment which has been ploughed into the golf course is a major part of why it has landed the tournament.
He said: “We will be welcoming the Curtis Cup in 2028 and I’m sure the new clubhouse currently taking shape here, along with investment in local hotel accommodation, has helped bring it to the Highlands.”
The 72nd PGA Show was hailed as the most successful since 2009, with more than 33,000 industry professionals from 94 countries and all 50 US states descending on Orlando.
Speaking about the show, Hampton said: “There was a real buzz and it was great meeting up with key contacts from across the United States to reinforce the message that the Highlands is a wonderful and welcoming place when it comes to golf tourism,” said Neil.
“Our own American-based members also do a fine job as ambassadors promoting Royal Dornoch and the Highlands in general.
“It’s remarkable to see a heat map showing how far and wide our members are spread in the USA. There is scarcely a state where we aren't represented.
“These members are hugely supportive and proud to wear club clothing and bag tags. They fly the flag for Scotland, the Highlands and Royal Dornoch at every opportunity, encouraging friends and contacts to make the trip across the Atlantic.”
