Royal Dornoch Golf Club tees off new eighth hole
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THE new-look eighth hole on Royal Dornoch’s world-famous Championship Course has been officially opened.
Captain Professor David Bell enjoyed the honour of teeing-up the opening drive on the new 434-yard “Dunrobin.”
He was joined for the ceremony by the club’s oldest member, former professional and club champion Willie Skinner (90), lady captain Wilma Murray and junior captain Jamie Riordan.
Greenkeeping staff removed hundreds of tons of soil and gorse over a 200-yard stretch to turn back the clock to the 1940s.
The challenge envisaged when the original par 4 designed by Open winner George Duncan last underwent a makeover.
Professor Bell said they were delighted with the results of the finished design of the eighth hole.
He said: “We are delighted with the project carried out by course manager Eoin Riddell and his greenkeeping team in tandem with our member Tom Mackenzie, of renowned course architects Mackenzie and Ebert,” said Bell.
“Royal Dornoch is renowned for its vistas.
“Now 1302-foot Ben Bhraggie and Embo once again provide a spectacular backdrop to the hole.
“I’m sure we will be seeing more golfers playing their second shots into the green from the top of the hill, as was originally intended before the technological advances which have seen golfers hitting the ball much further.
“This is the culmination of a long-term vision to future proof our renowned Championship Course.
“I’m sure members and our many visitors from home and abroad will appreciate the final piece in the jigsaw.”
Materials removed from a one-time raised beach overlooking the Dornoch Firth will be used as compost by the greenkeeping team.
Earlier this month, Royal Dornoch was ranked number six in Golf Monthly’s latest list of the Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland.
Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton was pleased with the course’s position in the rankings.
He said: “It is always nice to enjoy positive feedback in any business.
It is pleasing that Golf Monthly flagged up the fact Royal Dornoch is not a club to rest on our laurels and that we are always seeking to improve our offering, as evidenced by the changes we have made to holes seven and eight.”
Hampton added: “I am also delighted that special mention was made of the friendly welcome visitors can expect from our clubhouse staff.”
Royal County Down was ranked at number one in the rankings, with The Old Course at St Andrews in second place.
Open venues, The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry, Muirfield and Royal Birkdale made up the top five.
Carnoustie Golf Links, Royal Portrush, Dunluce and Sunningdale Old and New completing the top 10 in the rankings.
