Royal Dornoch Golf Course hails success of Senior Amateur Championship
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IT was the first time The R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships had been hosted concurrently by the same golf club.
But it was a test the team at Royal Dornoch passed with flying colours.
Unrelenting winds over four days of competition ensured challenging conditions for competitors on The Championship Course and The Struie.
American Mike McCoy (59), from Des Moines captured the Men’s title while Canadian Terrill Samuel (61) was crowned Women’s champion.
“We have enjoyed some great feedback from competitors and The R&A, which has been nice,” said Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch.
“All in all, we are delighted how the Championships went off, particularly as we were entering uncharted territory in welcoming both events in the same week.
“It showed it can be done successfully going forward.
“A great deal of groundwork went in at the planning stage, working closely with the R&A.
“The players enjoyed the two events running in tandem and there was a marvellous atmosphere in and around the clubhouse over the course of the week.
“Both champions, in their acceptance speeches, remarked how successful it had been holding the Women’s and Men’s championships at the same time. They enjoyed the mix.
“Players were coming off saying it was a proper golf course. I’m sure the word will be spreading far and wide given we had a truly international, 288-strong field here.
“I’m especially delighted for Eoin Riddell and his greenkeeping team, who have worked hard over recent years to present The Struie in fine condition and more in line with the Championship Course.
“The message is getting out there that we have two fine golf courses here at Royal Dornoch and that is helping spread the load on the Championship Course. “
