New Member Information Pack Dec 2022

WELCOME

WELCOME TO
ROYAL
DORNOCH
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Royal
Dornoch as a new Struie Member and the
Council of Management, fellow members
and staff wish you a long and happy future
at the Club.
To help with your integration into the Club, we have created this
welcome pack for you to read through at your leisure as it is full of
helpful information. We also promote a buddy system, where we
encourage those members who have introduced you to the Club, to
help guide you in your early years of being a member and introducing
you to new friends.
Please be reassured that at Royal
Dornoch, our door is always open so why
not pop into the office, where one of our
team will take you on a walk around and
help familiarise you with the club and assist
you with any questions you may have.

CONTENTS

History 6
Membership 8
Club Governance 10
Golf 12
Membership Benefits 18
Facilities 20
Professional Shop 23
General Information 25
Future Developments & Projects 27
Community 29
Organisation Charts 32
Council Of Management 34
Contact Details & Prices 36

HISTORY
Long before a golf club was formed at Dornoch, the game was played on the town
lands along the seashore. Golf in Dornoch can be traced back to 1616, and some
claim even earlier, but what we are sure of is that everyone who came to play
marvelled at the wonderful links land and the challenge it presented.
The club itself did not form until 1877. The two gentlemen responsible for the
foundation being Alexander McHardy, ‘the pioneer of golf in the North of Scotland’,
and Dr Hugh Gunn, a native of the town, who was educated at St Andrews and there
learned the game – the course then was only 9 holes long.
In 1886, the Club invited the veteran champion golfer, Old Tom Morris, to visit
Dornoch, make a survey of the links and lay out a more fully planned golf course.
The basic purpose of these “founding fathers” of Dornoch golf was to have a golf
course of first class quality in keeping with the abundant natural resources already
provided on the famed Dornoch Links.
About the turn of the century, the great Sandy Herd first played with the new rubbercored
ball and out of fashion went the old gutty. John Sutherland, the Club’s
Secretary who guided the fortunes of the Club for over 50 years, and his committee,
had to remodel the course as a result of the faster ball and Dornoch became for a
time the 5th longest course in Britain. In 1906, through the influence of Her Grace
the Duchess of Sutherland, Duchess Millicent, a good friend to the Club, Dornoch
Golf Club secured the title and dignity of ‘Royal’ from King Edward VII.
Women golfers, also of a high level, regularly gathered in Dornoch in the bright days
before 1914. The Second World War saw an aerodrome in being on the Ladies 18
hole course on the lower links and 4 holes of the Championship Course were also
lost. In the late 1940’s the decision was taken to construct further holes out towards
Embo and once again the House of Sutherland helped by leasing the land (later
purchased) to the Club. This was largely the work of George Duncan, for John
Sutherland had died in 1941. A restricted 9 hole relief course was formed known as
the Struie, which has now been developed to a full 18 holes.
The spectacular views of Struie Hill and the Ross-Shire Hills to the West, the close
proximity to the shores of the Dornoch Firth and the call of the many species of
wildfowl along the estuary enriches the experience of golfing in such a magnificent
setting.
6

The Struie Course holes are typified by greens smaller in size than the
Championship Course and the fairways generally narrower than those of the
Championship Course but this is a fair test of golf where accurate drives struck to
the correct side of the fairway will result in easier approach shots to the green and
wayward drives are generally not punished as they can be on the Championship
Course. The prevailing wind in the Dornoch area usually blows from the West
which compounds the challenges encountered on the short holes over the Struie
Course with the four short holes all laid out in different directions.
To this day we always try to maintain, improve and make certain our links stand
the test of time. Over 400 years have passed and the Club is still thriving which
allows us to be true to our ethos – to provide and maintain a golf course or courses
in Dornoch; and to promote and foster the game of golf for generations to come.
If you would like to read more on our history then in 1999 the first history book was
published. Written by past Captain, Dr John MacLeod, it charts the Club from its
formation in 1877 through all the ups and downs to the present day when many
people from around the world come to share and enjoy the unique experience of
golf in Dornoch. The book is available from the pro shop and is highly
recommended to all new members so that they can gain a deeper understanding
of the Club and its roots.
We are always working on our history and the many pieces that we have gathered
over the many years. Our archive team is always sifting through valuable
documents and items from our history and they would be happy to share their
findings with you.
Don’t worry if you are not always in Dornoch, you won’t miss out on anything at the
club as our General Manager sends a newsletter weekly to all members, keeping
everyone informed of everything that has happened.
View more club history on the club website www.royaldornoch.com
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MEMBERSHIP
Royal Dornoch welcomes anyone who wishes to join the club and the process, as you
have found out, is very straightforward.
As a new Struie member you have had one or two current Full members propose you
(your current home club would have helped if you had only one current member) and
then your name would have gone forward to be approved at the next available monthly
Council of Management meeting.
Following that you will have received a full membership pack which includes this
handbook which we hope you will find useful and give you all the information you need
to make full use of your membership at Royal Dornoch. The following pages will detail
what these benefits are and how to access them.
There are really only two different classes of playing membership – Full Championship
and Struie.
Everyone joins as a Struie member and after a period of time gets the chance to
upgrade to Full Championship. This happens once a year when the subscription
renewal process has been completed and we are able to assess how many spaces
have become available. To find out the current waiting time for upgrade contact the
General Manager.
The membership year operates from April to March with all subscriptions renewals
payable on 1st April, and by 30th April at the very latest. During May we review the
numbers and make a proposal to the Council of Management on how many upgrades
to offer and these people are contacted at the start of June to complete the necessary
upgrade paperwork.
To be upgraded you need to be proposed and seconded by two Full Championship
members who are different from those that vouched for you to join as a Struie
member. As with your Struie application these members must have been Full
Championship members for at least 3 years to be eligible to do this for you. Also, for
the upgrade, it must be two members and another club cannot help with this.
Once you have collected the two sponsors then your name will go forward to the next
available Council of Management meeting in the summer. Your upgrade offer cannot
be held indefinitely so you have until the September meeting to provide the paperwork.
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As with initial Struie applications we are always happy to help you meet fellow
members either close to where you live or when you visit Dornoch as we know that
it may not always be possible to meet Full Championship members during the time
you are a Struie member.
For the upgrade you also need to have a current handicap. With the World
Handicap System now in operation it is much easier to obtain an index and also for
us to get access to it.
If you are not able to take the upgrade please contact the office for your options.
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CLUB GOVERNANCE
Good governance is the key to the successful operation of our club. Our Council of
Management and staffing structure are central to the ongoing success of Royal
Dornoch. We are a golf club with a business focus for the benefit of our members,
Club and the Dornoch community.
Royal Dornoch is a private members club and is therefore run by the members for the
members. We are fortunate to have a team of professional staff who undertake the
day to day operations for and on behalf of the members so that those members who
volunteer to steer the club forward can do so at a strategic level.
Royal Dornoch governance is set out in our Rules and Regulations with the Council of
Management composed of nine full members plus the Captain and Vice Captain. Each
member of the Council of Management serves a 3 year term and therefore 3 change
every year at the AGM. Members may serve on the Council of Management for two
consecutive terms after which they must take a break. The Captain and Vice Captain
serve 2 year terms and must have served on the Council for at least one 3 year term.
The Council of Management are the legal representatives of the club but there is no
liability for those that serve.
For each Department within the golf club a subcommittee exists to provide specific
strategic direction. These are Finance, Greens, House, Juniors, Marketing, Match &
Handicap, Retail, Golf Operations and Capital Projects. A Council member will act as
Convenor and invite members with the interest, passion and skill set for that area to
join the subcommittee and provide knowledge and evidence based guidance. Each
Council of Management member is expected to sit on at least one subcommittee.
The General Manager and Assistant Manager participate in the monthly Council
meetings where subcommittee reports and club business are dealt with. The positive
link between staff and members through the subcommittees greatly assists with
progress and by working in partnership the best results are achieved.
There is also a President and 4 Vice Presidents. These are honorary positions and
while have no official capacity the people who fill these roles are nominated by the
Council of Management to thank them for the work, time and effort that they have
given to the club over the years. Given their knowledge of the club then they are
consulted from time to time by the Council.
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A copy of the organisation chart and the current office bearers is included at the end
of this Handbook.
You will also find a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Club. The Rules set out
how the club will be run and these may only be changed by the members at a
general meeting. The Regulations are operational matters and these can be
changed by the Council of Management at a monthly meeting.
The staff organisation chart is also enclosed for you. The General Manager
coordinates the staff team and reports to the Council of Management. The General
Manager works alongside the heads of each department to ensure that the strategic
direction is put into operational practice and that our team of staff are looked after to
ensure that we have the best and most effective group of employees.
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GOLF
As a Struie Member you have:
• Unlimited play on the Struie Course
• 4 rounds on the Championship Course in visitor tee times between April and
October at the members guest rate
• Unlimited rounds on the Championship Course between November and March at
the winter visitor green fee rate less the Members Guest Rate
• Can be signed in as a members guest on the Championship Course – guest
t&c’s apply, see Regulation 2 in the Club Rules & Regs
• Any further tee times booked on the Championship Course outwith the above will
be in visitor tee times at the full non member green fee
• 12 guest introductions on the Struie Course at the Members Guest Rate – guest
t&c’s apply, see Regulation 2 in the Club Rules & Regs
How to Book:
• Reserving tee times on the Struie Course within 14 days of play can be done by
contacting the Reservations Team, via the Pro Shop or by using the Members
Area of the website
See Login to Members Website section below
• Reserving tee times out with 14 days then contact the Reservations Team
• Members Guests are paid to the Pro Shop on the day of play
• Reserving tee times on the Championship Course contact the Reservations
Team to apply the correct charges
• The diary is normally opened in May for the following year and for tee times further
ahead requests may be made and held on file until the diary opens. Such requests
must be made to the Reservations Team but will not be confirmed until diary is live.
Contact the Reservations Team on bookings@royaldornoch.com or +44 (0) 1862
810219 Ext 1
Login to Members Area of the Website
To login to the members website please visit https://royaldornoch.com/members. Here
you will be asked for your identifier (this is your customer ID which is a 4 digit number
and can be found on your gold loyalty card and green membership card) and your
password (the default is your date and month of birth in 4 digits DD/MM). Once you
have entered this information it will take you to the members dashboard where you can
make tee bookings, check the noticeboard, loyalty card transactions and much more.
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World Handicap System
As of 2nd November 2020, Scottish Golf adopted the new World Handicap System
(WHS). WHS replaced the handicapping system maintained by CoNGU.
It is the desire that having a single global system in place will facilitate the golfer
being able to obtain and maintain a handicap index that can be used on any course
around the world allowing them to compete or simply play a casual round with fellow
golfers anywhere on a fair and equal basis. Currently, the various governing bodies
are working on the functionality of handicap software to facilitate this information
being shared.
Under this new system a golfer’s handicap will be based on the average of 8 best
scores from their last 20 rounds or calculated on a sliding scale if less than 20
rounds have been played since 2017.
The golfer is now allocated a handicap index rather that a handicap which will have
been calculated based on their adjusted gross scores and the course and slope
rating of the golf course where they have played. This handicap index will then be
used to calculate a Course Handicap (based on course and slope rating) and
subsequently a playing handicap will be calculated for the format of golf being
played.
For assistance or further information about WHS please contact us
(andrew@royaldornoch.com or competitions@royaldornoch.com) and we will be
happy to discuss your individual situation.
Golf Genius App
Royal Dornoch have opted to use the Golf Genius handicap software which comes
with the added benefit of an App which you can use to enter Club golf events,
manage your handicap and more. We would encourage all members to download
the App and assistance can be given by contacting us (andrew@royaldornoch.com
or competitions@royaldornoch.com). In addition to the App there is an iPad located
in the front lobby and most functions available on the App are also available via this
iPad.
Through the members weekly email we will advise members how to enter events
should it differ from the App/iPad entry option.
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Handicap Index
If you do not have a handicap Index we would be happy to assist you with gaining one.
All we require is for you to submit cards with a total of 54 holes being played. This can be
a combination of 18 or 9 holes, as the Struie Course has a 9 hole rated layout. Once we
have received your cards for 54 holes we will be able to upload these scores to the WHS.
General Play Scores
These used be known as Supplementary cards and can be submitted to count for your
handicap. To do this please register your intent to return a card on the App/iPad. If this
is not available please contact the Pro Shop prior to play. You must also have someone
to record your score and sign your card who must be acceptable to the Match and
Handicap Committee – typically this will be someone who holds, or has held a handicap.
Open Competitions
As a Struie Member you benefit from a discounted rate when playing our Open
competitions. Entries open for the majority of competitions around 3 months prior to play
and if you are interested in playing any of these then please visit our club website
https://www.golfgenius.com/ggid/rdgc/customerdirectory/5127596536607319271 or you
can always keep an eye out on our members weekly newsletter, which we update with all
our live competitions and details of how to enter. For most Open competitions, we hold a
prize giving immediately after the event and we would ask that competitors, whether
winners or losers, make themselves available for the prize giving to accept their prize and/or
cheer on other prize winners. We understand that this may be difficult for those competitors
who live a distance from the club but we are grateful and appreciative to those that do.
Club Competitions – Men & Ladies
Enter via the App/iPad, if this option is not available then please contact the Pro Shop.
Entries typically open 3 to 4 weeks prior to the event. You MUST check in on the
App/iPad prior to teeing off (and again please contact the Pro Shop if this is not
available) and on completion of your round, you must either confirm your score on the
App or enter your score into the iPad in the main entrance. If in doubt, please do not
hesitate to ask the Pro Shop for help.
Struie Members may only play in medals that are on the Struie Course, unless
Championship Course medals say that Struie Members are eligible. The medals played
on the Struie Course are “pick your own time and partner” however if you don’t have a
playing partner we will pair you with another member
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Matchplays for Struie Members
Struie male members are eligible to enter the McNaughton Rosebowl and ladies
are eligible to enter the Sutherland Cup, both are individual handicap matchplay
events. Entry for these is also via the App/iPad.
Matchplays for Full Championship Members
Once you have been upgraded you will be able to enter the following matchplay
events which are held over the Championship Course, in addition to those
highlighted above. Ladies can play in the Sykes (singles, handicap) and the
Barrow Cup (foursomes, handicap). Gents can play in the Ryle Jug (singles,
handicap), the Murray Vase (singles, handicap) and the Cadzow Quaich
(foursomes, handicap). The entry to matchplays is as above, i.e. via the App/iPad.
You can also enter the mixed foursomes matchplay over the Championship Course
and this is the Patterson Trophy.
Each round of a matchplay event must be played by a certain time which will be
posted on the matchplay draw. We encourage both players in the tie to make early
contact to arrange the match and ensure that it is played before the closing date.
Any problems with arranging a tie, or contacting your opponent, please contact the
Head Professional.
Matches
The Club also has some very close ties with many other clubs and the resultant
matches are played in great spirit with winning or losing a minor incidental in a
great day of golf and comradeship. Representing your Club is always a great
honour whether in a friendly inter-club match or one of the more prestigious events
during the season like the Dornoch Firth League or the Northern Counties Cup for
men, or the Ross Sutherland or Caithness Sutherland for ladies. The Club has a
great history in these events and continues to strive not only to have a course
worthy of Champions but to produce worthy Champions. Watch the club
noticeboard and weekly newsletter for upcoming matches. Please note that most
matches are for Full Championship members only but Struie male members may
participate in the Dornoch Bridge Inter Club Match which is between Bonar
Bridge/Ardgay, Tain, Portmahomack and ourselves.
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Ladies Section
We have a very active and committed Ladies Section with a full fixture list covering
both the Championship and Struie courses. Our numbers have increased steadily over
the last few years, due in part to the support and encouragement given to ladies to
take up golf and proceed to gain a handicap. Throughout the year the many fun
competitions encourage those without handicaps to participate and winnings often end
up in the Captain's charity box. Our nine hole competitions have also proved to be very
successful with the ladies. The ladies run weekly ‘roll ups’ on Mondays on the Struie
and on Wednesdays on both courses which are excellent ways for new members to
meet others. Please contact the office for more details.
Senior Section
A very active group of men meet on a Tuesday every month throughout the year for
Stableford competitions on the Championship Course. Additional individual and team
competitions take place on the Struie Course during the summer months. All scores
are recorded to determine winners and any handicap adjustments. Senior’s fixtures
are organised during the spring/summer against Highland and Speyside clubs and as
far as Royal Aberdeen. It is great fun meeting new people, having the opportunity to
play other challenging courses, followed by a pleasant lunch or dinner and often with
the satisfaction of winning the match. If you are interested and would like more
information just contact the Club on 01862 810219 or email at
bookings@royaldornoch.com
The Wednesday Seniors
The Wednesday Seniors, better known as the Geriatrics (Gerries), are a cosmopolitan
group of men with a love of life and golf in particular. Whilst there are trophies to be
played for two of the highlights of the year are the matches against the Ladies and the
annual luncheon. They meet every Wednesday for a 14 hole stableford (13 in the
winter) over the Struie course and whilst the golf is competitive they like nothing better
than a chat in the clubhouse afterward over a dram. Anyone wanting further details
please contact the office.
Speed of Play
With the club being such a popular destination for golfers, you can imagine that our
Championship Course tee sheet is usually full throughout the season, therefore when
playing on the Championship Course it is important to play at a suitable speed and
keep up with the pace of play. To help manage the pace of play we have a course
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anger who monitors this closely. It is the role of the course ranger to ensure that
everyone can enjoy their golf at an acceptable pace. If you are approached by the
course ranger then please accept his guidance and pick up your pace. Although the
Struie Course is not monitored by a course ranger, the speed of play is regulated by
a combination of self-policing and occasionally the club staff will act as regulators.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Dornoch is blessed with excellent weather (sometimes seen as our own
microclimate) and so very rarely suffers from anything that would cause a delay in
play. With such a sandy soil and the plateau greens even excess rain doesn’t close
the course. Occasionally in the summer months we have Haar (sea fog) roll in and if
this causes visibility to be reduced below safe levels then play will have to stop until
it improves. The Pro Shop team will control this and advise on the appropriate
measures and procedures.
In the winter when the temperatures dip and we have ground frost the Course
Manager may close the Championship Course to protect it. The Struie Course will
remain available in these circumstances, with temporary tees and greens in use,
should you wish to venture out but this would be at your own risk.
During the winter months we keep you up to date on the conditions with the
dedicated course status Twitter feed.
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As a member of Royal Dornoch there are many benefits that come along with it and
these are detailed below.
Loyalty Card
• 20% discount off of all Professional Shop purchases when using your loyalty
card.
• 10% discount off of food and drink purchases when using your loyalty card.
To benefit from these discounts you must take along your club loyalty card. Without
your club loyalty card the full price would apply.
For those out of town members who do not visit the club on a regular basis we
recommend that you leave your loyalty card with the office between visits so that it
will always be available at the club for you as lost or forgotten loyalty cards will cost
£5 to be replaced.
Local Reciprocals
• Tain, Brora & Golspie will offer 3 rounds annually at the applicable members
guest fee for the course and time or year. Such rounds will be subject to
availability and cannot be reserved more than 7 days in advance.
• Fortrose & Rosemarkie will offer 3 rounds annually at half the visitor fee.
Such rounds will be subject to availability and cannot be reserved more than
48 hours in advance.
• Orkney will offer 3 rounds annually at half the visitor fee. Such rounds will be
subject to availability and cannot be reserved more than 48 hours in advance.
As a condition of making use of the local reciprocal arrangement, members using the
facility must present a membership card on the day of play when checking in. Failure
to do so will result in the reciprocal arrangement not being honoured.
Overseas Reciprocals
To enable the use of the overseas reciprocal arrangements, you must contact the
club office to arrange for a letter of introduction to be sent to the reciprocal club.
Once this has been done, you are then able to contact the reciprocal club directly to
check availability and arrange tee times. Please see below a list of the clubs
available:
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• Lake Karrinyup
• Royal Melbourne
• Royal Sydney
• Royal Queensland
• Royal Auckland
• Royal Cape
• Hong Kong
• Royal Colwood
• Royal Hobart
• Country Club of North Carolina
Members Directory
The General Manager keeps a directory of members who are happy to entertain
fellow members who may be travelling in their area. The list of members and the
courses they play at are confidential and is designed to enhance the camaraderie
to being a member. If you wish your name and the clubs you are a member of to
be added to the list, or if you will be travelling and would like to meet fellow
members where you are going, just contact the General Manager.
Scottish Golf Discount
As a member of Scottish Golf, it entitles you to a discount at many clubs
throughout Scotland. Please be aware that not every Scottish Club offers a
discount and for those that do, discounts and conditions of play will differ from club
to club. Further information can be found on www.scottishgolf.org
Golf at Castle Stuart
We have a close relationship with Castle Stuart and they offer our members a
special discount on green fee for themselves and their guests. For more
information please contact Castle Stuart directly where they will be able to provide
you with the cost of play and availability.
Greenkeeper’s Cottage
The club owns a self catering cottage which is located next to the 18th tee of the
Struie Course and it is also home to the Witches Stone. The stone marks the last
judicial execution of a person charged with witchcraft in Scotland which took place
in 1727, however the stone itself marks the date as 1722. Many a visitor to
Dornoch take a walk to the stone and take a peek at the land in front of the
cottage. As a member you are entitled to a 10% discount when staying at the
cottage. If you would like more information on the cottage and are interested in
renting please contact Dornoch Town and Country Lettings
http://www.dornochtownandcountrylettings.co.uk/greenkeepers-cottage.php
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FACILITIES
Championship Course
Rated in the top 10 courses in the world, it has been the main course at Royal
Dornoch since the club’s inception and probably the reason that you decided to join.
The layout that we play now was only finally configured in this way at the end of the
Second World War and there has been several changes from the 9 hole course we
started with in 1877 and the first 18 hole course that Old Tom Morris helped put in
place in 1886. We urge you to research and understand the history of the course as it
will help as you stand on each tee facing the challenge ahead. We have two volunteer
archivists that have built up a substantial range of materials marking the progress of
the club down the years. If you are interested in viewing some of these materials
please contact the office.
Struie Course
There have been many changes to the course of the lifetime of the club and more are
planned for the future as we strive to provide all our members and visitors with the
highest quality facilities possible. It has been rated in the top 50 links courses in the UK.
Practice Facilities
• Practice ground – The large area alongside the Struie Course that has the
covered bays. You must supply your own clubs and balls
• Academy Holes – 3 holes near the aerodrome opposite the practice ground.
They must be played as holes of golf and cannot be used for practice or
chipping and putting
• Practice Strip – A short hitting area with a green and two bunkers located
between the 18th and 17th of the Championship Course. Long iron play must
be from the mats
• Bunker Area – This is near the Academy Holes
• Warm up Nets – The Nets are up the steps towards the Royal Golf Hotel, balls
are supplied
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• Putting Green with chipping area – recently redesigned to be true to the greens
of the Championship Course

Hire Items
• Caddies – must be requested in advance of play. Please make requests
through our Reservations or Professional Shop teams. Should you wish to
become a caddie please contact the office for more details
• Buggy Hire – only available to those who medically require them, therefore we
do ask for a medical certificate to be recorded in the Pro Shop. Please
reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Power Trolley hire – please make a request in advance to avoid
disappointment.
• Pull Trolley hire – available at no cost to the member and there is no need to
reserve in advance as we have plenty on site.
• Lockers – There are full size lockers available to rent for a maximum of 2
weeks per visit. Should you require the locker for longer than 2 weeks, then
this can be revisited on the day, subject to availability. We also have day
lockers available that are smaller in size and will hold bags/shoes and small
items.
• Club Storage – For out of town members who do not need access to their
clubs on a regular basis we can store them between your visit. Please contact
the Pro Shop for more details.
Lockers/Locker room/Showers
As well as having lockers available to rent for short periods of time, we also have
lockers for local members which can be rented all year round. Please note that we
are currently operating a waitlist, however should you wish to go on to the waitlist, for
consideration when a locker becomes available, then please let the reservations
team know. The locker rooms have toilets and also showering facilities with towels
available.
Power Trolleys
There is a trolley store on site for both electric and pull trolleys. The electric trolleys
offer a space for clubs, trolley and electric battery charging facility whereas the pull
trolleys offer a hanging space to hold the trolley on. Please note that again our trolley
store is full, however if you would like to be added to a waitlist then please let us know.
Drying Room
We have a small drying room, next to the Ladies locker room. Please feel free to pop
your clubs/wet clothes in here when the good old Scottish weather has rained down.
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We would however ask that you make sure you clear out your belongings when
leaving the club as this is not a locker room.
Halfway House
When you have finished the ninth hole on the Championship Course, you will find it
nestled behind the gorse. This is staffed each day throughout the season with it
opening a few days of the week over the winter months weather permitting. The
Halfway House is stocked with hot and cold drinks, alcoholic & non-alcoholic
beverages, hoagies, home baking, confectionary and golf balls (for those of you who
may lose a few on your way round). We would ask that when using the Halfway House
to always consider the pace of play and make sure your pit stop does not hold up any
other players.
Toilets, both ladies and gents, are situated at the side of the Halfway House.
Clubhouse Bar & Restaurant
The bar and restaurant is located on the top floor of the clubhouse. If you have not
been lucky enough to be in it before then please make sure when you visit to take a
moment, have a seat, enjoy a drink and take in the breathtaking views of the
Championship Course and the Dornoch Firth. Our bar offers a wide selection of drinks
and stocks a great range of whisky, gin and wines as well as the finest coffee in
Dornoch (in our opinion). The restaurant menu is available all day with a special menu
available on certain evenings.
Our Head Chef changes the menu with the season to ensure that the freshest local
ingredients can be sourced. Over the winter months, we have many social evenings
from themed food nights, gin tasting, quiz nights and special speakers. They always
go down well with our members so why not make sure you come along and join us.
The winter social event dates are always displayed within the club noticeboards, but
not to worry if you’ve missed it, the members weekly newsletter will always keep you
informed of upcoming events. Remember that one of the benefits to being a member
is that you receive 10% discount on food and drink. To benefit from the discount, you
must present your gold loyalty card. This is in this pack so make sure to pop it in your
wallet/purse and have it with you each time you visit. Unfortunately, without your
loyalty card the full price will apply. The loyalty card can also be topped up with money,
which can be done in the bar with one of the members of the team, or online via the
Members Area.
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PROFESSIONAL SHOP
Our Professional Shop is located at the front of the building and has an abundance of
merchandise available to purchase. From waterproof suits, golf shoes and
personalised caps to tees, ball markers and confectionery. Remember as a member
you receive a 20% discount off all soft goods. The Professional Shop acts as the hub
of the club, this is where you can also book tee times, arrange lessons and sign in for
medals & competitions.
Our Retail Manager has worked hard to ensure that we have the latest in golfing
fashion by some of the best brands in the game. You will be able to choose from Kjus,
Titleist, Links and Kings, Peter Millar, Under Armour, Travis Matthews, Glenmuir,
Donald Ross, PRG and many more.
Wildcat Range
While many of our products have the Royal Dornoch crest on them, which are
available for everyone to buy, we also have a specific, member only range that has
the Wildcat as its crest. These are limited edition runs that are made to order. We
have had sweaters, polo shirts, golf bags, headcovers amongst the items so far, some
of which are still available by contacting the pro shop who can also advise on the
plans for the next range of items.
As the Wildcat is the official animal of Sutherland and features in our main crest we
are supporting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in their work to preserve the
Wildcat from extinction. £5 from each item purchased goes to the RZSS to help with
their work.
Online
We have been working to increase our online presence to allow many more people to
purchase goods with the Royal Dornoch crest and become part of our worldwide
family. As a member you can still receive your discount by registering on the site and
this will give you access to the special offers that are available in the shop.
Price Match
As always we would much prefer our members to purchase their golfing goods from their
club and so our team in the shop are always keen to help you on price. If you see the
same goods on sale elsewhere at a cheaper price, or have been offered something and
wish to check the price, please contact our team and discuss this with them. Please note
that this doesn’t apply to crested goods as they are only available from Royal Dornoch.
23

Teaching & Lessons
Our Head Teaching Professional is available to help improve all aspects of your
game. If you would like to arrange a lesson please use the contact details which
are listed at the end of the document. Alternatively, you can always pop into the
Professional Shop where someone will assist you.
Club Fitting
Our Head Teaching Professional is also a fully qualified Titleist club fitter and
uses the latest Trackman technology to help him find the best clubs to suit your
swing. This is a comprehensive session that will ensure that you will stand on
the tee with confidence that you are prepared for the battle ahead.
24

GENERAL INFORMATION
Notice boards
Our notice boards are in the main foyer, directly outside the club office. These boards
have a variety of information on them, from entry sheets for matches/competitions,
draws, results to general club notices. Make sure when you’re passing to have a look
and keep yourself up to date.
Dress Code
Please wear smart, casual and appropriate attire on the courses and in the clubhouse.
Should you be in any doubt our staff will advise.
Appropriate footwear is to be worn in the clubhouse and this may include golf shoes
with soft spikes providing they are clean.
Hats must not be worn in the upstairs rooms of the Clubhouse.
It is the responsibility of members to ensure that their guests are suitably dressed.
Persons not following the above may be asked to leave the Clubhouse or the Golf
Courses.
Mobile Phones
Please be considerate with their use. They should not be audible in the main
lounge/bar but may be used in silent mode to send and receive messages and emails.
Phone calls may be made and received outwith this area.
On the golf courses relevant apps may be used for yardages, hole positions and
keeping score or if there is an emergency.
Parking
The club has 2 car parks, the main car park and the overflow car park, which is
located just downhill from the turn off for the main car park. This car park can be used
by members & visitors when the main car park becomes full.
The parking area immediately outside the clubhouse is only for Club Officials. There
are also 3 spaces for 30 minute parking and those with disability. This car park is also
used as a drop off point for members, visitors and coaches and we would ask that it is
used only as a drop off point to avoid congestion.
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Fire Assembly Point
In the event that the fire alarm sounds we would ask everyone to make their way promptly
and safely from the clubhouse to the fire assembly point which is on the far side of the top car
park. We would ask that you remain there until a staff member informs you that it is safe to reenter
the building. Please be patient as it may take our staff members a few minutes to
evacuate and check the building.
Member’s Weekly Email
As you are aware, Royal Dornoch has a large membership with over 2000 members spread
all over the world. To help keep all the members up to date with everything that happens at
the club, the General Manager emails a weekly newsletter every Friday afternoon.
The newsletter will include items such as up and coming events, how to enter competitions,
course maintenance and conditions, etc. We find that this is a great way of communicating
with our members so if you have not received the email then please contact the club office
who will be able to guide you.
Social Media
You can keep up to date with the very latest news courtesy of our social media channels:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/RoyalDornochGC
Twitter Course Status – https://twitter.com/RDCourseStatus
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RoyalDornochGC
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/royal.dornoch/
LinkedIn – https://www.linked.com/royal-dornoch-golf-club
Pro Shop Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RoyalDornochProShop
Pro Shop Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/royaldornochproshop/
There is also a members only Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RoyalDornochMembers which you can join by clicking the
request button and supplying your membership number, email address and agreeing to the
T&C’s of the page.
Royal Dornoch Needs You! – Volunteers Wanted
There are some competitions throughout the year that require the assistance of our members. We
need volunteers to assist with registration of competitions, ball spotters, course marshals, etc. If
you think you could lend a hand with events then please contact the office to register your interest.
26

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS & PROJECTS
Vision
Royal Dornoch aims to be the premier golfing destination in Scotland and retain our
top 10 World Ranking status.
Mission
We shall provide the highest level of golfing and associate facilities for members and
visitors.
We shall encompass all ages and abilities.
Our Club will provide economic benefits to Dornoch and the wider Highland
community.
Core Values & Behaviours
We value our employees and want them to be the best and provide the best service.
Our Championship Course is the most important asset to Royal Dornoch and will be
placed at the heart of our decisions to ensure it remains at the height of world
ranking status.
We shall develop and promote our brand globally.
We shall host events that attract players at the pinnacle of the game.
Goals & Objectives
We shall invest in our staff and maintain our Investors in People and Investors in
Young People status.
We shall strive to host significant events that reflect the status of our Club.
We shall make our golf courses available for local, regional, national and
international events.
Completed Projects
2016 – Greens Machinery Replacement
2017 – New Greens Maintenance Facility
2018 – Professional shop taken in-house
2020 – Greens Machinery Replacement
2022 – Widen road access to car park
Championship Course Evolution
2017 – 11th green/12th Tees and 10th Tee
2018 – 10th green & Bunker
2020 – New 7th Hole
27

Future Projects (not in any order of priority)
Protecting our boundaries by purchasing adjacent land and properties
Smooth the membership age profile
Championship Course Evolution
Clubhouse Development
Greens Machinery Replacement
Irrigation systems – Struie Course new system / Championship Course upgrade
Dormie House
Driving Range
Struie Course development including 9 hole course development
The above is a short synopsis of where the club is at present and is explained
in detail in the Vision document which is circulated to the members once a year
after it has been updated.
28

COMMUNITY
Community Fund
Our community is very important to Royal Dornoch and we take our role within it
seriously. In 2015 the Council of Management decided that a percentage of the
income generated would be invested in the local community. Local organisations &
groups (within the IV25 postcode) can apply for donations of up to £500. The
applications are determined by a committee which includes the Club Captain, Vice
Captain and Immediate Past Captain as well as two nominees from the Dornoch
Area Community Council. Royal Dornoch donations for 2019 totalled £11,000 and
helped 25 different worthy causes. Since 2015 we have donated money to over 80
different projects, helping over 45 different causes and bringing the total amount to
be donated in the community to over £50,000.
Captain’s Charity
Each year at the Captain’s Invitational Members & Guest and the Captain’s
Weekend there are raffles and auctions to raise money for the nominated charities of
the captains. These raise between £5,000 to £10,000 each year which is then
passed on to help the very important work of these organisations. Charities that have
been supported in recent years have been Oversteps Care Home, Scotland’s Charity
Air Ambulance, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. Currently we are supporting
Kayleigh’s Wee Stars and Maggie’s.
Charity Donations
In addition to the above, the club makes many ad hoc donations to lots of local and
national charities and causes. These usually take the form of a 4 ball on the
Championship Course which are highly prized by many and can generate useful
funds. We also help out in the local Dornoch Community by offering the resources
from our staff, equipment and facilities.
Salt Marsh Regeneration
Salt Marshes provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife and helps protect
coastal land from flooding and erosion. However, shoreline degradation and climate
change are increasingly placing these grassland areas under threat. A number of
gaps in the saltmarsh habitat in the Dornoch Firth means part of the Royal Dornoch’s
Struie Course is vulnerable to flooding and even being lost to the power of the
waves. Royal Dornoch, since 2018, committed to providing £10,000 a year, for 3
years towards a project of restoring the saltmarshes. This project is being organised
and promoted by Dr Clare Maynard, a research scientist at St Andrews University
29

and Chair of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology. Dr Maynard said:
“Saltmarshes absorb wave energy. When we studied the Eden Estuary it was clear
that land behind salt marshes was in pretty good shape and far less likely to be
eroded or flooded, whereas areas where there were no salt marshes were clearly
getting pounded by the waves and were at risk.” So, with the help of Dr Maynard’s
Team, our Greenkeeping staff, community volunteers and the Dornoch Academy
students transplanted the saltmarsh plants around the 10th hole. This work
continued for the next 2 years and helped to safeguard the Struie Course and
allow it to remain playable for years to come. For more information on this project
please see https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/serg/projects/greenshores/
GEO Certified®
Royal Dornoch has been awarded the GEO Certified® ecolabel, an international
symbol of ‘great golf environments’.
This recognises clubs that have met high standards for performance in nature
conservation, water and energy efficiency, ethical and environmental supply chain,
pollution control and community engagement.
Scott Aitchison, our Deputy Course Manager, helped drive forward this project and
which led to the accreditation of GEO. He said: “We are a rural site of stunning
beauty, thriving with flora and fauna. We are responsible for a massive area of land
which in itself is diverse. We have everything from grass airstrips, fields for grazing
through sports turf to dune land. We are "links" and we encapsulate the very
essence of joining the sea to the farmland. We are managing this diverse range of
land as a members club who are active in supporting our community. We are
consciously changing the mind-set of a large staff to think about the impact we
have on the environment in each task we perform which amounts to our footprint
as a business. Our recent, Global Environment Organisation (GEO) accreditation
suggests we are doing things with the right attitude.”
Dornoch Golfing Memories Group
Recently, at Royal Dornoch, our staff took part in a session, hosted by Alzheimer’s
Scotland, to become Dementia Friends. Our staff now have a better awareness of
what Dementia means and how we can help those we encounter who are living
with Dementia. Dornoch is a small community with an ageing population and it has
become more apparent in recent years that we have members and people within
our immediate community that live with Dementia. We are always actively looking
for different ways we can improve ourselves and our community relationships and
30

working with Alzheimer’s Scotland seemed like a great opportunity to do just that. As
Dementia Friends, we have teamed up with Alzheimer’s Scotland to host a get
together, once a month, where people with Dementia can pop in and join us for a
coffee in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and relive all of Dornoch’s golfing
memories. There is also a support group, for carers, that runs alongside the Dornoch
Memories group, which will be hosted by representatives from Alzheimer’s Scotland.
For more information on our Golf Memories Group or if you would like to attend,
please contact the club office.
31

ORGANISATION CHARTS
Sub Com
Council of Management O
Presi
Gordon
Vice Pre
Woody Morcott, Hamish Macra
Captain
David Bell
Council of M
Tony Gordon, Gordon Davies, K
Robert Grant, Fiona Ma
Mark
Finance & Retail Greens Match & Handicap Comm
Convenor Convenor Convenor Co
Wilma Murray
Ken M
Sub Committee Sub Committee Sub Committee Sub C
Phil Prince Sandy Fraser Alison Bartlett Ca
Bob Grant Captain Robert Grant Genera
Captain General Manager Captain Retail
Vice Captain Course Manager General Manager SM C
Accountant Deputy Course Manager Assistant Manager PR C
General Manager Head PGA Professional Head PGA Professional Photo
Assistant Manager
Golf & Admin Assistant
Retail Manager
Meeting Meeting Meeting Me
Monthly Quarterly Quarterly M
32

ganisation Chart 2022/23
dent
Lawson
sidents
e, Jim Campbell, Alan Ramsey
Vice Captain
Gery Bethune
anagement
en MacKenzie, Wilma Murray
cDonald, Philip Prince
mittees
eting &
unication Juniors House Capital Projects
venor Convenor Convenor Convenor
acKenzie Gary Bethune Gordon Davies Rob Murray
ommittee Sub Committee Sub Committee Sub Committee
ptain Tony Gordon Phil Prince Captain
l Manager David Diracles Fiona MacDonald Alan Ramsey
Manager Jim Campbell Captain Mike Ross
onsultant Captain General Manager Gordon Davies
onsultant General Manager F&B Manager Willie MacKay
grapher Assistant Manager FoH Team Leader General Manager
Head Teaching Pro
eting Meeting Meeting Meeting
nthly Bi Monthly Monthly As required
33

STAFF ORGANISATION CHART 2022
Coun
Manag
General
Neil Ha
Staff Organisat
Head Chef/F&B Manager
Brian Sangster
Assistant Manager
Claire Riddell
Administration
Front of House
Team Leader
Front of House
Shift Supervisors
Bar/Waiting Staff
(inc P/T & Casual)
2nd Chef
Kitchen Staff
(inc P/T Chef
& KP's)
34
Contract Cleaners
Not
In the absence of the General Manager
responsibilities and authori

ion Chart 2022
cil of
ement
Manager
mpton
Retail Manager
Brad Smith
Head PGA Pro
Comps/Hcaps/Rules
Retail
Supervisor
Golf Ops Manager
PGA Pro's
Retail Staff
Golf Ops Team
Caddie Master
Caddies
es:
the Assistant Manager will assume all
ty of the General Manager
35

CONTACT DETAILS & PRICES
Telephone Numbers:
General number +44 (0) 1862 810219
Ext. 1 for Main Office
Ext. 2 for Claire Riddell, Assistant Manager
Ext. 3 for Neil Hampton, General Manager
Ext. 4 for Bar and Catering
Ext. 5 for Pro Shop
Pro Shop direct number +44 (0) 1862 811924
Email Addresses:
bookings@royaldornoch.com
for main office
rdgc@royaldornoch.com
for competitions and membership
neil@royaldornoch.com
for Neil Hampton, General Manager
claire@royaldornoch.com
for Claire Riddell, Assistant Manager
catering@royaldornoch.com
for Bar and Catering
proshop@royaldornoch.com
for Pro Shop
Members Guests
Championship Course
April to October – £30
November to March – £20
Struie Course
36

April to October – £20
November to March – £20
Struie Member concession on Championship Course – £20
April to October - £30 November to March - £20
Hire Equipment Per Round
Pull Trollies – Free
Power Trollies – £15
Rental Clubs – £35
Buggies – £25
Caddies – £60 plus tip
Storage Per Year
Pull Trolley – £5
Power Trolley (inc. battery charging) – £15
Locker – £15
Long Term Club Storage – £15
Temporary Locker Hire (2 weeks max) - £1 per day or £5 per week
Rules & Regulations of the Club are included with the pack as a
separate document
Photos and Contact details for the main club officials and managerial
and admin staff can be found on the website here
https://royaldornoch.com/royal-dornoch-golf-club/team
37

Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Golf Road, Dornoch, Sutherland IV25 3LW