Royal Dornoch Winter Newsletter 2024

Convenor’s Report. It is heartening to see their
success which shows the future of the Club is in
good hands. Turning to the other representative
teams, well done to the teams representing the Club
in the Dornoch Firth Festival Match and the Jimmy
Miller Quaich. Special mention should also be
made of the annual match against Nairn where we
have now been successful three times in a row – the
first time we have achieved that particular feat.
The club match play competitions were very well
supported this year and we have made some
alterations to the timing of rounds in 2024 to
ensure that reasonable time is given to arrange and
complete matches. I would encourage members to
try and ensure ties are played as early as possible in
each round and only enter if you know you are
available throughout the course of the competition.
Special mention must go to the final of the Bagott
Trophy which is the pairs better ball stableford
knock-out over the Struie. The final was played a
few days after one of the heavy storms which meant
the 16th & 17th on Struie were closed. So, 1st and
3rd were substituted as they had a similar stroke
index. The match was tied and extra holes required
which prompted a phone call “what do we do now”
bearing in mind they have just finished on the 3rd
hole. Andrew told them to come back up and play
the normal extra holes where Kerry & Sinclair
Mckay eventually prevailed.
We are all getting to grips with the World Handicap
System (WHS) and from an administrative
perspective it is encouraging to see the operating
systems on either side of the Scottish Border now
being more able to talk to each other, and indeed,
the same holds true across the Atlantic.
Golf Genius too is bedding-in and we trialled
online scoring in both a ladies and gents medal
towards the end of the season. Thanks to all who
took part in this trial which proved very
informative. Whilst the general direction of travel
is to move towards this method of scoring, fear not
if you find this difficult to use or don’t have a smart
phone. In 2024 paper cards and entering scores on
the tablet will still be available and, unless all
partners are happy with electronic scoring, cards are
likely to the norm rather than the exception.
Finally, a thanks to all the members and staff who
volunteer to support events throughout the season.
It is very much appreciated and ensures their
smooth running.
Bob Grant
Match & Handicap Convenor
15