Royal Dornoch unveils revamped 8th hole

By Alistair June 25, 2023 07:42

The new-look 8th 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 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 and the challenge envisaged when the original par four designed by Open winner George Duncan last underwent a makeover.

Official opening of the renovated / re design of the 8th hole teeing area and fairway by Mackenzie Ebert architects on the Championship course, Royal Dornoch, Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland.
Credit: Matthew Harris / Royal Dornoch GC

Professor Bell 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.

“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 and I’m sure members and our many visitors from home and abroad will appreciate this – 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.