First look inside new £13.9m clubhouse at esteemed Scots golf club ranked higher than Augusta National Masters course

ONE of Scotland’s top golf courses has finally unveiled its new £13.9million clubhouse to its members.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club, which has been listed as high as second in global rankings of golf courses, will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2027.

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Golfers at Royal Dornoch with their new clubhouse in the backgroundCredit: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency

The interior is a blend of tradition and modernityCredit: BANNERMAN MEDAI / MATTHEW HARRIS

Ahead of that special year, the club wanted to erect a new clubhouse to replace the 116-year-old building to help maintain its status as not just a leading venue in Scotland but also the world.

The stunning two-year transformation has led to a building that has been made with traditional sandstone and slate and pays homage to the club’s roots but also features a modern restaurant, bar, pro shop and locker rooms.

Set over three storeys, the restaurant’s windows provide uninterrupted views of the course and the sea while precious memorabilia and old photographs now adorn the walls.

The village’s iconic cathedral has been incorporated into the design and the club’s historic crest featuring a Scottish wildcat is also prominent.

An official opening is scheduled for the spring of 2026, with members given a first look today at the course in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.

Over 700 of the club’s 2000-plus members are based outwith the UK, across 24 countries.

Among those to get a glimpse of their new surroundings were three of the club’s longest serving members.

But the lucky trio were Scots Christine Murray (89), former professional Willie Skinner (92) and Sander MacDonald (89).

Club captain Gary Bethune said: “This is our amazing new home, and one to be enjoyed by generations to come. 

“A little over a week ago many of us got together to bid a fond farewell to a clubhouse which has served us so well in various guises since 1909. 

“As you all know, our Championship Course is among the finest to be found anywhere in the golf world, enticing golfers from far and wide to make the pilgrimage to our historic wee town here in the Scottish Highlands. 

“Now, I truly believe we have a clubhouse to match the reputation of our beloved links.

“This is, and always will be, a clubhouse for our members and townsfolk to gather for a meal, a cuppa or a dram, to chat and share tales of our golfing exploits, with or without a wee bit embellishment along the way!” he said. 

“From the days of our first pro, the legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, our long-time secretary John Sutherland and the countless men and women who have nurtured our club through times good and bad, one thing has never changed. 

“Royal Dornoch and our members have always been eager to welcome visitors to share the legacy crafted on the links behind us, and to forge new and enduring friendships during their stay.”

General manager Neil Hampton added: “You’ll get some of the characters, some of the trophies, some of the great events that have happened.

“Our old clubhouse was nice, quaint, a bit chilly at times.

“It was a nice place to be but not a great place to linger.

The views from the bar/restaurant will impress members and visitors alikeCredit: BANNERMAN MEDIA / MATTHEW HARRIS

Dornoch village’s cathedral has been incorporated into the final designCredit: BANNERMAN MEDIA

“This is a much bigger and better destination to come and spend a lot more time.”

He added: “This is certainly a show of faith in Dornoch as we look to the future.

“Everyone involved in getting us to this stage deserves enormous credit. 

“Our architects, Keppie Design, have impressed us from the outset and Inverness-based main contractors Morrison’s have gone the extra yard where required to deliver something truly special. 

“What the club now has to offer members and visitors has surpassed all our expectations.”

Royal Dornoch has been undertaking a number of changes ahead of its anniversary year.

The club bought 50 acres of new land with a view to redesigning a hole one the Championship course’s sister track, the Struie course.

That purchase could lead to the construction of a brand new par-3 course plus an upgraded driving range and practice facilities.

An official opening is scheduled for spring 2026Credit: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency

Some historic images adorn the walls inside the buildingCredit: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency

An aerial view of the new clubhouse, with the course in the backgroundCredit: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency

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