Royal Dornoch Golf Club in the Scottish Highlands is one of Scotland's most historic and beloved links
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, founded in 1877, is one of Scotland's most historic and beloved links. This small beachside town in the Scottish Highlands has become a coveted destination for golfers all over the world. It's also home to one of the most famous club competitions, the Carnegie Shield, which has led to a thriving international membership.
Old Tom Morris had a large hand in the creation of Royal Dornoch. Morris arrived in 1886 and offered his expertise to the course. World War II led to the destruction of four holes, which were later recreated. New holes were developed as well. Many holes have raised and crowned greens heavily defended by small, deep pot bunkers. One of the most famous holes, however, is the bunkerless 14th, known as "Foxy."
The town of Dornoch was also the birthplace of Donald Ross, who worked at Dornoch as "keeper of the green" and later under the tutelage of Morris in St. Andrews before permanently moving to the United States, where he served as greenskeeper at the Pinehurst Resort and would design an estimated 400 golf courses in his lifetime.