Closer ties between Dornoch and the “St Andrews of American golf” could help boost tourism in the Highlands in 2026.
Representatives from Dornoch, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the HistoryLinks Museum recently visited the Village of Pinehurst in North Carolina to build on a partnership signed two years ago.
The visit focused on developing shared initiatives linked to the legacy of famous golf course architect Donald Ross.
The five-strong delegation included Dornoch Provost Cath McAngus, former provost Paddy Murray, HistoryLinks Museum assistant Caroline Seymour and trustee Professor David Bell, a past captain of Royal Dornoch. They were joined by Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton.
From left, Professor Davd Bell, Neil Hampton, Paddy Murray, Provost Cath McAngus and Caroline Seymour at the Country Club of North Carolina.
The group held a series of meetings with key figures in Pinehurst, where Ross settled after leaving Dornoch in the early 20th century. Ross was born in Dornoch and was the club’s first professional and “keeper of the greens” before emigrating to the United States.
Dornoch-born Donald Ross was hugely influential in the development of golf in North America.
Royal Dornoch’s long-standing links with Pinehurst and the Country Club of North Carolina are now being developed into closer cooperation between the two golfing communities, with several joint initiatives under discussion.
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During the visit, the Dornoch group met Pinehurst mayor Pat Pizzella, former mayor John Strickland — who travelled to Dornoch to sign the original agreement – and Bob Farren, superintendent of Pinehurst’s 11 courses.
Pinehurst Mayor Pat Pizzella and Dornoch Provost Cath McAngus flanking a portrait of Donald Ross.
“It was a packed schedule but very productive,” said economics professor David. “What came across loud and clear was the high regard the town of Dornoch, its history, and our Championship Course is held in.
“Bob has invited our course manager Eoin Riddell and assistant Scott Aitchison to visit Pinehurst and they will be sharing their expertise on golf course management.
“Looking ahead, both parties are keen to set up regular exchange visits with greenkeeping staff.”
Donald Ross is highly regarded in Pinehurst, while visitors to Dornoch often seek out his family home near the cathedral.
“It’s baffling that Donald Ross is more famous in the USA than he is here in Scotland,” said Professor Bell.
“In addition to creating his masterpiece Pinehurst No 2, which is now a regular rota venue for the US Open, Ross designed more than 400 courses in North America.
“We were lucky enough to be treated to a tour of Dornoch Cottage, the home that Ross designed for his family by the third fairway, and see the statues and many plaques which pay homage to the great man and highlight his roots in the Highlands.”
Dornoch Cottage, the home that Ross designed for his family by the third fairway at Pinehurst.
“Many American and Canadian golfers with a keen interest in golf history already make a beeline for his family home in Gilbert Street and they will be encouraged to visit the HistoryLinks Museum to see the recreated Ross workshop and learn more about the history of the town where he grew up.”
Provost McAngus confirmed that both towns will collaborate on promotional videos.
“Dornoch and Pinehurst have agreed to create videos that the other can use to promote their town,” she said.
“Dornoch will focus on the Cathedral, the museum and our golfing history, including Donald Ross.
“We will also highlight what the town and club is doing now to expand and protect the facilities on offer to visitors from all over the world.
“The videos will be developed in tandem with young people influencing the content as much as possible.”
Museum curator Caroline Seymour said the partnership was already delivering positive outcomes.
“We are so excited by the development of the agreement with Pinehurst and Dornoch based on the legacy of Donald Ross.
“We look forward to celebrating the real benefits that it will deliver. Our friends from Pinehurst can be assured of a warm Highland welcome when they visit our historic burgh.”
Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton said the agreement would strengthen ties between the clubs.
“Our agreement will bring tangible golfing benefits both to Pinehurst and to Royal Dornoch and we look forward to developing the relationships that we have built on this visit.”
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