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| Ross's Homeland: Royal Dornoch |
LC recently caught up with fellow golf enthusiast and Royal Dornoch member Mike Munro prior to a recent return-trip to his Club to talk about links golf, family heritage, and his experience as a member.
Tell me about your first trip to Royal Dornoch
In 1997 I was on a vacation in Scotland playing a number of Open course locations. Part of my trip also included a Munro Clan gathering. The gathering was not to far away from Royal Dornoch and had Munro’s from all over the world attending. While I was there, I wanted to play Royal Dornoch. I knew about Dornoch due to the exposure it received when Tom Watson spoke of it during previous Opens.
Your family has a personal connection to the area where Dornoch is settled. Tell me about it.
The Munro ancestral homeland for our Clan is on land located roughly 20 miles south of Royal Dornoch. The land was given to the Munro Clan Chief for the Clan’s assistance in fighting off the Vikings during the 11th century. To this day, they have a castle Foulis where the Clan Chief has a working farm.
The area itself has such a mystical quality about it from afar.
Royal Dornoch’s isolation is it's strength. The rural setting combined with the mountains to the west and the views of the North Sea is beautiful.
Many of our readers are very familiar with RD’s Championship Course. As a member, what are some of your favorite spots?
First off, I must say that the ground game at Royal Dornoch is profound. The Ross greens are simply beautiful. Holes 2-6 in my mind are as good as it gets. Many of the holes feature inverted saucer-style greens which make the approaches both calculating and strategic. The third hole reminds me of Sand Hills. It’s an elevated tee shot where the entire course opens up into view along with the North Sea and the mountains.
Much has been written about the golf course itself. What do people reading from afar not know about Royal Dornoch?
The town’s connection to the course. Although it is only 2,500 people, everyone in town is aware of its importance and they do not take it for granted.
The fact that there is a trailer park that is prevalently located off of the Struie course is always a shock to first-time visitors. With that said, although the Championship course gets the credit, the Struie course layout is very highly regarded and its flatter terrain reminds me a lot of Carnoustie.
Finally, the other item that has struck me after my trips was the culture of walking while playing golf. Shame on us Americans. At RD, you will walk the golf course unless you have a medical problem. It amazes me to see how many 60-70 year olds out there walking and not thinking anything of it. As a result, it has motivated me to maintain a level of fitness. It is a mind-set for them and expectation to stay active and walk the course, or simply be out walking your dog on the course when not playing!
Why did you join?
I sat down and asked myself “where do you want to play the rest of your life?” I love links-style golf and wanted a reason to go to Scotland based on family-roots and the quality of links. In addition, many of these clubs are looking for new members, and offer opportunities to join that are very modest in comparison to American standards.
Do you have any recommendations on accommodations in the area?
For a group, I would highly recommend the Greenskeeper’s House at the Club. It is a small home that has 5 rooms and can sleep up to 6 people.
The Royal Golf Hotel is also a great choice. It is reasonably-priced, has great food, solid location, and a wonderful bar.
Tell me about your first trip to Royal Dornoch
In 1997 I was on a vacation in Scotland playing a number of Open course locations. Part of my trip also included a Munro Clan gathering. The gathering was not to far away from Royal Dornoch and had Munro’s from all over the world attending. While I was there, I wanted to play Royal Dornoch. I knew about Dornoch due to the exposure it received when Tom Watson spoke of it during previous Opens.
Your family has a personal connection to the area where Dornoch is settled. Tell me about it.
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| The Munro Clan's Family Heritage and its link to Dornoch |
The Munro ancestral homeland for our Clan is on land located roughly 20 miles south of Royal Dornoch. The land was given to the Munro Clan Chief for the Clan’s assistance in fighting off the Vikings during the 11th century. To this day, they have a castle Foulis where the Clan Chief has a working farm.
The area itself has such a mystical quality about it from afar.
Royal Dornoch’s isolation is it's strength. The rural setting combined with the mountains to the west and the views of the North Sea is beautiful.
Many of our readers are very familiar with RD’s Championship Course. As a member, what are some of your favorite spots?
First off, I must say that the ground game at Royal Dornoch is profound. The Ross greens are simply beautiful. Holes 2-6 in my mind are as good as it gets. Many of the holes feature inverted saucer-style greens which make the approaches both calculating and strategic. The third hole reminds me of Sand Hills. It’s an elevated tee shot where the entire course opens up into view along with the North Sea and the mountains.
Much has been written about the golf course itself. What do people reading from afar not know about Royal Dornoch?
The town’s connection to the course. Although it is only 2,500 people, everyone in town is aware of its importance and they do not take it for granted.
The fact that there is a trailer park that is prevalently located off of the Struie course is always a shock to first-time visitors. With that said, although the Championship course gets the credit, the Struie course layout is very highly regarded and its flatter terrain reminds me a lot of Carnoustie.
Finally, the other item that has struck me after my trips was the culture of walking while playing golf. Shame on us Americans. At RD, you will walk the golf course unless you have a medical problem. It amazes me to see how many 60-70 year olds out there walking and not thinking anything of it. As a result, it has motivated me to maintain a level of fitness. It is a mind-set for them and expectation to stay active and walk the course, or simply be out walking your dog on the course when not playing!
Why did you join?
I sat down and asked myself “where do you want to play the rest of your life?” I love links-style golf and wanted a reason to go to Scotland based on family-roots and the quality of links. In addition, many of these clubs are looking for new members, and offer opportunities to join that are very modest in comparison to American standards.
Do you have any recommendations on accommodations in the area?
For a group, I would highly recommend the Greenskeeper’s House at the Club. It is a small home that has 5 rooms and can sleep up to 6 people.
The Royal Golf Hotel is also a great choice. It is reasonably-priced, has great food, solid location, and a wonderful bar.
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