Celebrations to mark 400 years of golf at Royal Dornoch will include the Northern Open being held there for the first time in more than two decades.
The 72-hole event will take place at the renowned Sutherland venue on 21-24 June next year as part of a new-look Tartan Tour schedule. It will be the ninth time the Northern Open has visited Royal Dornoch but first since 1994.
“We’re delighted to be heading back to Dornoch after a gap of 22 years,” said PGA in Scotland secretary Shona Malcolm. “We see this as a continuation of bringing the iconic Northern courses back on to the rota.”
Past Northern Open champions at the venue include three former Ryder Cup players in Eric Brown, John Panton and Harry Bannerman.
David Huish also claimed the title at Dornoch, as did Ewan Murray, who is now the lead golf commentator for Sky Sports.
“Royal Dornoch is delighted to be hosting the Northern Open for the first time since 1994,” said the club’s general manager, Neil Hampton. “The club is committed to the game of golf and shows this in many ways, one of which is hosting the most prestigious events.
“The Northern Open has a long and proud history and many of the game’s greats have won the event at Royal Dornoch.
“Eric Brown, John Panton, Harry Bannerman and David Huish are familiar names along with golf commentator Ewan Murray and Elgin-born Kevin Stables, the winner in 1994.
“With a list such as this we are sure whoever wins in 2016 will be a worthy champion and someone with a bright future in the game. Everyone at Royal Dornoch looks forward to seeing what today’s professionals can do on our Championship links.”
Held at Cruden Bay, this year’s Northern Open was won by Chris Kelly with a 13-under-par total of 267.
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