Closer ties between Dornoch in Scotland and Pinehurst in North Carolina could deliver a boost to tourism in the Highlands in 2026 and beyond.
Building on a pact signed two years ago, a five-strong party representing the town, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the HistoryLinks Museum in Dornoch explored opportunities to build on the shared legacy of renowned golf course architect Donald Ross during a visit to the village of Pinehurst in North Carolina.
Dornoch Provost Cath McAngus, her predecessor Paddy Murray, HistoryLinks Museum assistant Caroline Seymour and trustee Professor David Bell, a past captain of Royal Dornoch, were joined by Royal Dornoch GC general manager Neil Hampton for a series of meetings with key figures at Pinehurst, which was home to Dornoch-born Ross, the first professional and ‘Keeper of the Greens’ at his hometown club before embarking on a new life in the United States in the early years of the 20th Century.
Royal Dornoch’s links with Pinehurst and The Country Club of North Carolina have laid the foundations for building closer ties between two leading golfing communities, with a range of mutually beneficial initiatives now being firmed up.
The Scots met with Village of Pinehurst Mayor Pat Pizzella, his predecessor John Strickland, who visited Dornoch to sign the original agreement, and Bob Farren, superintendent of the 11 courses on the sandhills of the Pinehurst resort.
“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.”
Ross is revered at Pinehurst and visitors to Dornoch make tracks for the 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.”
“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.”
“Dornoch and Pinehurst have agreed to create videos that the other can use to promote their town,” confirmed Provost McAngus. “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 added: “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.”
Mr Hampton said: “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.”