Get ready for an exciting transformation at Royal Dornoch Golf Club! This historic club is about to unveil its new £13.9 million clubhouse, a significant step towards its vision of expansion and modernization. But here's where it gets controversial... while some may argue that golf clubs should preserve their traditional charm, Royal Dornoch is embracing a digital future.
Highland Broadband, a local provider, has installed a blazing-fast 2Gbps full-fibre internet connection, boosting the club's digital infrastructure. This enhanced connectivity is already making a difference, improving daily operations and engaging the club's international membership more effectively.
Colin Woodward, managing director of Highland Broadband, believes this project showcases how high-performance digital infrastructure can benefit internationally connected businesses. Construction of the 2,100-square-metre building began in December 2023, led by Morrison Construction.
The new facility, situated beside the first tee, will replace the existing clubhouse, which has a rich history dating back to 1908. The contemporary design incorporates eco-friendly features like solar panels, a battery energy storage system, underfloor heating, and automated lighting, reflecting the club's commitment to sustainability.
But the new clubhouse is just the beginning. Royal Dornoch has a masterplan to become a more accessible, world-class destination for golfers of all levels. The club, already renowned for its Championship Course and the Struie Course, has ambitious plans for a third 18-hole course, a redesign of the Struie layout, and two new short courses to promote inclusivity and variety.
Neil Hampton, Royal Dornoch's general manager, emphasizes their goal: "We want to offer facilities that cater to every ability, age, and style. While people come to experience one of the greatest links courses in the world, we aim to reinvest and provide more."
With ultrafast internet speeds from Highland Broadband, the club is well-positioned to cater to the growing global interest in golf. These upgrades come at a time of rising demand, with the club forecasting a 30% increase in advance bookings for 2026 compared to the previous year. This surge in popularity reflects Royal Dornoch's rising global profile, particularly among American members and visitors.
The broadband project received support from the UK Government's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, part of its Project Gigabit initiative to improve high-speed internet access in remote communities.
So, what do you think about Royal Dornoch's digital transformation? Is it a necessary step towards modernization, or does it detract from the traditional golf club experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a discussion on the future of golf clubs!
