Ian
What would the club do with a 22 bedroom hotel? I can't imagine the club would ever have a need for such a large house.
Ciao
Sean -
I hear you on this one for sure.
As an overseas member of RDGC, I certainly would stay there and perhaps others would as well.
Lots of clubs have places for members to stay, but maybe that's more prevalent in the US. I'm not an expert here at all.
The Royal Golf Hotel just makes sense to me because: the architecture is sound, the positioning of the building is damn near perfect and if you saw the architect's rendering of the transformation to a clubhouse, you may also agree.... !!
PM me if you would like to see them and please provide an email address.
Sure as hell beats the crap out of this eye-sore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6-sPa7omro
Cheers,
Ian
Ian
I can understand a dormy house, but a hotel?
I can understand why foreign members would want better facilities, I would too if I was a foreign member. But there is no need to go nuts with a gin palace for a course that is really only very busy well less than half the months of the year. I don't like the current house, but I would be far more concerned about integrating the house better with the course. Right now, this is the worst aspect of Dornoch...the walk from 18 to the house and very little relationship between the house, course and sea. Not a single hole on the course is anywhere near as annoying as this lack of relationship.
Take a look at Castle Stuart to get an idea of what Dornoch could have, but the 18th has to finish near the house. Hence I think the last should be a par 5 to the putting green. I think that single change would be justification for a well designed house along the lines of Castle Stuart. A house which offers good views (and access to the course) of 1, 18 and the sea. If that isn't on the cards, as a member, I wouldn't want to spend big on house that will deliver a more up to date version of what already exists...just spiff up what you have and curse that the huse is terribly situated.
I saw the plans for a new house...not impressive and downright lacking in creativity. The committee needs to get about and get an idea of the possibilities rather than building a barn.
Ciao
Sean -
I do understand your points.
But, a new clubhouse near the 18th green presents myriad logistical problems that do not get enough attention.
As you know currently there is a public access road to the beach that passes next to the clubhouse and crosses directly in front of the first tee and cars do have the right of way.
Imagine if a new building is erected on the links next to the 18th green:
1. All deliveries will then need to use this road
2. All tour vans would now cross this road
3. All members/guests just going for lunch would cross the first tee
4. You would also be blocking any future proposed changes to the first hole of the Struie course
Perhaps the RGH option is not the best as you bring up very valid points to consider.
But, placing an edifice on linksland should be done very cautiously.
Castle Stuart is VERY, very different. It's a modern hybrid links course and the art deco (i think...;-) marine style of the clubhouse works as there are no other buildings in the immediate area except for the castle itself. Dornoch is an older town with an architectural heritage. A modern clubhouse design would not fit the town or the course.
Just my opinion.
Cheers.,
Ian