Following the recent opening of its new £13.9 million clubhouse, club captain Gary Bethune took a symbolic sledgehammer to the former clubhouse to signal the start of a six-week demolition programme. The works are being project managed and overseen by Nairn-based Helica, with contractor G.F. Job carrying out the sensitive demolition.

The former clubhouse had served Royal Dornoch for more than 116 years, welcoming generations of local golfers, members, visitors from around the world, major championship winners, celebrities and royalty.

Officially opened on 3 July 1909 at a cost of £1,607, the clubhouse replaced an earlier wooden Golf House with three rooms and a corrugated iron roof. Among those present at the opening was Scots-born American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, then the world’s richest man, who served as Vice-President of Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Over time, however, the facilities were no longer fit for purpose. The new clubhouse represents a £13.9m investment in the future of Royal Dornoch, delivering best-in-class facilities and complementing wider renovation works across the club, all designed to ensure the Royal Dornoch experience continues to meet the expectations of modern golfers while retaining its traditional character.

Ahead of the demolition, members were invited to return to the building one final time to collect memorabilia and mementos, ensuring that memories of the much-loved clubhouse will live on.

Club captain Gary Bethune said: “In one way it is sad to see the clubhouse going. It has served us well for most of the last 116 years, but nothing is forever and it was undoubtedly time to move forward. Like many others, I said my fond farewells in early December when I locked the doors one last time. We had raised a glass or two to the old dear and shared fond memories that will be with us forever.

“In a way I grew up in the clubhouse, where my grannie Bunny Bethune was the caretaker in an era. Now we have embarked on a new chapter in the history of Royal Dornoch with the opening of the fabulous new clubhouse – only the third in our near 150-year history - before Christmas.

“We are looking forward to welcoming golfers from around the globe to our stunning new home when they come to play the Championship Course.”

Ewan MacGregor, managing director at Helica, said: “The old clubhouse is an iconic part of Royal Dornoch’s history and holds many special memories for both the local community and golfers from around the world. Helica is proud to be overseeing the sensitive demolition of such a significant building alongside G.F. Job, ensuring the process is carefully planned, well managed and carried out with care.”

Once demolition is complete, the site will be levelled and landscaped ahead of the start of the new season, completing the transition from a historic home to a new era for one of golf’s greatest clubs, as it continues to welcome golfers from around the globe.