The Carnegie Club – Carnegie Links
Golf – Skibo’s Principal Passion
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Dornoch Firth, the highland haven that is Skibo is home to The Carnegie Club. An exclusive private members club bearing the name of Andrew Carnegie, a supremely successful Scottish-American philanthropist and industrialist who amassed a fortune when in 1901 he sold his company Carnegie Steel Corporation to J.P. Morgan.
Andrew Carnegie took up the game of golf at the age of 63 and was so enchanted by the pursuit he commissioned neighbouring Royal Dornoch’s Secretary, John Sutherland, to create a private 9-hole links course in the grounds of his highland retreat. (Photo: Skibo Castle, Dornoch (the Highlands of Scotland)
The course has evolved significantly since its inception into one of the finest of Scotland’s championship links courses. British entrepreneur Peter de Savary bought the Skibo estate in 1990 and asked Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie to resurrect the links which had fallen into disrepair following Carnegie’s death in 1919. In 1995 the links was reborn, reigniting the passion for this ancient game at Skibo. (Photo: Andrew Carnegie (right) playing golf at Saint Andrews, New York, USA)
A Timeless Links – as beautiful to look at as it is to play
The club once again changed hands in 2003 and its new owner, US billionaire Ellis Short, re-commissioned Tom Mackenzie to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the course in association with Skibo’s Director of Golf, David Thomson and then Course Manager (now Estate Director) Gary Gruber, consequently the links has been totally transformed.
These most recent adaptations were designed to maximise the magnificent setting and enhance the beauty of the terrain in the spirit of the man responsible for the links very existence, Andrew Carnegie. The resulting track measures between 5394 yards and 6833 yards and provides a suitably challenging test of the skills of links golf.
Eight of the holes have been significantly redesigned, including four complete new holes. All 72 bunkers were rebuilt using the artisan revetting technique. These alterations were conducted in close conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage to maintain the harmony of the existing landscape and to give the course a more natural flow. (Photo: Heather in bloom at Skibo)
Huge sweeping dune landscapes have been constructed, whin (also known as gorse) bushes have been cleared revealing scenic vistas that are now home to native heather, marram and fescue grass. The result is simply stunning and for those who traverse its contours there is a magnificent feeling of timelessness. On course nourishment is catered for at the fully stocked half way house and the newly refurbished clubhouse with glass walled bar provides a spectacular view across to Struie hill for a 19th hole like no other. (Photo: 18th Green overlooking The River Evelix)
Carnegie Links – click here to experience flyover footage of this fabulous track
To arrange a Carnegie golfing experience, contact the Bonnie Wee Team for more details – bookings@wordpress-764532-2697600.cloudwaysapps.com
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