Northern Open returns to Royal Dornoch

• The Northern Open will return to Royal Dornoch in 2016
• First time since 1994 that it will be held at the venue
• “We’re delighted to be heading back,” said Shona Malcolm

Celebrations to mark 400 years of golf at Royal Dornoch will include the Northern Open being held there for the first time in more than two decades.

The 72-hole event will take place at the renowned Sutherland venue for a ninth time in the tournament’s history from June 21-24 next year as part of a new-look Tartan Tour schedule.

“We’re delighted to be heading back to Dornoch” – Shona Malcolm

“We’re delighted to be heading back to Dornoch after a gap of 22 years,” said PGA in Scotland secretary Shona Malcolm. “We see this as a continuation of bringing the iconic Northern courses back on to the rota.”

Earlier this year, Royal Dornoch hosted the Jacques Leglise Trophy, where a GB&I team including Scottish prospects Sandy Scott and Calum Fyfe retained the trophy with a 12.5 – 12.5 tie against the Continent of Europe.

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Past Northern Open champions at the venue include three former Ryder Cup players in Eric Brown, John Panton and Harry Bannerman. David Huish also claimed the title at Dornoch, as did Ewen Murray, who is now the lead golf commentator for Sky Sports.

“Royal Dornoch is delighted to be hosting the Northern Open for the first time since 1994,” said the club’s general manager, Neil Hampton. “The club is committed to the game of golf and shows this in many ways, one of which is hosting the most prestigious events.

“The Northern Open has a long and proud history” – Neil Hampton

“The Northern Open has a long and proud history and many of the game’s greats have won the event at Royal Dornoch. We are sure whoever wins in 2016 will be a worthy champion and someone with a bright future in the game. Everyone at Royal Dornoch looks forward to seeing what today’s professionals can do on our championship links.”

Held at Cruden Bay, this year’s Northern Open was won by Chris Kelly with a 13-under-par total of 267.