From Mauritius to the Highlands: Scott Sellars on his Royal Dornoch dream job

It has been a whirlwind six months for Scott Sellars as he has settled into his role as head of golf at Royal Dornoch. 

Scott swapped the heat of Mauritius for his “dream job” in the Scottish Highlands. 

While his arrival coincided with the celebrated Championship Course and sister Struie Course being enveloped in a two-foot blanket of snow, Scott has embraced life at the golf club and in the historic town. 

Scott revealed he had stopped off in Dornoch last summer during a holiday in Scotland. 

“We had been on a road trip around Scotland and one of our stops was in the Highlands, visiting Dornoch,” recalled Scott. 

“I was fortunate to play the Championship Course, while the rest of the family enjoyed walking along Dornoch beach. After golf, we explored the area and quickly fell in love with the town. 

“A few months later, the role of head of golf appeared on my radar. 

“The timing was perfect as we had made the decision to return to the UK, closer to friends and family, after almost a decade working in the Middle East and Mauritius.  

“I immediately decided to put my name forward. As I went through the interview process and learned more about the club, its history and its people, it became increasingly exciting to think about being part of it. 

“Having been a golfer all my life, I was always aware of Royal Dornoch and its reputation as one of the world’s best. Although I’m half Scottish, I was born and raised in England, so unfortunately I didn’t experience as much golf in Scotland growing up as I would have liked, despite the incredible links courses that have always been on my bucket list. 

“My first visit to Dornoch was on that holiday, and from the moment we arrived, it felt different. Driving through the town in the sunshine, seeing golfers walking the streets with their clubs and enjoying the pubs in town all made for a fantastic atmosphere. 

“Standing on the first tee was also a memorable moment. I was greeted warmly by the starter and introduced to my playing partners, the course was in perfect condition, and I immediately understood why it is ranked so highly around the world. 

“It really is a special place. 

“I was paired with three Americans I had never met before, and it turned into one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf I’ve ever had.” 

While the first two weeks were spent learning about the new building and helping move from the old clubhouse into the new £13.9 million development, Scott already feels at home. 

 “The Head of Golf role is new to Royal Dornoch, but given the trajectory the club is on, the time felt right to create it,” he explained. 

“I have been given a broad remit, overseeing several areas including golf operations, retail, bookings, tournaments and the coaching academy, while supporting general manager Neil Hampton and assistant manager Claire Riddell. 

“With the new clubhouse now open, and ambitious plans to further enhance the Struie Course, develop first-class practice facilities and potentially create a third course, the next 10 years are going to be incredibly exciting. 

“We also have significant milestones ahead, including the club’s 150th anniversary next year, and having recently hosted major events such as the PGA Seniors Championship, with the Curtis Cup coming in 2028. It’s a fantastic time to be part of the club. 

“A lot has changed over the past year, relocating back to the UK, but everyone at the club and in Dornoch has been incredibly welcoming and I’ve settled in quickly.” 

Scott admits the climate played a part in previous roles in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Mauritius, so the Highland winter was certainly a change. 

“I arrived for the opening of the new clubhouse in December, which was followed by two feet of snow, it was quite a welcome! 

“I had seen Dornoch in the summer, with the sun shining and the courses in prime condition, but even in winter it was just as impressive. It was a little cooler than Mauritius, as expected, so a new wardrobe was required. 

“It was incredible standing at the front door of the new clubhouse as members got their first view inside, and seeing their reactions. 

“It really is a wow moment for anyone walking up the stairs for the first time. The club has taken the Royal Dornoch experience to another level. 

“With the new clubhouse, we now have the scope, and crucially the space, to create more jobs and continue to enhance the experience we deliver to our members and guests.”