Royal Dornoch duo are flying the flag in America
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Two members of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club management team are flying the flag this week at events in the USA.
General manager Neil Hampton and retail manager Brad Smith will be attending the PGA Show in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Centre, along with two social events designed to encourage ties with the club’s American members.
On Thursday, Orange Tree Golf Club is hosting a golf day for Royal Dornoch members, then a dinner in New York two days later will see 70 gathering in PJ Clarke’s Sidecar restaurant on Third Avenue.
The PGA Show began in low-key fashion in the 1950s when one retailer displayed his wares next to the putting green.
“Brad and I are looking forward to networking again at the PGA Show from January 25-27," Hampton said. "It will be attended by club professionals from across the USA.
“This is the trade show’s 70th anniversary and it will be good meeting up with friends old and new as we continue building the Royal Dornoch brand and looking at potential items for stocking in the pro shop next year.
“We used to share a VisitScotland stand at this show but this year we will be taking the opportunity to walk the floor and meet with contacts keen on knowing more about golf tour opportunities at Royal Dornoch.
“There will be a lot of conferences and seminars going on. Our diaries are already filling up nicely.
“I’ll be reinforcing the industry connections we already have in the USA while it’s a great opportunity for Brad to check out what is new on the merchandising front.
“When I first started going out to Florida for the PGA Show some of our members invited me to dinner in New York. The idea of a golf day followed on from that.
“There were eight of us at that inaugural dinner and it has grown and grown, year on year.
“This year we will give members a résumé of where we are in terms of what is happening at the club, including an update on the new 99-year lease that was signed recently.
“Our members based abroad are always keen on the latest club badged merchandise so Brad will clue them in on what to expect in the pro shop and online this season.”
