Editor Emma Ballard catches up with Amanda Dorans, Assistant Superintendent at Dundonald Links, after successfully hosting the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open.
When Amanda Dorans returned to work at Dundonald Links last year, it was a homecoming of sorts having spent 18 years on the Links before working at Gleneagles and Loch Lomond. Dundonald is a place that is rich in personal and professional memories. "It felt great to be back on the Links," Amanda shares, reflecting on her journey. "Dundonald holds special memories for me; we’ve grown up side by side."
Her connection to the course is profound, intertwined with key moments of her life. "I can recall being at certain stages of my life when projects were undertaken—my son Luke took his first steps when we built the two fairway bunkers on the 9th fairway, and he started primary school just after we held the 2015 Ladies Scottish Open." For Amanda, Dundonald is more than just a golf course; it’s a place of friendships, learning, nurturing, and the ever-present elements of salt air, sand, and wind.
Hosting the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open
As Dundonald Links prepared to host the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, Amanda and her team worked tirelessly to ensure the course was in peak condition for the world’s top female golfers. But their efforts went beyond just the physical preparation of the course; sustainability was at the core of everything they did. "The quest for sustainable golf is a continual journey," Amanda explained. "We believed our strategy was fully embedded into our operations, and by doing this, we could position Dundonald Links as a leader within our industry, responding to the challenges we all face and working towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
When it came to hosting a tour event like the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, environmental considerations were front and centre. "Nature protection, reduced carbon emissions, best resource management, and community outreach were part of the planning from the offset," Amanda said.
Sustainability isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for the team at Dundonald; it is embedded into every decision they make. The event also undertook GEO Certification, golf’s international sustainability standard, which involved a rigorous assessment of planning, on-site action, and legacy.
Amanda is confident that the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open will achieve this accolade, given the hard work and passion poured into its planning and execution.
A continued commitment to sustainability
Dundonald Links has long been a pioneer in sustainable practices. The course was the first in Europe to become zero waste to landfill back in 2012, setting a standard for others to follow. They’ve developed an ‘Outdoor Learning Programme’ to connect local school children with nature, and the ‘Links to Golf Programme’ provides golf lessons during school PE time, fostering a love for the game among the younger generation. "Playing our part in growing the game is so important to ensure future generations are participating in the sport—safeguarding the game and employment," Amanda adds.
There’s no doubt, having attended the final day of the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, that Amanda Dorans and the team at Dundonald Links were not only able to showcase the beauty of the course but also their commitment to sustainability and the future of golf. Their efforts reflected a deep respect for the game, the environment, and the community – values that made this year’s ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open a resounding success.
Find out more about sustainability at Dundonald Links here.
