Highlands Golf Links (HGL) Pro-Am and Tomatin Distillery to raise funds for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation set up by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir
A trio of renowned Highland golf courses and a local distillery have joined forces once again to raise vital money for charity - with this year’s funds aiding a foundation set up by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir.
The Highlands Golf Links Pro-Am has again partnered with Tomatin Distillery to raised funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The foundation, which raises money for and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease research and support, was set up by Doddie following his own diagnosis with the deadly condition in 2017.
The disease attacks the body’s nervous system, causing weakness and eventually paralysis. Many diagnosed die within a handful of years. Doddie passed away in late 2022.
But his campaigning and push to raise awareness has generated vital funds for research into the disease.
And among those fundraisers contributing towards his foundation will be this year's Highlands Golf Links (HGL) Pro-Am, one of the most prestigious golfing events in Scotland, after it announced the link-up with the charity.
The three-day tournament will take place at Royal Dornoch, Cabot Highlands (home to Castle Stuart), and Nairn Golf Club.
Royal Dornoch is consistently ranked among the top five golf courses in the world, while Cabot Highlands is home to the iconic Castle Stuart Golf Links - a top 50 course globally and a four-time host of the Scottish Open.
Nairn Golf Club, meanwhile, was recently ranked inside the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest and is the proud host of numerous R&A events, including The Walker and Curtis Cups.
Tomatin Single Malt Whisky and Highlands Golf Links said they were thrilled to announce the new charitable partnership with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, extending their commitment to giving back to the community.
The event has historically raised significant funds for charities like the Highland Hospice and Maggie’s Centre.
Last year, Tomatin donated an exclusive bottle of whisky to the event, helping to raise £5200 through a raffle, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
This year, in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the raffle will be expanded. Supporters will be able to purchase raffle tickets in the run up to the event and through the three days it takes place, raising important funds for this vital cause. The main prize is a bottle of Tomatin 36-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky which was named ‘Best in Show’ in the whisky category at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023, ranking it among the top whiskies globally.
Jeremy Matte, Director of Golf at Cabot Highlands and lead organiser of the HGL Pro-Am, said: “The HGL Pro-Am is about much more than just golf. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences, connecting with friends, and giving back to our community.
"Partnering with Tomatin and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation this year allows us to expand our charitable efforts, and we couldn’t be more proud to support such an important cause while celebrating the game on three of the best courses in the world.”
Nicola Roseman, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, added: “We are excited to be linking with the HGL Pro-Am and Tomatin and appreciate them choosing to support our work this year.
"Events like this not only raise vital funds for research also raise awareness of motor neurone disease. The enthusiasm and generosity of the golfing community can help us on our journey to find a cure.”
Stephen Bremner, Managing Director of Tomatin Distillery, commented: “At Tomatin, ‘To What Matters’ isn’t just a slogan - it’s a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and supporting the communities around us.
"The HGL Pro-Am embodies that spirit, and we are excited to be expanding our partnership this year to include the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference while celebrating the game we love on some of the world’s most iconic golf courses.”
Price per draw ticket would be £20. The draw will take place on Wednesday, October 2 by Tomatin MD Stephen Bremner at the Cabot Highlands clubhouse. Tickets can be bought at www.hglproam.com.
The HGL Pro Am runs from September 30 to October 2, inclusive. Seventy-five teams from around the world, each with three amateurs and one professional, will be taking part.
