Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie Scotland

Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie Scotland Highlights

“A Monster”—this is the term most associated with the Carnoustie Golf Links’ Championship Course in Scotland, nearly universally acknowledged as the most difficult course in Scotland. After being off the Open rotation for nearly a quarter-century, due to the closing of a hotel in town and the condition of the links falling into disrepair, Carnoustie Golf Links leapt back to the forefront of elite courses after the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, thanks in part to Jean Van de Velde’s folly on the Carnoustie Golf Links 18th hole especially in the Barry Burn short of the green (Allez Jean!). In Jean’s defense, we could never have managed even a double-bogey in that situation, as even in a casual round, the 18th on Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course, with the aforementioned famous Barry Burn, is one of the hardest holes we have ever faced and certainly the most intimidating 18th hole in Scotland. Other features at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland such as the wee Pow Burn, Hogan’s Alley, the Spectacles bunkers, and the Island formed by the Barry Burn on 17, combined with the fact that Hogan, Player, and Watson have all won Open Championships here, make Carnoustie Golf Links one of the most memorable courses not just in Scotland but in all of golf. Today, with the wonderful Carnoustie Golf Course hotel behind Carnoustie’s 18th green, an overnight stay can be as much a part of the Carnoustie Scotland experience as the Turnberry Hotel is to the Ailsa Course. And if you are up for a second round, the challenging Carnoustie Burnside Course can be added to a day ticket at an incredibly reasonable rate. Before Ben Hogan could win the 1953 Open at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland in his only attempt, he had to qualify. Incredibly, the great man traveled to Carnoustie in Scotland with no guarantee of even making the 1953 Open Championship field. Of course he did qualify though and he did so on Carnoustie Golf Links’ Burnside Course, making Carnoustie’s Burnside Course an opportunity for a double-dose at history. Carnoustie Golf Links is home to a third links as well, the Buddon Links, another worthwhile play. End your day at Carnoustie in Scotland with a visit to either the Caledonia or Carnoustie Golf Clubs, where you will be welcomed as a temporary member. Simpson’s Golf Shop, in between the two, is a Carnoustie Scotland institution. Simpson’s has been around forever and is definitely worth a look. Though easily reachable from St. Andrews, Hidden Links encourages you to come up to Carnoustie and stay here for a night or two. Multiple rounds on Carnoustie Golf Links Championship Course, with additional rounds on Carnoustie’s Burnside Course and Buddon Links, while staying at the Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel behind Carnoustie’s famous 18th green, would really be doing it right on your Scotland golf tour!

Start Planning Your Trip!