Carnoustie Golf Links

Known as ‘Golf’s Greatest Test’, Carnoustie Golf Links, the venue of three outstanding golf courses, The Carnoustie Championship Course, The Carnoustie Burnside Course and The Carnoustie Buddon Course.

Tom Watson won his first of 5 Open Championships here and Ben Hogan won his only Open Championship here. For golfers everywhere Carnoustie is a magical destination. It is considered to be the most challenging place to play golf anywhere. It is a personal challenge and tests every part of your game. That’s because it has been planned that way, the courses have been created and refined by some of the most iconic names in golf history to make the most of the dramatic natural elements in this incredible location.

The Championship Course itself has hosted eight Open Championships, including The 147th Open in 2018, along with one Women’s British Open and two Senior Opens making it one of the very few to have done so in the UK. The Championship Course is also one of the three courses used for the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Generally regarded as the most challenging of the Open venues, The Championship Course presents a unique test and features the toughest closing stretch of holes anywhere. However, those who respect the course will be rewarded with a fair score and a memorable experience.

The charm of the Burnside Course is somewhat of a local secret. A favourite among our own Season Ticket Holders, the 6,028 yards par 68 course is a stern test that oozes character. Many of the short holes are worthy of gracing some of the top links courses around and it was on this course in 1953 where the iconic Ben Hogan shot 70 to qualify for The Open Championship which he famously subsequently won.

The Buddon Links Course is the newest of the three courses at Carnoustie Golf Links and provides golfers with some of the best views of the beach and sea the Angus town has to offer. Built on former Ministry of Defence land, each hole is named after a famous historic battle and over the years the course has undergone a transformation ensuring the course is an enjoyable challenge for all.

There is also a shorter five-hole course at Carnoustie called The Nestie. This course is free to play and is perfect for for families to enjoy together, regardless of age or ability and if you don’t have your own clubs, you can borrow some from The Professional Shop.

It’s not just outdoor golf that is on offer to visitors at Carnoustie Golf Links these days. Situated within Links House – the new facility that opened in April 2018 – are seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, allowing visitors to practice their swing or test themselves on some of the best courses around including The Championship Course and Pebble Beach. The simulators are available for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s your first time picking up a club or you want to try something different with the family.

Further to the golf offer at Carnoustie is The Rookery, Restaurant and Bar. Also located within Links House, The Rookery offers visitors exquisite food in a comfortable setting with outstanding service and beautiful views over The Carnoustie Championship Course. The Rookery is a family-friendly venue, offering a kids menu alongside the a la carte menu. The food offering is created by Head Chef and a Master Chef of Great Britain Chris Hazelton.

Carnoustie isn’t just an ideal place for golf, it has more to offer. Visitors can enjoy lovely walks along the beach, or if you’re after something more adventurous, you can take to the sea and partake in some windsurfing.

Just a couple of minutes’ drive from the Links is the village of East Haven, with beautiful community gardens and being by the beach, this small fishing village is a hub for wildlife and biodiversity.

Only a short drive, train or bus journey away from Carnoustie is the city of Dundee. Dundee has plenty to offer visitors – the new V&A Museum opened in September 2018 is the first dedicated design museum in Scotland and the only other V&A Museum outside of London; the Verdant Works tells the story of Dundee’s textile heritage and Discovery Point is home to the world famous RSS Discovery.

Carnoustie is home to Golf’s Greatest Test, but it’s also home to much more for you to enjoy.