6 Reasons to Play Golf at Carnoustie

Carnoustie is a small, unassuming town in the Scottish county of Angus, just a short drive from the bustling university city of Dundee, but this place is internationally known for boasting one of the most revered and historic public golf complexes in the world.

Refreshingly, the Links is open to everyone and encourages inclusiveness through its range of courses and facilities, which have placed this venue to the forefront of the tourist industry for golfers travelling both from across the globe and closer to home.

Known for hosting the Open Championship eight times, that status only scratches the surface at Carnoustie, a destination that should be on the list for everyone seeking a memorable and rewarding experience. Here are just some reasons why.

Championship Course

First welcoming golf's oldest major in 1931, the Championship Course at Carnoustie is widely regarded as ranking among the greatest and most challenging seaside layouts, crowning many a legendary golfer through its history, with the likes of Tommy Armour, Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington all etching their name on the Claret Jug here.

Walking in the footsteps of these players - as is the case at all Open venues - is an unforgettable opportunity, emulating their shots and playing the holes that have become synonymous on television. That is perhaps best illustrated by Carnoustie's iconic finish, particularly the testing final four holes, a stretch that any keen golfer would relish facing.

The Championship is unquestionably one for the proverbial bucket list. Following Hogan's Alley, carrying the Spectacles bunkers, and navigating the Barry Burn, this legendary course is enough reason alone to make the journey to Carnoustie.

Buddon & Burnside

Although the Championship is the jewel in the crown, there are two other superb courses adjacent to the great links. The Burnside loops in and around its more famous neighbour, sharing much of the same turf, and presents tremendous value to play a layout that perfectly complements the Championship Course.

Likewise, the Buddon, which has been revamped through the years to further enhance its stature, is the nearest of the courses to the North Sea, with the 18th tee in particular showcasing spectacular views across the coastline. Uniquely, each of the holes are named after battles and conflicts involving the British military, just another indication of how deeply Carnoustie Golf Links is embedded within the fabric of the local culture and heritage.

Why not add one of these to your visit - or maybe even play them all!

Clubhouse & Restaurant

In 2018, Carnoustie unveiled its new state-of-the-art clubhouse, the Links House, which is a comfortable and welcoming environment, featuring a huge pro shop, bag drop facilities, and much more. However, most strikingly, there is a selection of golf simulators that offer the latest technologies to provide an innovative practice area for locals and visitors to work on their games, or simply just a fun place to play some of the finest courses on the planet in a virtual setting.

Upstairs, the Rookery Restaurant offers a varied menu, taking full advantage of local products to deliver the best quality cuisine, with views from your table taking in the wonderful backdrop of the entire Carnoustie Golf Links.

Believe it or not, there is more to Carnoustie than just the main courses.

Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa

In recent decades, the Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa has become an indelible landmark behind the 18th green of the Championship Course, with many of the establishment's luxurious bedrooms enjoying that view across the Links. The facilities inside include a gymnasium, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or you could just take in the surroundings from the outside veranda. When it comes to accommodation, the opportunity is there to stay on-site at Carnoustie.

Nearby Courses

Unsurprisingly, the great golf in this area doesn't end with Carnoustie. Nearby, you have the likes of Open Championship Qualifying venue Panmure - where the great Ben Hogan famously practiced before winning in 1953 - the highly regarded Monifieth Golf Links, the historic Montrose, Downfield, Edzell and Forfar. 

Further afield, Carnoustie is within driving distance of St Andrews and Fife, Gleneagles and Perthshire, not to mention the likes of Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links and Cruden Bay in the north east of Scotland.

Carnoustie is an ideal place to base yourself for the ultimate golf trip.

Accessibility

Finally, Carnoustie is straightforward to reach. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports are within a two hour drive, while nearby Dundee Airport welcomes many flights each day. Those of you wishing to take in the countryside may consider the train, with the main east coast line running through Carnoustie - those trains provide a soundtrack to the Links alongside the gun shots from the military range - and local stops are just a short walk away from the golf courses.

For these reasons - and more - Carnoustie Golf Links is an experience that all golfers must tick off at some point.

Carnoustie Championship Course Guide & Review

Carnoustie Buddon Course Review

Carnoustie Golf Links is Superbly Traditional, Surprisingly Modern

The Birdie of Dreams at Hogan's Alley

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The Greatest Finish in Golf