Golf's Legends Take on Carnoustie: Celebrating Golf in Angus
Carnoustie, known for its challenging links and rich tradition, is set to host the Senior Open Championship this week. As one of the world’s most respected venues, Carnoustie will deliver an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators. But beyond its legendary Championship Course, the Angus region offers a plethora of golfing gems, including Carnoustie’s very own Burnside and Buddon courses and the nearby Panmure and Monifieth links.
The Senior Open Championship brings together golf legends from around the world, including Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington who both held aloft the Claret Jug at Carnoustie. Held on Carnoustie’s famous links, this tournament is sure to be a celebration of skill, strategy, and endurance. Carnoustie’s Championship Course, often referred to as “Car-nasty” due to its difficulty, presents a formidable challenge with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds.
Carnoustie Golf Club, established in 1839, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of golf. The Championship Course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including eight Open Championships, two Women’s Opens and this will be their third Senior Open. Its legacy is marked by iconic moments and legendary players, solidifying its status as one of the world’s premier golf destinations.
While the Championship Course attracts much of the attention, Carnoustie’s Burnside and Buddon courses offer equally compelling experiences.
The Burnside Course, with its own storied history, is a favourite among golfers who appreciate a challenging yet enjoyable round. Measuring 5,943 yards, it is quite a bit shorter than the Championship Course but no less demanding. The Burnside is characterised by tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and the meandering Barry Burn, which comes into play on several holes.
Carnoustie Burnside Course
It is known for the variety of holes it offers and its demanding closing holes. From the short par-3s requiring precise iron play to the longer par-4s requiring accuracy off the tee, the Burnside provides a well-rounded test of golf skills. The course’s layout encourages strategic thinking and rewards careful shot selection, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
The Buddon Course, named after the nearby Buddon Ness, offers a slightly more forgiving but equally enjoyable golf experience. This course, designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, has been the subject of various upgrades and enhancements over the years, further elevating its status.
At 5,921 yards, the Buddon Course is the shortest of the three courses at Carnoustie, but it is no less enthralling. The course combines traditional links features with elements of heathland, such as heather and silver birch trees and ample opportunities for birdies and pars. The Buddon’s relatively wide fairways and fewer hazards make it an ideal choice for golfers of all skill levels, including beginners looking to enjoy a round in a stunning setting.
A short drive from Carnoustie, golfers can discover two exceptional courses that hosted qualifying for this week’s Senior Open: Panmure Golf Club and Monifieth Golf Links. Both offer unique challenges that complement the experience at Carnoustie.
Panmure Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, is steeped in tradition and history. Founded in 1845, Panmure has a timeless charm that captivates golfers from the moment they step onto its fairways. The course, located near the town of Barry, combines classic links features with beautifully manicured greens and fairways.
Panmure Golf Club
Panmure is renowned for its demanding layout, which requires precision and thoughtful course management. The par-70 course measures 6,551 yards and features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and subtle undulations. One of the standout holes is the par-4 sixth, known as Hogan’s Alley, named after the legendary Ben Hogan, who practiced there before winning The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1953.
Golfers at Panmure can expect a true test of their skills, with a mix of long par-4s, challenging par-3s, and strategic par-5s. The course’s natural beauty makes Panmure a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting the area.
Monifieth Golf Links, located just a few miles from Carnoustie, offers another fantastic golf experience in the Angus region. It is home to two courses: the Medal Course and the Ashludie Course. Both courses provide a mix of traditional links golf and scenic beauty, making Monifieth a popular choice for golfers of all abilities.
The Medal Course, measuring 6,655 yards, is the more challenging of the two. It is a true links course with rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. The course’s layout demands accuracy off the tee and a solid short game, as many greens are well-protected by bunkers and undulating terrain. The Medal Course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, further cementing its reputation as a top-class golfing venue.
Monifieth Medal Course
The Ashludie Course, while shorter at 5,123 yards, offers a more relaxed and enjoyable round. It is an ideal choice for golfers looking for a less demanding but still rewarding experience. The course’s picturesque setting and well-maintained fairways make it a joy to play, whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner.
The Angus region offers a fantastic golf experience. From the legendary links of Carnoustie to the historic fairways of Panmure and Monifieth, golfers are spoiled for choice. Each course presents its own unique challenges and rewards, ensuring that every round is a memorable one.
The nearby City of Dundee is undergoing a cultural renaissance with top attractions such as the V&A Dundee, a museum dedicated to design and the historic RRS Discovery, the ship Captain Scott used on his expedition to the Antarctic.
The region is also home to several distilleries offering visitors a chance to explore Scotland’s whisky heritage. Arbikie Highland Estate combines whisky, gin and vodka production on a picturesque farm setting. A distillery tour with a difference is available at Angus Alchemy where the focus is on making gin, rum and their signature spirit… moonshine.
One of the advantages of playing golf in Angus is the accessibility and convenience of the courses. The region is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy for visitors to travel between the courses. Additionally, the area boasts a great range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to friendly bed and breakfasts, ensuring that golfers have a comfortable base for their stay.
The clubs themselves offer top-notch facilities, including well-stocked pro shops and welcoming clubhouses. After a round, players can relax and unwind in the clubhouses, enjoying a meal or a drink while admiring views of the courses.
Carnoustie Championship Course, 6th hole, Hogans Alley
As the Senior Open Championship returns to Carnoustie, the spotlight will once again shine on this historic destination. Although the Championship Course at Carnoustie is the crown jewel, the Burnside and Buddon courses offer equally charming experiences. Beyond Carnoustie, the nearby Panmure and Monifieth courses provide more opportunities for golfers to immerse themselves in the rich golf heritage of the Angus region.
Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking to test your skills on some of the world’s most challenging links or a casual player seeking an enjoyable round in beautiful surroundings, Carnoustie and its neighbouring courses have something to offer. This week’s Senior Open Championship promises to be a celebration of golf and the enduring appeal of Scotland’s legendary links. So pack your clubs, head to Angus, and experience the magic of golf in one of the world’s most revered golfing regions.