Carnoustie Golf Links

Even without the constant wind Scotland is well-known for, Carnoustie golf course lives up to its nickname “Carnastie.” Considered one of the most difficult courses on the modern Open Championship rota, conquering Carnoustie Golf Links is high on most players’ lists for a St Andrews Golf Tour.

Located only 45 minutes across St Andrews Bay from the “Home of Golf”, Carnoustie golf club is made up of 4 quality courses – The Championship Course, The Burnside Course, The Buddon Course, and The Westie – a short course designed for juniors beginning the game, and others looking to hone their short game.

Golf is in the DNA of Carnoustie residents. Like most areas of Scotland, the playing of “gowff” or “gawf” predates formal courses and in the case of Carnoustie links it can be traced back at least to the 16th century. The Carnoustie Golf Club, the oldest “Artisan” golf club in the world, was formed at Carnoustie in 1839.

Anyone that plays golf in the United States owes a debt of gratitude to the former golfers of Carnoustie. In the beginning of the 20th century over 300 proficient golfers immigrated from Angus to Australia and the United States.

It was the golfers from Carnoustie that helped establish the PGAs of both America and Australia. Their knowledge of the game was legendary, and the great Bobby Jones was taught by a Carnoustie native, Stewart Maiden at East Lake. Perhaps Carnoustie’s finest – the Smith brothers – Willie, Alex, and MacDonald won three US Opens between them and contended in many others.

The original Carnoustie Championship course started with 10 holes designed by Allan Robertson, considered the greatest golfer of his day. In 1867 Old Tom Morris extended the links to 18 holes, and in 1926 James Braid made extensive changes to the layout in advance of the 1931 Open Championship.

A favorite story is how the 10th hole “South America” got its name. According to locals, a former caddie was intent on going to the southern continent and set off with a bottle of scotch to keep him company. Sadly, he only got as far as the 10th hole when they found him the next day.

There have been many historic moments in Carnoustie’s Open Championship history with winners including Tommy Armour, Gary Player, Tom Watson, and Padraig Harrington, however two stand out. Ben Hogan won the 1953 Open as the third leg of a Grand Slam he couldn’t complete, as he couldn’t get back to the United States in time for the PGA Championship. Anyone who has played the 18th at Carnoustie can sympathize with Jean Van de Velde, who found a watery grave in the Barry Burn to lose the 1999 Claret Jug to Paul Lawrie.

Carnoustie Golf Links is a public facility that, like St Andrews, has several clubs that play it as a home course, making advance tee times highly recommended in planning your Scotland golf trip.