Carnoustie Golf Links

Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie, North East Scotland, Scotland, DD7 7JE

01241 802270 | E-mail golf course | Golf course website

34 reviews of Carnoustie Golf Links

Showing 25 most recent reviews. View all reviews

My 14 year old son and i played the Championship and Buddon course for a total of £116 combination ticket. 24-3 played the Buddon and today 25-3 played the Championship course It is the last weekend of the winter schedule on the championship course which meant the course was played in a slightly different order than the normal round in summer. The normal holes 3-4 & 5 were played on the back 9 and 3 or 4 holes were played from tees well forward (Jockys burn par 4 was played as a par 3 and the 17th tee was probably 80 years further forward than normal.Fairway mats were also required to be used which for the end of march was slightly strange considering the course was really dry. The course on certain holes also suffered from having sprinklers in the ground but the turf around the these sprinklers missing thus giving the appearance of being got at by moles....This was noticable on the south america, John Philip & Brae holes. Although im sure come next week all turf will be in place. The Championship course was played on a day with 50mph winds which were fine on the wind assisted holes but were absolute killers on the wind against and the 3 par4 400+ yard against the wind holes were too much for me. In fairness the rangers said they said it was very unseasonable weather and we were unlucky with the two days weather conditions Enjoyed the experience on both courses and would like to play the main course in better conditions but as the prices go up in a week or two i may have to stick to coming back at this time of year. The Buddon was a cracking little course but the last 6 holes were all wind against and became a struggle. Stayed in the Carnoustie hotel which was lovely.

Posted by Duncan Holding on 25/03/2013
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 5

Wow...although the Championship Course is easily the most demanding course I have ever played it is equally the most enjoyable I have ever played! Do anything in your power to play this course...ever considered selling your spare kidney? Do it! Every hole requires real concentration and craft and your imagination will certainly be put to the test. This is what golf was meant to be like...as much fun as it is to fire a towering iron shot into a nice receptive green it will never come close to coming up with something innovative and pulling it off on a traditional links. Oh that Barry Burn...needless to say I paid it a visit or two and I just couldn't resist doing a Van de Velde and climbing in after my ball...however I actually gave the shot a go and now I can confirm that Jean was sensible not to attempt it! I made good contact with the ball but unfortunately it smashed into the rock wall and rebounded to hit me plum in the side of the head! Even the pain from that blow couldn't dampen my spirits and I can't wait to give it another crack on my Scottish golf tour in the Spring of 2012. Bring your wet gear, a nice sturdy umbrella and an optimistic attitude and this course cannot fail to delight!

Posted by Harry Fisher on 19/07/2011
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 4

I have been fortunate enough to play all three courses on the Carnoustie Links and although the Championship Course is the best of the bunch it is really difficult to choose between the three, such is the quality of all the courses. The condition of the courses is fantastic and I was actually glad the wind was blowing...I felt like I got the full Carnoustie golf experience. I can proudly say I didnt do a Van De Velde on the 18th and actually carded a closing birdie! Great way to finish on one of the UK's greatest golf courses. The quality of the hotel mirrors the quality found on the golf course and as a whole package, Carnoustie is perfect for a golf holiday in Scotland. I think Carnoustie is a must on any Scotland golf tour. I booked my rounds with yourgolftravel.com and the package I got from them was great value for money.

Posted by Philip Dunsdon on 25/05/2011
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 4
  • Value for money 5

Played the Burnside course which weaves its wayaround its the more illustrious championship neighbour. The locals say the course is prepared to the same standards as the championship course and it certainly seemed that way. 1st and 18th are a bit bland, but the rest is a great links layout, without being a monster. The 17th mirrors the 18th on the championship course, being a long par 4 that includes crossing the Barry burn twice. Amazing value for money to gain the Carnoustie experience for a fraction of the price of the championship course, and without the prospect of being demoralised by taking on what is meant to be the most challenging course in the country. All the staff and locals were exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Posted by Ian Thomas on 13/07/2010
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Played all 3 Carnoustie courses on our visit to Scotland this year and each of them are great in their own way. The Championship course was tough but fair. The greens and bunkers were as usual, immaculate. The tough finish of 16,17 and 18 wasn't as hard as usual as the prevailing wind made the 16th and 18th easier than normal. The Burnside is a great test of golf apart from the 1st and 18th holes which are very simple, short par 4's. The greens here were very good too. The Buddon is the easiest of the 3, much better for higher handicappers but still a nice layout. If you're going to play here then save yourself quite a few shots by making sure you use your putter when approaching the green from 50 yards in. It's far easier to get the ball close with this method than running the risk of pitching the ball into those huge sand traps. The clubhouse/hotel and facilities were top notch. Carnoustie is a great place to play golf.

Posted by Phil Snelman on 10/06/2010
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 3
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 3

Just played the championship course on March 16th 2008 and words cannot describe how disappointed myself and my playing partners are. Nowhere on the Carnoustie website does it mention that: a) You'll be playing off of mats. b) The majority of the greens will be temporary. c) The majority of the tees will be temporary. d) The majority of the bunkers will be GUR. e) ALL of the greens are in a terrible state. Definitely not worth the £57.50 asking price. We had played at Scotscraig and Crail Balcomie the previous 2 days and the difference in the quality of these courses was night and day. I would suggest that the Carnoustie greenkeepers pay a visit to these courses or practically any others within a 50 mile radius to see how a course CAN be presented at this time of year. The poor condition really is inexcusable. Needless to say, this has left a very sour taste in the mouth, mainly because none of this is obvious from the website, which is the only feasible means of securing a booking (try getting through on the phone....) Very disgruntled

Posted by Colin Greenshields on 17/03/2008
2
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Overall Rating 2
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 2
  • Value for money 1
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 2
  • Value for money 1

BUDDON LINKS Day 2 of Scotland 2007 and a double header on Carnoustie's second and third courses. First up in the morning was the Buddon Links and after an excellent opening day at Forfar, there was a fair bit to live up to. Unfortunately, due to the aftermath of the Open, the place was a bit of a building site in parts, with the first hole out of action and the fourth playing half its length. However, the 7th suddenly hit most of us in the face like a wet kipper – it pulls you into woodland and is a long, tight, demanding dogleg par 4 that, as the course guide says, is easily the best hole on the course - even if it doesn't feel remotely linksy. It's part of clearly the best stretch on the course with a tough par 3 at 8 and then two solid par 4s at 9 and 11 that skirt either side of a lake. After that, with the exception of the attractive par 3 17th, there's not a massive amount to grab the attention as the course is flat, featureless and, to be honest, fairly unexciting. We paid £130 to play all three of Carnoustie's courses during the week, which was fantastic value for money (hence the rating below). And in the context of playing all three, the Buddon certainly works as a warm-up. However, it and the Burnside aren't priced too differently – so if you were to play one round before or other than the Championship, I would definitely advise going with the Burnside every time. More on that shortly… 5.5/10 'Young P'

Posted by 'Young P' on 27/08/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 3
  • Value for money 5

BURNSIDE I'd heard that this was a very underrated course and now I know why. Take the relatively feeble 1st and 18th holes out of the equation and the Burnside is a very good and enjoyable test of golf. What's interesting is that, from holes 8 through to 15, the course enjoys the most undulating and dune-based terrain that exists on the entire links – far more so than on the Championship Course. Whilst the opening holes are virtually flat, they are still challenging – the par 4 2nd is 450 yards and the par 4 4th 460 yards – and then the 5th is a lovely par 3 with the green half-encircled by the meandering burn. Things step up a gear for the next three holes and then the 9th, with it's raised table green a la Het Girdle at Gleneagles King’s, heralds the start of the stretch that feels the 'linksiest' of any at Carnoustie, and which has a lovely flow to it. The stand-out hole is the SI 1 par 3 14th – which weighs in at 228 yards and which is arguably harder and more penal than the (in)famous 16th on the Championship Course. Also worthy of mention is the excellent risk-reward 473-yard par 4 17th, where the burn forces you to lay up with the driver and then has to be crossed TWICE if you're going for the green. A par here = respect. If you're in town to play the Championship Course then this is definitely worth taking in alongside it. As for us, we're decamping to Downfield for a spot of parkland/woodland action. 8.5/10 'Young P'

Posted by 'Young P' on 27/08/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE The final day of Scotland 2007 and what we'd all been waiting for. The scene was set with the stands virtually all still up (we'll overlook the fact that no-one was in them) – time to take this bad boy down. As the Open had proved, the R&A had got the course set up absolutely spot on, relying on its inherent challenge to test the players and not going berserk with the rough as had happened in 1999. In fact, it may sound slightly strange but there were large areas of the course where, unless you stuck it in the gorse, you'd be unlucky to lose a ball – much of the thick stuff had been trampled down by spectators. Yes Carnoustie isn't a picture-postcard course. But what I love about it is that there's no bs or pretentiousness. It doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, it just blocks your path and says 'come and have a go if you think you're hard enough.' Its reputation is obviously that it's nigh on impossible. But the key here is to stay out of the bunkers and also to not take on shots you don't have in your locker. If you plot your way around a score can definitely be achieved. Brain, not braun, is the critical ingredient. We played off the yellows, which turns some easy par 5s off the whites into extremely difficult par 4s which are best approached as par 5s - namely Southward Ho (462 yds) and Spectacles (461 yds). However, the prevailing wind was with us on the back 9, which meant infamous holes like South America (10) Lucky Slap (15), Barry Burn (16) and Home (18) could be parred. In terms of conditioning, the tees and fairways were superb. The only slight letdown was the greens which had been sanded and so weren't running at Open-level speed. Even so, their consistency was remarkable. Comparing the relative difficulty of courses is always slightly subjective, but we fared much better here than at Gleneagles King's (with pretty much the same weather). I play off 9 and shot +11 – a memorable experience so soon after the Open. Final shout out to those who scored birdies on the day, namely the Bristol Monkey on the 5th and Young P on the 8th. As we adjourned to the hotel to get the beers in, darkness gradually fell and the sun set on another epic golfing week. See you out on the links again next year when, possibly, Ireland 2008 awaits… 9.8/10 'Young P'

Posted by 'Young P' on 27/08/2007
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played Carnoustie Championship for the 4th and 5th times this last mid-September, and thank goodness, my scoring finally improved. There's good reason this monster is called the hardest course in the world and it feels it every time I play. We had fairly light winds on our 1st round of less than 25mph, but on the 2nd day the gusts were above 35mph and some holes just become unplayable except for the best professionals. Despite the fact that it continues to beat me like a rented mule, I just love this course and always want to return to play it. The closing holes are the hardest in golf, but the staff and maintenance are always first class. Check before you go now as Sparrow, the owner of the resort, has gone into bankruptcy, but don't let that stop you from trying this beast at least 1 time.

Posted by Clay Ballentine on 11/10/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Wow! Golf heaven! I played all three courses on a combination ticket for just £120 which is excellent value. All three courses were in excellent condition and the Burnside is a gem that I would recommend you play if you are in town for the Championship course which will definitely live up to expectations. The people and staff at Carnoutsie are very friendly and welcoming which made for a perfect golf break second to none. Can't wait to go back and I will take the fantastic memories to my grave. Thankyou.

Posted by Carl Ramsden on 27/08/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

I played the Championship course on a bright sunny but very windy day and it did not disappoint. Going out until the 12th hole was not too tough but it all fell apart on the final 6 holes where we played mostly into the wind. We had heard that several pros viewed this course as the toughest they had played and I would agree that it's up there with some of the great courses. Make sure your long putting is on form as the greens are big and quite often putting off the approaches to the green is the best way to get the ball close. Finally, my caddie Derek was a real star giving me all the correct lines and putting breaks. I strongly recommend you get a caddie if you play this course.

Posted by Phil Snelman on 29/06/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Played all 3 courses for £98 over 1st weekend in July. Only difference in all 3 was difficulty as they are all in immaculate condition. I was the organiser of a party of 16 and we were welcomed with open arms all over town as well as on the links (recommend the Corner Hotel). Only mistake was playing hardest course last after two heavy sessions, you should really be at your best when challenging something this difficult. Hope to return next year and wouldn't be too bothered if we just played the Burnside and Buddon as they were both excellent tests.

Posted by Mick Simpson on 12/07/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 3
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Played the Burnside course after heavy rain and was plesently suprised in how good the course played. The burn that runs threw the course was in full spait and took away several of my balls. It may not be the championship course but I was not disapointed as it was a very good chalange and a test for any golfer.

Posted by James Macintyre on 11/05/2005
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

I have to disagree with part of the previous comments - Carnoustie is not a "very poor and ugly area". Maybe this person approached Carnoustie on the coast road which may give an misleading impression of the town itself. I stayed in Carnoustie town centre for a week, playing the Championship and Burnside at Carnoustie and the Old and New at St.Andrews. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Just like the town, the officials at the golf links are very friendly and welcoming. We played the Championship course off the white tees (6900 yds). This was a nice surprise as the green tees had been in operation the previous day. The starter made a good job of calming us down and none of our three-ball had "duffers"! The Championship course exceeded expectations and those expectations were very high indeed. Unlike the Old Course at St.Andrews, the Carnoustie Championship is mostly a "what you see is what you get" course; the majority of the dangers are there to be seen and is more often than not a frightening sight. Shot a 90 which is some way over my handicap but I'll settle for that on this course. Can't wait to return there for my next golfing holiday.

Posted by Rhys Gwynllyw on 14/05/2004

Played April 2004, for £70. Driving in to Carnoustie Town is a depressing sight, it is a very poor and ugly area. However once you get on the course all this is forgotten, it is a wonderful place to play golf. I played in overcast weather and with a moderate wind, yet still shot a nett +10, it is tough. It is still a great course to play, you must go there not expecting to shot your handicap though. Very friendly staff and a very pleasant experience in general. The finishing holes are well thought out and fun to play. Played off the Yellow Tees and the course still measures 6700yds, Par 70, so very long in places. It is nearly same length as it was for Open, you can see where they teed off from, only big difference is with 18th. I pared the 18th, so no Jean Van de Velde for me! Its good value at £70.

Posted by Rupert Paul on 28/04/2004

Great track, but we had to play from the Green Tees so we really didnt have the full monty with this one. Green tees were the up front tees and they rotate daily. the finishing holes 14-18 are tremendous...in fact, 10 and 12 are great too. we played the entire rota plus prestwick and except for the tips at Troon, this place was in a class by itself. tips at troon were great, but i think I would put this place ahead of them all from the tips for the ultimate hack attack for a day. we played early august and the WX was purrfect

Posted by John Buckner on 23/09/2003

Played the Burnside course in the morning, this wasnt too bad at all and if not alongside the championship course would stand out as a must play. The layout is interesting and the condition was very nice. The PM we had a go at the championship course and it was all I expected. The rough wasnt too bad but fairway bukers galore and a strong wind made it very tough. The greens were very good and although the tees werent right back bogeys were the order of the day. Fantastic layout and worth ever penny of the green fee. The toughest closing stretch of holes I've seen anywhere.

Posted by CB on 08/07/2003

Played the course July 2002. Bring your 'A' game to Carnoustie. I'm a 13 and shot a 98 with the help of a very patient caddy. There are more bunkers on the first five holes than on my entire home course. Even so, this is a true links adventure not to be missed. Booking staff and starters were very helpful. Lounge in the hotel is ok for an after the round drink, but the staff there could care less. A pub in the village might be a better bet.

Posted by Rod Clemmons on 30/07/2002

Played the Championship course last July (2001). It was a daunting prospect after seeing how the pro's coped during the Open. Thankfully the rough was not so punishing and we played pretty well. A tricky course but hugely enjoyable. I've just entered their Country Classic event from 6th - 10th May 2002. It is over 5 courses and for only £150 it must be the deal of the year!! Just contact the club or ring 0800 975 5955 for details

Posted by Dave Scott on 22/02/2002

Everyone goes to Carnoustie to play the 'beast' but do not overlook The Burnside Course. It may be shorter than its neighbour but when its windy it still provides a good test of golf on an immaculate course. For £25.00 I believe it to be better value than the championship course.

Posted by Drew Anderson on 17/07/2001

I admit it. I was a bit psyched out over the prospect of playing Mighty Carnoustie. Especially after it had humbled the likes of Van de Velde, Leonard, et al in last year's Open. The nerves were evident on my first tee shot. In fact, I never did quite get it together that day, but it was one of the finest days I've ever had playing golf. I was amazed at the layout of the course... tee shots had to carry 200 yds. onto a tight landing area on some holes while traps like "Spectacles" awaited your second shots. The Burn came into play on a large number of holes, making a low pitch and run shot out of the question. My caddie, Derrick, was great company. The clubhouse is first rate and has some excellent photos of past Open champions. This was the toughest course I've played, but it showed me you don't always have to score well to have a blast.

Posted by Jeffrey Matchette on 30/06/2000

We got exactly what we came for - extreme golfing torture. Wind was up, greens were down. The fairways and aprons are cut so low that it is impossible to discern where the green stops and starts. I pounded driver the whole front nine and found myself wedging out of 4 fairway traps. There are also tons of traps (and burns) fronting greens. You can't run it up. THe fairways are too tight to hit anything high. What can you do? Everyone needs to go to Carnoustie to answer this for himself. Toughest course I've ever been on - I'd go back in a hearbeat.

Posted by Scott Matchette on 26/06/2000

Played 36 at Carnoustie on a beautiful day in April this spring and was truly excited. After the Van de Welde fiasco, I could not wait to get to the final 5 holes. Carnoustie is a great course. I did not feel the brunt of the wind but only a mild breeze and even still found the course tough. Fairways are narrow and tight. Most greens are semi blind shots. Local knowledge is most important and definitely avoid the bunkers. With the Ben Hogan history and Van de Welde story, there is plenty to dream about as you play your round. I played the course from the MacDonald Smith tees and at only 6500 and a par of 70, hit a lot of 3,4 and 5 irons after good drives. I could just imagine this course with a tough wind. I was a little disappointed that the hay around the 16th, 17th and 18th greens and fairways is gone however, its absence does not make these holes any easier. Took a little sand out of the Spectacles. Give this course a go, you'll really enjoy it.

Posted by R Reimer on 11/04/2000

A bear of a golf course. Started out in light breezes and sunny. By end of round, 30 mph winds, temperature had dropped 20 degrees, and cloudy. Great experience, though, with 3 buddies from U.S. Caddy was Bill Philbin...fine genteleman.

Posted by John Metzger on 18/07/1999

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