Carnoustie Championship Course
Scotland · 18 holes · Par 72 · Designed by {"original":"Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid","evolution":"Course evolved over 150+ years through multiple architects","notes":"One of golf's oldest and most naturally evolved championship links"}
Overview
Carnoustie Championship Course golf course review
Signature Holes
Named after Ben Hogan's famous 1953 Open victory. Narrow driving area between OB fence and bunkers - 'the alley'. Jockie's Burn crosses fairway on second shot. Brutally difficult.
Monster par 4. Barry Burn runs 40 yards in front of green. Most lay up. Named for bunker shape.
Home of Gary Player's greatest shot in 1968 - long iron to green for eagle. Famous spectacle bunkers must be avoided or carried.
Brutal par 3, often played into wind. Tom Watson made five attempts in 1975 Open, never made par. Jack Nicklaus only player to get past pin in 1968 final round.
Barry Burn winds through creating 'island' landing area. Must thread drive between water hazards.
Pros & Cons
✓ The Good
- One of the world's greatest championship courses - 8 Open Championships
- TRUE public access - anyone can play (with booking)
- Affordable compared to many championship courses (£360 is reasonable for this caliber)
- Rich Open history - Hogan, Player, Watson, Lawrie, Harrington, Molinari
- Three excellent courses available (Championship, Burnside, Buddon)
- Excellent value multi-round packages
✗ The Challenges
- Brutally difficult - not for high handicappers or casual golfers
- Weather can be punishing - wind and rain common
- Barry Burn causes carnage (see Van De Velde 1999)
- Course can feel relentless - no easy holes
- Flat terrain - lacks dramatic scenery of coastal links
- Books up far in advance for summer