Course: Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie

Monster water hazards, formidable bunkers, three of the world’s most acclaimed closing holes and a course that is hard to find … Carnoustie is definitely one for the dogged golfer. Ranked 27th in the world for its demanding layout, Carnoustie is considered as one of the most difficult natural sea side links courses. Although there is little by way of dramatic scenery or a game-upstaging sea view, the beauty of the layout makes up for it.

Golf or “Gowff” has been played on these links since as far back as 1527 and there is evidence of a 10-hole course laid out in 1842. But the Carnoustie as we know it today was born of the labors of Old Tom Morris in 1857 with additions in 1926 by James Braid. “The Beast” hosted the British Open for the first time in 1931 and the championship has returned on five subsequent occasions since then.

The Championship course runs 6,941 yards par 72 and locks horns with Carnoustie’s famous Burns – the Jockey Burn and the Barry Burn – several times. The water hazards have ruined the day for one player a many and if it doesn’t go too well imagine Jean Van de Velde mulling over a shot, standing knee-deep in Barry Burn! If water is not on your mind at Carnoustie, the bunkering certainly will be. Most holes are guarded fiercely by bunkers making it a thinker’s game all throughout. Cases in point are the par five - 6th called the “Long” and “Hogan’s Alley”.

Carnoustie offers a memorable round with holes like the 15th, 16th and the 17th – some of the toughest closing holes in the world. However, despite the tough layout and the fiendish weather Carnoustie stays in the top ten list of every golfer’s wish list and is a true test of skills.