ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Carnoustie – More Than Meets The Eye

It’s safe to say that 2018 was an incredible year for Carnoustie Golf Links. The 147th Open, played over the Championship Course and won by Italy’s Francesco Molinari, was an outstanding week for the professionals and visitors alike.

But did you know there’s more to Golf’s Greatest Test at Carnoustie than just the Championship Course?

Golf at Carnoustie

In fact, the Championship Course is one of three courses at Carnoustie – the other two courses are the Burnside and Buddon Links Courses.


The charm of the Burnside Course is somewhat of a local secret. A favorite among our own Season Ticket Holders, the 6,028-yards par-68 course is a stern test that oozes character. Many of the short holes are worthy of gracing some of the top links courses around, and it was on this course in 1953 where the iconic Ben Hogan shot 70 to qualify for The Open Championship, which he famously would go on to win.

The Buddon Links Course is the newest of the three courses at Carnoustie and provides golfers with some of the best views of the beach and sea the Angus town has to offer. Built on former Ministry of Defense land, each hole is named after a famous historic battle, and over the years, the course has undergone a transformation ensuring the course is an enjoyable challenge for all.

There is also a shorter five-hole course at Carnoustie called The Nestie. This course is free to play and is perfect for families to enjoy together, regardless of age or ability, and if you don’t have your own clubs, you can borrow some from the Pro Shop.

It’s not just outdoor golf that is available to visitors at Carnoustie these days. Situated within Links House – the new Golf Centre opened in April 2018 – are seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, allowing visitors to practice their swing or test themselves on some of the best courses around, as close as the Championship Course or as far away as Pebble Beach. The simulators are available for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s your first time picking up a club or you want to try something different with the family.

Aside from golf

Further to the golf offer at Carnoustie is The Rookery Restaurant. Also located in Links House, The Rookery offers visitors exquisite food in a comfortable setting with outstanding service and beautiful views over the Championship Course. The Rookery is a family-friendly venue, offering a kids menu alongside the a la carte menu. The food offering is created by Head Chef and a Master Chef of Great Britain, Chris Hazelton.

Carnoustie isn’t just an ideal place for golf, it has more to offer. Visitors can enjoy lovely walks along the beach, or if you’re after something more adventurous, you can take to the sea and partake in some windsurfing.

Just a couple of minutes’ drive from the Links is the village of East Haven, with beautiful community gardens and being by the beach, this small fishing village is a hub for wildlife and biodiversity. 

The city of Dundee

Only a short drive, train or bus journey away from Carnoustie is the city of Dundee. Dundee has plenty to offer visitors – the new V&A Museum opened in September 2018 is the first dedicated design museum in Scotland and the only other V&A Museum outside of London. The Verdant Works tells the story of Dundee’s textile heritage and Discovery Point is home to the world-famous RSS Discovery.

Carnoustie is home to Golf’s Greatest Test, but it’s also home to much more for you to enjoy.


To start planning your experience at Carnoustie, contact a Fairway to Heaven representative:

WE DON’T SELL GOLF TRIPS, WE CREATE GOLF EXPERIENCES.