Carnoustie Golf Links

Of course, what we know of Carnoustie is a mixed bag of acclaim and notoriety. It was here that Ben Hogan capped his trio of majors in 1953, by winning the Claret Jug in what would be his only start in The Open Championship. Yet it’s the vision of Jean Van de Velde standing in the Barry Burn that has come to define both the 1999 Open, as well as Carnoustie. The course humbled the world’s best players that year and has struck fear in them ever since. For very good reason.

Carnoustie is a gritty links, mostly without the benefit of coastal views to help soften its hard worn edges. Instead the stark landscape presents eighteen holes that are each capable of afflicting the intimidated or uninitiated golfer. From a brilliant par-5 at “Hogan’s Alley,” to the daunting spectacle bunkers ahead on the 14th, the test - especially off the tee - is relentless. It’s the closing trio of holes, anchored by the par-3 16th, that is sure to leave the lasting impression of Carnoustie. This is partially thanks to the wandering Barry Burn, which we must play across five times on the final two holes alone.

The carnage of 1999 prompted one Scottish writer to coin the phrase “The Carnoustie Effect,” which he defined as “the degree of mental shock experienced on collision with reality by those whose expectations were founded on false assumptions.” Allow us to ensure that these “false assumptions” are kept out of your golf bag...

At Carnoustie, you can expect to be tried, teased, and taxed from the 1st tee to the 18th green. But you can also expect to never forget it.