Carnoustie Golf Links

Opened: 1867
Designer: Old Tom Morris, James Braid
Par:72
Length: 6,941 yards

Often referred to as ‘Carnasty’ because of its unrelenting difficulty, Carnoustie has a deserved reputation for being the ultimate championship course. Who can forget the site of Frenchman Jean Van de Velde, coming to the 72nd hole of the 1999 Open Championship with a 3 shot lead only to make a mess of it and eventually lose in a playoff to Scotsman Paul Lawrie.

Despite its reputation as a stern test, Carnoustie still manages to be plenty of fun to play, particularly in a bit of wind as there are never more than two consecutive holes heading in the same direction.

Apart from its infamous finishing holes, Carnoustie perhaps is best known for its par five 6th hole. Of the three defined options from the tee, Ben Hogan in the 1953 Open elected to attempt the most challenging by slotting his tee shots between the out of bounds on the left and two fairway bunkers on the right. The Claret Jug for Hogan was secured after making two-putt birdies in rounds 3 and 4.

Carnoustie has hosted many Championships over the years including the Open Championship in 1999, 2007 and will host again in 2018.  It has also hosted the Senior Open in 2010 and 2016.