Carnoustie Championship Course
Year Established
1842
Designed by
Tom Morris
Location
St Andrews
Address
Carnoustie Golf Centre, Links Parade, Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland, DD7 7JE
About Carnoustie Championship Golf Links
As one of the oldest courses in the world, Carnoustie Championship Course has been played by all the greatest golfing names. But Ben Hogan’s memorable 1953 performance sealed its reputation as a legend. In 2003, the sixth hole was officially named ‘Hogan’s Alley’ to commemorate the outstanding way he negotiated the perilous par 5 during his famous victory.
With a daunting cocktail of gales, thick rough and devilish bunkers, all set against a stunning Scottish landscape, Carnoustie has earned its reputation as one of the most challenging courses in Britain. According to Golf Digest, it's also one of the top 50 UK and Ireland Links courses.
A Brief History
Carnoustie Golf Club was formally instituted in 1842, making it one of the 10 oldest courses in the world. Alan Robertson of St Andrews designed the basics of the Championship course in 1850; Old Tom Morris redesigned and extended it to a full 18 holes in the early 1870s. Later in 1937, the final three holes at Carnoustie were redesigned by James Wright. In its time, The Championship Course has hosted eight Open Championships, a Ladies Open and a Seniors Open, and is one of the three annual Dunhill Links courses.
Known for: The Toughest Finishing Stretch in Golf
James Wright is the man responsible for creating the most challenging finishing stretch in golf. If you can survive the final three holes he designed, an immensely tricky task, you deserve a real pat on the back.
Featured hole – Hole 18
The Championship Course at Carnoustie boasts the infamous 18th hole - a par 4 at 444 yards long. The Barry Burn crosses the fairway, then re-crosses it, delivering punishment to unwary hookers and slicers as well as a challenging obstacle for the second shot. Jean van der Velde fell afoul of it, and it cost him the Claret Jug in 1999. How will you fare? If you survive all that, the fairway bunkers to your right plus the legendary powerful wind blowing in from the North Sea is something to come up against too!
Upcoming Signature Experiences Including The Old Course
The 25th anniversary of our annual Father and Son golf tournament takes place in April 2027. In the unmistakable surroundings of St Andrews, experience the perfect blend of family, competition and traditional golf.
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Visiting the Home of Golf doesn’t have to be a dream. Let us make it a reality with the ultimate luxury golf trip, featuring tee times at the finest golf courses in St Andrews for single and paired golfers.
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Brand-new to The Experience Golf portfolio, celebrating women who share a passion and love for the great game.
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Dream of playing on legendary Open Championship courses? Journey across Scotland, from the rugged West Coast to the historic East, teeing off at iconic venues like the Old Course. A must for true golf enthusiasts!
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Attend the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor and play Scotland's most iconic courses, including a guaranteed round on the Old Course. This is the ultimate golf trip.
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