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 in June 2011, it's also one of the top 50 UK and Ireland Links courses.
What the Pro's say:
“One of the toughest and best courses we have in the world.” - Colin Montgomerie
“This golf course is hard, but it’s fair. It’s a terrific test.” - Tiger Woods
“The Carnoustie Championship course is the toughest course anywhere.” - Gary Player
About Carnoustie Championship Course – A short history
- Carnoustie Golf Club was formally instituted in 1842, making it one of the 10 oldest 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
- James Braid put his stamp on Carnoustie in 1926
- In 1937 the final three holes at Carnoustie were redesigned by James Wright
- In 2012 The Championship Course was ranked no 1 in the Rolex Top 1000 courses in the world list
- The Championship Course has hosted eight Open Championships, a Ladies Open and a Seniors Open, and it's one of the three annual Dunhill Links courses
Carnoustie Championship Course Information
- Caddies: Available on request and subject to availability
- Golf Trollies: Available
- Practice Facilities: Performance Centre, putting green and short game area
- Dress Code: Appropriate golfing attire while on the course
- Handicap limit: 28 men & 36 ladies
- Under 14s not allowed to play the Championship Course
- The Carnoustie Golf Centre is a unique, state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, delivering a premium practice experience. The Performance Centre houses seven simulator bays, complete with launch monitors and one of which contains camera analysis technology to provide assistance for coaching and custom fitting. The bays also provide visitors with an excellent warm-up area.
Carnoustie Course Scorecard
Click here to view the scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 18
The Championship Course at Carnoustie boasts the infamous 18th hole has a par 4 and is a whopping 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 foul of it, and it cost him the Claret jug. 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 see most amateur players happy with an eight.
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 Carnoustie Championship Course Golf packages include:
Father & Son Tournament – Held over five days, the tournament is 72 holes of competition golf over St Andrews New Course, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Carnoustie Championship Course and culminating at the legendary Old Course.
6 night Programmes – Playing Carnoustie Championship Course is an essential element of all of our Experience St Andrews programmes. In addition to Carnoustie, you will get a guaranteed tee time at the Old Course and several other world-renowned courses.