Bucket list experience:
It’s nicknamed ‘car-nasty’ and when the wind is up, it’s not difficult to understand why: the championship course at Carnoustie is fiendishly difficult at the best of times, but when nature gets involved it can break even the toughest golfing spirit.
It’s a proper test; of length, accuracy, strategy and a whole heap of patience. Out of bounds beckons on plenty of holes, while the devilishly placed bunkers just seem to attract a disproportionate number of shots.
Play well here and you can comfortably call yourself an experienced and talented golfer. A regular host of the Open Championship.
The course is 12 miles east of Dundee; you’ll need to book your tee time well in advance, especially for summer play.
Visitor tee times are currently between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, Saturday from 2pm and Sunday from 11.30am. Pick a good day to play – ideally between April and September, when there’s less chance of foul weather and you won’t have to play off mats and to winter greens.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[19.6 miles]
Although it doesn’t overlook the iconic Old Course, the Fairmont has wonderful sea views, two great courses of its own and a tartan-meets-the-sea vibe that combines well with the contemporary manor house setting.
Official star rating:
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[17.8 miles]
Setting foot on the Old Course means walking in the footsteps of every great golfer who has graced the game over the last centuries. Truly special, its famous tee shots, infamous bunkers, huge greens and crazy fairways make up the greatest walk in golf.
Best for ages: 13+ | £250
Montrose, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[21.9 miles]
A true grain-to-glass distillery on a 2,000-acre independent family estate on the Angus coast. They grow all the ingredients on their farm for their award-winning spirits including the first climate-positive gin made from peas, potato vodka and Scotland’s first rye whisky in 200 years. They’ve also recently launched a striking new state-of-the-art visitor experience and tasting room.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Spectacular landscapes, impeccable fairways and greens, brilliantly-designed holes and plenty of golfing folklore – we asked golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport to recommend his top 30 golf courses from around the world.
