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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 22 March, 2022
Expert travel writer: Fionn Davenport

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.

Price from: £200
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The course is 12 miles east of Dundee; you’ll need to book your tee time well in advance, especially for summer play.

When to do it

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

Fairmont St. Andrews

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 Old Course

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

Arbikie Distillery
Experience

Arbikie Distillery

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

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