Summary: Having recently profiled Royal Donroch, Castle Stuart, Nairn, Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen our winter series rolls south to our first Open Championship venue, Carnoustie Golf Links. Golf Course Review The history of Carnoustie without doubt played its part in the key formation of the game as we know and love now. A young 'Old' Tom Morris learned his trade here under St Andrean mentor Allan Robertson both of which lay claim to influencing the course layout from 10 holes to the now recognised 18. Host to 7 Open Championships perhaps the most significant champion was Ben Hogan during the 1953, the only time he competed in The Open. If every golf course has a personality, Carnoustie is that of a working man. Looking over Carnoustie from the first tee and you are bound to be disappointed. Be patient, however, and you will be rewarded. For a hole by hole account of the course check out Graylyn's popular course review -http://www.graylynloomis.com/carnoustie-golf-links/ Ru & Graylyn’s Thoughts Apdly named by visiting golfers as 'Carnasty'.. Graylyn being the resident golf architect fan admits a growing appreciation for the course design and strong finishing holes however remains perplexed on how to negotiate the criss crossing, burn ridden 17th hole. Ru believes this could be the best opportunity in Scotland who hopes to knock Play Open Championship venue off their bucket list based on visitor accessibility, location and green fee. Carnoustie Golf Links 2015 Green Fees Per Round £160 Day £180 (Championship Course + Additional round on Buddon/Burnside) Number of Visitors A huge influx of international golfing visitors descend on Carnoustie for an allusive round on the links however visitor times are set aside 7 days a week. With the other courses on site, the 18 hole links of Buddon/Burnside are popular with the locals and offer much of the same course characteristics. Caddiemaster Martin Roy has devoted his life to Carnoustie and as Graylyn referenced in the podcast goes that extra mile to ensure the golfer has the very best experience during their visit. Within his role he successfully fulfils up to 9,000 caddie requests a season and in doing so oversees one of the country's strongest caddy pools. Best Time to Play? – Mid morning. Success of 2014 The course improvements on Buddon/Burnside Improvement Area for 2015 Season The arrival at Carnoustie historically had golfers arriving behind the iconic white Carnoustie Golf Hotel however the new turning circle and drop off point will ensure first impressions are much more striking. Message to Golfers Visiting in 2015 Book ASAP to avoid disappointed and consider a trip to Carnoustie early July before The St Andrews Open. (Colin McLeod – Carnoustie Golf Service Manager) Advice from your Hosts Carnoustie Country is golf country. Check out Montrose, Panmure and Monifieth for great golf on this side of the River Tay. (Ru) Everyone wants to play their best when teeing it up on the world's best golf courses. Don't let a challenging Carnoustie ruin your experience. Keep smiling and keep your head up, literally! (Graylyn) Until Next Week.. Stay with us as we continue our winter series profiling Scotland's best links golf courses you will likely visit on a golf vacation to Scotland in 2015. Subscribe on itunes. For Scottish golf course reviews including a St Andrews Story section where golfers are asked to share their visit to St Andrews check out co host Graylyn Loomis' website. If left with any questions don’t hesitate to contact Ru or Graylyn by emailing question@scottishgolfpodcast.com.
