Carnoustie
Carnoustie
Widely regarded as the toughest course on the Open rota , Carnoustie is also one of the toughest courses , full stop . Certainly the closing three holes have delivered the most dramatic finishes in Open history ( Paul Lawrie , 1999 , and Padraig Harrington , 2007 ), but the entire links presents the sort of challenge to strike fear and awe into a golfer ’ s heart . Bunkering is deep and positioned to be penal – just look at the par five 6th ( Hogan ’ s Alley ) – but underneath that cruel veil lies an utterly brilliant and fair golf course . There are no blind shots so you know what is required as you play over low , tangled dunes . James Braid updated Old Tom Morris ’ s design in the 1920s , and the course has been mostly untouched since then . Beware holes 17 and 18 , where you must cross the famous Barry ’ s Burn five times .
Crail ( Balcomie )
Laid out along a promontory which juts into the North Sea , the Balcomie links is a par 69 , measuring 5,900 yards from the back tees . Don ’ t let that fool you though , for the ever-present wind has to be tackled all day long . This is traditional , open links , laid out by Old Tom Morris , and several holes are on show from the high 1st tee . It promises an adrenaline-fuelled start , which continues as you must drive over the beach on holes 4 and 5 . The course is quite narrow as it works its way along the seashore and the six par threes use the dune tops ( and a cliff or two ) to perfection . Stunning views . The Craighead course makes Crail a delightful double act .
Crail ( Craighead )
Set on a headland , above its Balcomie sibling , the Craighead course is a very different animal . It is a modern course which has been designed as a links ( by Gil Hanse in 1998 ). It may not be true links land but that doesn ’ t stop the wind whipping in across the exposed terrain . With no two holes flowing in the same direction , the wind can bamboozle the best . There is some remarkable history here and it is an integral part of the course : Danes Dyke is a 1200 year old wall built by the Vikings , and it affects four holes . Add to that a full blooded par 72 course , with links-style bunkering and big , sharply contoured greens , and you have a wonderful setting for golf .
Alyth
Laid out on moorland by Old Tom Morris , Alyth opened as a nine hole course in 1894 . It was later extended to 18 revised by James Braid , creating another excellent combination of work by these two legendary designers . Holes move over rolling heathland , constantly chaperoned by trees . It makes Alyth a fun and colourful round of golf . But not necessarily easy : despite its short length ( 6,200 yards ) accuracy is key as the folds of the land ask questions of every golfer and burns make quite a nuisance of themselves … especially on the par four 5th signature hole ( The Brig ), where you must cross water twice . Alyth was awarded ‘ Best Course Under £ 50 ’ at the 2015 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards .
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