Panmure
Montrose ( Medal )
Golf has been played on these links since 1562 . That alone should tempt any golfer but this is as traditional as links golf gets . The design stamp of approval belongs to Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Jr ., but you get the feeling this land had always been destined to host golf holes . It ’ s all in the rhythm and sway of the dunes and the firm fairways streaking between nests of gorse . You need to play smart golf here , both from the tee ( there are some blind shots ) and especially on approaches to large greens where you can find yourself a long way from the pin . You start beside the shoreline which offers the best views before returning slightly inland . There ’ s a second 18 here and the value is excellent for a course that hosted Final Qualifying for the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie .
Scotscraig
This original 18 hole layout of 1905 was renovated by James Braid in 1923 , and little has changed since then . The course blends links with heathland as it lies slightly away from the North Sea . It ’ s a combination of crisp , tight , sandy turf , pine tree-lined fairways and blazes of colour . Such unique flourishes make Scotscraig an intriguing round of golf . The low , rumbling fairways deliver a testing mix of holes that sweep through the trees , across ridges and over chasms . Greens lie naturally and you can attack them in different ways but you need to be cautious off the tee : wayward driving only leads to trouble especially if you find the heather , or the trees … or the gorse . Find the fairways and Scotscraig will reward you handsomely .
Pitlochry
The golf club sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park , wrapped in all that Scottish mountain beauty . There are not many golf clubs up this way , but Pitlochry is worth the journey , rolling over heaving terrain that adds considerably to the challenges and also the charm of its location . It may be short but with its hillsides ( the first three holes go up and up ) it is testing … especially around the small fast greens . Your short game will need to be razor sharp as several of the par fours are around the 300 yard mark , and both the bunkering and green complexes can be devious . And yet every shot is a pleasure – especially the par threes . The club has changed little over the decades which only adds to its appeal .
Panmure
Panmure lies between Carnoustie and Monifieth , creating an impressive string of links courses . Golf started here on 1899 , and it is famous for hosting Ben Hogan , who visited before his 1953 Open victory . Set slightly inland , with trees scattered around the course it is a par of 70 , measuring 6,550 yards ( back tees ). It plays straight out and back with the wind typically in your face to start . Three of the par threes , however , are set at 90 degree angles so the cross-winds will tease you mercilessly . You start slow and gentle as three holes take you out to – and back from – the core of the course . They ease you in before the dunes kick up their heels and holes become more dramatic . Undulating fairways , low dunes , semi-blind shots , slippery greens and sweet variety … and it is summed brilliantly by one hole : the 6th . Named Hogan , it is a worthy Index 1 . ( See photo above .)
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