Crail (Balcomie)
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.
It promises an adrenaline-
fuelled start, which continues
as you must drive over the
beach on holes 4 and 5.
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Forfar
An unsung hero, Forfar has unique traits that make it a very special
place indeed. Is it heathland or parkland? What about those rolling
links-like fairways? It is a sweet combination of elements that
promises a quality golf experience. Now throw in the names of Old
Tom Morris and James Braid, and you know you’ll need to play some
smart golf. Scots pines line the fairways, channelling you around the
course, but that heathland feel is never far away as you enjoy tight,
bumpy turf. It is not long, but Forfar’s bunkering proves deceptive
especially around generous greens.
Edzell (Old)
The tall trees stretch elegantly across this landscape to give Edzell
its easy air and pace. The highly regarded firm of Mackenzie and
Ebert upgraded the course in 2015, but there’s little doubt that
the masterful design came from James Braid in the 1930s, and
Bob Simpson before that. The course combines heathland and
parkland traits, with tree-lined corridors framing holes while still
offering a generous enough width to make driving a pleasure. The
quality of the course’s presentation is also worth noting and the
gently contoured greens will appeal to everyone. Located between
Aberdeen and Dunfermline, the Angus Glens create a backdrop
that’s easy on the eye and helps to establish the rhythm of the golf
course.