Destination Golf Scotland 2021
Panmure
Downfield
Set amidst deep woodland , Downfield has that sweet , lazy parkland feel where holes are embraced by mature trees and several greens are cocooned by them . Downfield was designed originally by James Braid , in 1932 , although only a few of his holes remain . It is often listed among Britain ’ s favourite parklands … given that water appears on seven holes and you are constantly overshadowed by the endless and elegant woodland , this is no surprise . The course plays to a par of 70 or 73 . Three par fives ( back tees ) become formidable par fours from the forward tees . There ’ s wonderful shape to the course , especially on the back nine .
Panmure
Panmure lies between Carnoustie and Monifieth , and golf started here in 1899 . It is famous for Ben Hogan ’ s visit before his 1953 Open victory . Set slightly inland , with scatterings of trees it measures 6,550 yards ( back tees ) for a par 70 . It plays out and back with the wind typically in your face to start . Three of the par threes , however , are set at 90 degrees so prepare for crosswinds . You start slow and gentle as three holes take you out to – and back from – the heart of the course . The holes in between ( 4 to 15 ) promise undulating fairways , low dunes , semi-blind shots , slippery greens and sweet variety … the 6th is the epitome of this : named Hogan , it is one of the best holes in Scotland .
Dumbarnie Links
Opened in May 2020 , this new links is located just nine miles south of St . Andrews , close to Elie . It is designed by Clive Clark , a former Ryder Cup player , and is laid out over 345 acres of perfect links turf on the historic Balcarres Estate . Fourteen holes show off the landscape with views of Largo Bay and the estuary , and holes curve sweetly between rugged and rippling dunes , drenched in golden grasses . It all sounds so perfect and the links is certainly making a splash on the world stage . Greens are remarkable and bunkers are not for the faint of heart but overall this is a course that embraces playability .
Lundin
Lundin ’ s current 18 holes date back to 1909 , thanks to the great James Braid ( and Old Tom before that ). He created an intriguing mix of links and parkland holes using a strip of links land on the Firth of Forth , and divided by a railway line . You play some magical links holes first so expect some blind shots , a burn or two and fabulous greens . The rise to the 1st green is dramatic , as is the 2nd tee shot , and it demonstrate that you should expect the unexpected . Inland holes follow , playing below , across and atop a bank that runs parallel to the road . The finish embraces more chaotically blissful links holes , culminating with the 18th which fires into a narrow chute beneath the clubhouse .
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