DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2023
Lundin
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 .
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 .
Elie
A crafty , cunning and quirky links , Elie has been entertaining golfers for generations . None other than James Braid began his golf here and , after Old Tom Morris extended the course to 18 holes in 1895 , it was Braid who later revised it . This is the sort of links that plays with the golfer ’ s ambition : it is not long but it requires the utmost respect . There are blind shots , perfectly positioned and treacherous bunkers , and large greens with surfaces like glass . There are stunning views , too , both from high up and down next to the Firth of Forth . There are 16 par fours and two par threes but you won ’ t have time to notice … you ’ ll be far too focused on Elie ’ s thrills . Enjoy the periscope in the starter ’ s hut … how ’ s that for quirky ?
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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