Alyth

Approximately 30 minutes’ drive north of Dundee, this is a well-conceived heathland course of 100 years vintage laid out over rolling, tree-lined heathland. The original 9 holes was constructed by Old Tom Morris, then later extended and refined by the late, great James Braid. This is a course of character at every hole, not overly long so it suits mid-handicappers but it’s a thinking golfers’ course where every swing of the club counts.

Burnside Course at Carnoustie

Intertwined with the ‘sleeping giant’, of the Championship course, Burnside carries many of that course’s characteristics with far less of its length and intimidation. A genuine links course that is both testing and fun to play.

Carnoustie Championship Course

Venue for memorable Open Championships in 2018 and 2007 but probably best remembered for 1999 when Jean Van De Velde came unstuck at the final hole forfeiting a 3 shot lead. The narrow fairways and high rough which that Championship was remembered for are now no longer such feature and visitors can look forward to a beautifully conditioned course where accuracy is rewarded but poor course management exposed.

Downfield

Approximately 15 minutes outside Dundee city Centre. Set in beautiful parkland, Downfield is recognised as one of Scotland’s finest inland courses and has hosted many events such as the Scottish Amateur and Final Qualifying for the 1999 & 2007 Open Championships. Combining wonderful scenery with the natural wildlife of squirrels, water fowl, buzzards and deer, Downfield offers a truly challenging and enjoyable experience to all golfers regardless of their abilities. There are a wide variety of challenges with some water in play on no fewer than 7 holes.

Edzell (Angus)

45 minutes north of Dundee. Off the beaten track this is a golfing treasure, a parkland course which has benefited from James Braid’s contribution to its design. In the heart of the county of Angus, Edzell is well worth a visit.

Ladybank (Fife)

Approximately 30 minutes from Dundee or St Andrews, this wooded heathland course is another past Open Championship final qualifier. Its narrow fairways command respect. Always in immaculate condition, Ladybank provides a pleasant contrast from seaside links golf.

Lansdowne (Blairgowrie)

It is slightly longer than its older brother, the Rosemount, and, as some golf enthusiasts would suggest, provides a much tougher and demanding test of golf. It features tree-lined fairways and wonderful greens. Designed by Peter Allis, the Voice of Golf, and renowned course designer Dave Thomas, this course is the home of the Scottish Mid-Amateur Championship.

Montrose

Approximately 50 minutes north of Dundee. Records of golf go back as far as 1567 at Montrose. This has been a Championship qualifier when Carnoustie has host the Open. Montrose certainly pleases the traditional links purists with its layout frequently changing direction and its golf holes set low between the town and the dunes. Like Carnoustie and St Andrews, Montrose is run by a Links Trust making it accessible to all.

Panmure (nr Carnoustie)

The club was formed in 1845. Yet another Open Championship qualifying course when the Open has been at Carnoustie. The initial flat 3 holes give way to some classic contoured terrain which makes for a memorable golf course. The par 4 sixth in particular is as testing a golf hole as you will play in Scotland. Hogan secretly practised here before proceeding to win the Open at Carnoustie in 1953. Beware of the gorse!

Rosemount (Blairgowrie, Perthshire)

For those inclined to hook or slice this course does no favours, with most holes played through an avenue of trees. A magnificent setting and definitely one of Scotland’s premier inland courses.

Scotscraig (Fife)

One of the oldest golf club in Scotland (1817). Located at the Tay estuary this course combines trees with gorse to ensure there is a constant threat to the stray golf ball The course has been greatly improved over the years with irrigation / drainage and has also hosted Open Championship qualifying when St. Andrews has hosted the event.