Carnoustie’s Buddon course re-opens

Carnoustie’s Buddon Links has re-opened for play after undergoing an extensive £500,000 revamp.

The course, the newest of the three courses at the Angus club, has seen several significant changes carried out, including:

• The removal of the existing first hole;

• The ninth and tenth holes being merged into the new par-5 ninth;

• Construction of two completely new par-4s.

The removal of the first hole came after it was reduced from a par-4 to a par-3 when the town’s new golf centre was constructed

The changes, carried out by Mackenzie and Ebert Ltd, have resulted Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas’ original design increasing in length from 5,420 yards to 6,088. The par has also climbed from 65 to 68 (64 to 67 for ladies).

Angus Provost, Helen Oswald, together with new Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee Chairman, Pat Sawers, unveiled the new-look course and immediately predicted big things for it in the coming months and years.

“The changes can only help to reinforce Carnoustie’s reputation as one of the world’s premier golfing centres” – Pat Sawers

“The changes have proved very popular with both locals and visitors and should help to relieve pressure on our Burnside course,” said Sawers.

“The decision to remove what became the par-3 first hole after we built our new golf centre has also freed up space to develop a short game practice area

“Combined together the changes can only help to reinforce Carnoustie’s reputation as one of the world’s premier golfing centres.”

Provost Oswald added: “I was very impressed with what I saw and congratulate the head greenkeeper and his staff for doing a great job.

“It has been a substantial investment so that’s good for the local economy and the changes are sure to attract golfers from far and wide.”

Carnoustie: Play there this year

For more information on all three courses at Carnoustie Golf Links, and for up-to-date green fees, log-on to www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor