Golf in the Rain!

Carnoustie Golf Links

Carnoustie Golf Links was established back in 1842, which is 176 years ago and there is a total of 54 holes to play. The Championship course was designed by Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris and James Braid came along in 1926. Notably, the Burnside and Buddon Links Golf courses were designed by James Braid.

The course is par 71 for the Open Championship and plays around 7,421 yards which is a beast of a golf course. Also, during the Alfred Dunhill Links Tommy Fleetwood posted 63 shots and is the course record holder.

Carnoustie first hosted The Open in 1931. During that time, there have been a number of great winners, and the excellent players have emerged. No better example of this, than Tom Watson won in 1975 and boy or boy, what a superstar he became.


Jean Van de Velde’s comment to reporters after losing in the most unforgettable way: “It is a golf tournament – a game – and I gave it my best shot. Next time I hit a wedge, OK, you all forgive me? You say I’m a coward, whatever; next time – I hit a wedge!”

Hogan's Victory at the Open Championship in 1953

Soon after Hogan’s horrific car crash in 1949. In 1953, Hogan enjoyed a fantastic PGA Tour season which he won five tournaments. Not to forget, a Masters, U.S. Open and of course The Open Championship. What was unique was this was Hogan’s first and last Championship. However, he beat the runner-up by four shots. Winning the Open completed his career grand slam, and he was the second golfer to do so at that time.

Dooley Noted on the Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links.

Each of the last three British Opens played at Carnoustie concluded with a playoff resulting in Mr Padraig Harrington beating Sergio in 2007 and Mr Paul Lawrie beating the man from the Barry Burn, Jean Van de Velde in 1999.

Did you know that in 2007 that Padraig Harrington was the first Irish winner since Fred Daly won sixty years previously?

The last round I played at Carnoustie. I remember I played with a man who wore pink slippers for the 18 holes because his clubs fell foul to a delay with Air France in Paris. This man played exceptional golf and won all the bets that day. Moreover, I still remember how long the course played from the medal tees, particularly the 15th, 16th and 17th holes.


Contact John Dooley | john@conciergegolf.ie | Contact Us| Carnoustie Golf Links Open 2018. Also look at Golf Trips to Ireland CLICK HERE to see more.