Carnoustie Championship Course
Carnoustie Championship Course
Carnoustie is known as the toughest Open Championship course on the rota, a reputation it wears with quiet pride. Set on the banks of the Barry Burn in Angus, the course has been refined over the centuries by a succession of great architects โ Old Tom Morris laid out the original 10 holes in 1842, and James Braid extended it to 18 in 1926. It has hosted The Open Championship eight times, most famously Jean Van de Velde's three-putt drama on the 18th in 1999.
The layout offers few respites โ the Barry Burn crosses several fairways and guards the 18th green, the rough is punishing, and the wind off the North Sea adds a further dimension to an already formidable challenge. Visiting golfers should treat every round here as a badge of honour.
Course Highlights
One of the most storied Open venues, host to epic championships from Tommy Armour to Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington.
The meandering burn crosses several holes and defines the drama of the 18th โ the most feared finishing hole in championship golf.
James Braid's deep, steep-faced bunkers demand precision from every approach shot โ escape artists earn their pars here.
One of the longest Open Championship layouts, playing even harder when the wind blows off the Tay estuary.
Gallery
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