1 Night, 2 Rounds
Few courses carry Carnoustie's reputation. Host of multiple Open Championships, it's a Championship links that asks proper questions from the first tee to the closing stretch, where the Barry Burn has decided more than a few big moments. Jean Van de Velde's collapse in 1999 is the most famous, but Padraig Harrington's victory in 2007 and Francesco Molinari's steady hand in 2018 showed what it takes to win here: patience, precision and the ability to keep your nerve when the wind picks up and the burns come into play.
It's also more than just the headline act. Alongside the famous Championship Course, the Burnside and Buddon tracks give you real variety for a Scottish golf break, all in one historic links setting. Carnoustie remains a venue with elite pedigree, having staged top-level events on the European Tour and on the major championship stage.
Logistically it's an easy win. You're a short drive from Dundee and around 90 minutes from Edinburgh airport, with the Carnoustie Hotel sitting right by the 1st tee and behind the 18th green. If you want a no-fuss base for a bucket-list round, with two more courses to build a proper itinerary, it's hard to beat.
Play Carnoustie as part of your next Scottish break, or compare it with other top golf resorts in Scotland.
Who is this for?
Societies and mate-trips who want an Open rota venue with two extra courses for a full itinerary. Golfers who value history and a proper links test over resort gloss. Couples, especially if the spa and leisure facilities matter as much as the golf.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers who enjoy a tough, fair test in the wind. Groups planning 36-hole days with recovery options on site. Anyone ticking off Scotland's bucket-list venues in an easy-to-reach base.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Carnoustie Championship course is ranked as one of the best courses in Scotland and also has a reputation of being one of the toughest in the world.
The course oozes history with no less than 8 Open Championships played on its fairways and can be a monster from the back tees. Certain landmarks around the course remind you of the historic events that have taken place here, Hogan's Alley on the superb par-5 6th hole, Nicklaus' bunker on the par-4 9th and Miller's bunker on the right of the 18th fairway.
| Par | 72 (71 for the Open) |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid |
| Opened for play | 1850 |
| Previously hosted | 7 Open Championships |
| White | 6,948 yards | SSS 75 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,595 yards | SSS 74 |
| Red | 6,144 yards | SSS 72 |
The second of the 3 courses at Carnoustie Golf Links is the Burnside Course, it is often overshadowed by its Championship neighbour but still manages its fair share of historical moments. Ben Hogan posting 70 to qualifying for the 1953 Open which he went on to win is one of the most famous.
The course is full of character and will challenge golfers of all abilities. One of the toughest holes on the course is the 14th, a par 3 of nearly 230 yards from the back tees, it will have some reaching for their driver if the wind is against.
| Par | 68 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | James Braid |
| Opened for play | 1934 |
| Yellow | 6,028 yards | SSS 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 5,400 yards | SSS 72 |
The Buddon is the third course at Carnoustie Links and is also the newest having been originally designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas in 1979.
The course is built on former Ministry of Defence land and after a recent $1 million refurbishment, is now a tougher challenge for golfer's of all abilities.
| Par | 68 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Peter Aliss and Dave Thomas |
| Opened for play | 1981 |
| White | 5,921 yards | SSS 69 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 5,652 yards | SSS 68 |
| Red | 5,035 yards | SSS 69 |
Built for the 1999 Open, the four-star Carnoustie Hotel is all about location. It's right beside the 1st tee and tucked behind the 18th green, so you can finish breakfast and be at the starter in moments. Many rooms look straight out across the links, which is exactly what you want after a day getting tested by a proper Championship course. The hotel itself is comfortable rather than lavish. This isn't a spa resort with marble lobbies, it's a golfer's hotel in the best sense. The rooms are well appointed, the beds are good, and the views are exceptional. You'll find everything you need without any unnecessary fuss.
Calder's Bistro is the more formal option, serving a mix of Scottish produce and Mediterranean influences, with big windows overlooking the Championship Course. Breakfast is a standout, ideal fuel before you head out into the wind. The evening menu offers quality cooking without pretension, the kind of meal that suits a group replaying the day's near-misses. For a more relaxed post-round pint, Calder's Bar has a terrace looking across the 1st and 18th, a great spot for watching groups come home and soaking up the atmosphere of a genuine championship venue.
You've also got a large swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym, handy if you're playing a couple of days on the bounce. The spa is well worth a look after 18 at Carnoustie, especially if you're walking and carrying. A sports massage can be a lifesaver when your back is feeling the effects of the wind and the undulations.
If you're travelling as a society or group, the set-up is simple: three courses on the doorstep, comfortable rooms, solid food and drink, and the kind of setting that makes the trip feel properly Scottish. It's also ideal for couples, particularly if one half is keener on golf than the other. The spa and leisure facilities give non-golfers something to do while you're out on the links.
Gerard
✓8 Jun 2026
Andrew
✓23 May 2026
Perfect for our golf trip. Staff were extremely helpful and very friendly. Pool was great after a day in the course. Prices were not as high as feared. Beautiful view from our room.
Victor
✓27 Apr 2026
Fantastic 3 days playing golf
Gordon
✓24 Apr 2026
Excellent customer service, great location with good accommodation. Restaurant was very good as was the Sports. Ideal for all 3 courses but also within 8 minutes walk to town. Breakfast was really well presented with great service throughout.
John
✓15 Apr 2026
Absolutely no complaints about anything...Top class and cant wait to go back ... The staff were excellent. Every single one of them
Eden
✓1 Sep 2025
Fantastic resort
Alistair
✓8 Jul 2025
Does what it says on the tin. Nice staff, clean room, solid food and a decent spa.
Andrew
✓23 Jun 2025
Faultless Very clean Staff very friendly
Josh
✓14 Jun 2025
Fantastic trip and definitely will return
Edwina
✓12 Jun 2025
Great hotel and fabulous view of the 18th green. The staff were brilliant and lovely to be recognised by Pauline at breakfast from when I last stayed
Check-in from 3pm | Check-out from 11am
7-10am mid week, 7-30 - 10:30am weekends
Casual
Calders Bistro
NO
There is 1 bar on site
There is complimentary car parking
