Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship)

Every October, three of Scotland's most revered links courses host one of golf's most unique events. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship brings together world-class professionals and celebrity amateurs for four days of links golf at its finest, played across the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship Course, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Whether visiting during tournament week to witness this prestigious Scottish golf tournament or planning a pilgrimage to play these legendary venues, this comprehensive guide provides everything international golfers need to experience Scottish links golf at the highest level. The Alfred Dunhill Links - Scotland's Unmissable Golf Event Tournament Format: The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship stands apart from typical professional events through its distinctive pro-am format. Each team pairs one professional with one amateur, playing three different courses over three days before the 54-hole cut. The top 60 professionals and leading 20 pro-am teams advance to Sunday's final round at St Andrews. The event typically runs from early to mid-October each year, with the 2025 edition taking place October 2-5. For the latest odds on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, visit Betway. Why This Event Matters: Only professional championship played annually on the Old Course at St Andrews Three world-class links in rotation - effectively three tournaments in one week Celebrity amateur field adds glamour alongside serious competitive golf Spectator access to legendary courses often difficult to see up close £5 million purse attracts top DP World Tour talent and major champions Tournament History & Heritage Alfred Dunhill's connection with St Andrews spans four decades, beginning with the Alfred Dunhill Cup in 1985. That original tournament ran as a team match-play event featuring 16 nations competing at the Old Course. Australia won the inaugural championship, defeating the United States in the final with a team featuring David Graham, Graham Marsh, and Greg Norman. The Cup produced memorable moments over its 16-year run, including Curtis Strange's record-breaking 62 at the Old Course in 1987 and South Africa's back-to-back victories in 1997-1998 with the same trio of Ernie Els, David Frost, and Retief Goosen. When the World Cup of Golf received enhanced status through the World Golf Championships in 2000, the team format became less viable. The Alfred Dunhill Cup concluded after the 2000 championship, having established itself as one of golf's premier international team events. Rather than disappear entirely, Alfred Dunhill's St Andrews legacy evolved into something equally special. The Modern Championship Era The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship launched in 2001, transforming from team competition to celebrity pro-am whilst maintaining the glamour and prestige of its predecessor. The new format expanded across three legendary Scottish links - Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship, and the newly-opened Kingsbarns - creating a unique rotation that showcases Scotland's links golf diversity. The tournament has been a DP World Tour fixture since inception. Tyrrell Hatton holds the record with four victories (2016, 2017, 2024, and one more), making him the Championship's greatest champion. His 2024 victory came via dramatic final-hole birdie on the 18th at St Andrews, defeating Nicolas Colsaerts by a single stroke. Past champions include Padraig Harrington, Stephen Gallacher, Danny Willett, and Martin Kaymer, who famously birdied the treacherous Road Hole 17th en route to his 2010 victory. The Championship was cancelled only once in its history - 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic - but returned strongly in 2021 and continues to attract world-class fields annually. The format based on the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has proven hugely successful, creating a unique blend of serious professional competition alongside celebrity entertainment that draws galleries from around the world. Championship Courses: Three Scottish Legends St Andrews Links (Old Course) The Old Course needs little introduction - golf's spiritual home and the world's most famous links. Dating to the 15th century, this public course has hosted 30 Open Championships, more than any venue worldwide. The routing follows the classic out-and-back design with seven massive double greens shared by holes going out and coming home. What makes St Andrews golf special isn't immediate visual drama but strategic subtlety revealed over multiple rounds. Hidden pot bunkers, undulating fairways deeper than television suggests, and infinite playing options depending on wind direction create the ultimate thinking golfer's course. The 17th Road Hole ranks among golf's most iconic and treacherous par fours. Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship) Carnoustie earns its "Car-nasty" nickname honestly. This is links golf at its most demanding, widely considered the toughest course on the Open rota. The Carnoustie golf course has hosted eight Open Championships, three Senior Opens, and two Women's Opens. Ben Hogan's 1953 victory in his only Open appearance cemented Carnoustie's legendary status. The snaking Barry Burn creates drama throughout, most notably on the finishing holes where it must be crossed five times. The back nine particularly separates champions from pretenders, featuring brutal par fours at holes 14-18. The 245-yard 16th par three played into the wind challenges even the world's best - Tom Watson called it the hardest par three in golf. Kingsbarns Golf Links The modern masterpiece of the trio, Kingsbarns golf course opened in 2000 on 1.8 miles of stunning North Sea coastline. American architect Kyle Phillips transformed flat farmland into what appears a centuries-old links through spectacular earthmoving and design. Unlike many Scottish links, the sea remains visible from virtually every hole, creating photography-worthy vistas throughout. Kingsbarns offers more generous fairways than its Championship companions whilst maintaining strategic interest. The par-five 12th hugging the coastline and the dramatic par-three 15th playing over rocks and waves to a clifftop green exemplify Kyle Phillips' brilliant design work. Hosted the 2017 Women's British Open. Championship Experience: Tournament Week Spectating the Dunhill Links Tournament week transforms the region into a golf festival. Here's what you need to know: Grounds passes provide access to all three venues (approximately £30-50/€35-60/$40-67 per day depending on day) Thursday-Friday: Play across three courses simultaneously - strategic planning required to catch favourite players Saturday: 54-hole cut concentrates field Sunday: Final round at Old Course provides championship conclusion with galleries lining fairways VIP hospitality packages available through tournament website offering exclusive viewing, dining, and player access opportunities Getting There The tournament is easily accessible from Scotland's major airports: Edinburgh Airport: 90 minutes to St Andrews (primary gateway) Glasgow Airport: 2 hours to St Andrews Dundee Airport: 30 minutes to St Andrews, 15 minutes to Carnoustie Rental car recommended for flexibility between venues. Direct train service available from Edinburgh to Leuchars (5 miles from St Andrews) with taxi connections. Celebrity Amateur Entertainment The pro-am format pairs professionals with celebrities from sport, entertainment, and business. Past participants include: Film & TV: Michael Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Jamie Dornan, Kevin Costner Music: Justin Timberlake, Huey Lewis, Ronan Keating, Bon Jovi's Tico Torres, Keane's Tom Chaplin, Linkin Park's Dave Farrell Sports Legends: Nigel Mansell, Ian Botham, Gary Lineker, Boris Becker, Michael Phelps, Shane Warne, Rory McIlroy's father Gerry Celebrity pairings announced ahead of tournament - plan spectating around favourite personalities. The team competition adds extra dimension, with amateur-professional partnerships competing for separate honours alongside the individual professional championship. Practical Tournament Attendance Transport & Parking: Park-and-ride systems operate from Leuchars and surrounding areas Public transport enhanced during tournament week Walking between venues impractical - commit to one course daily or use organised transport between sites What to Bring: Weather preparation crucial - October Scottish weather unpredictable Waterproofs, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes essential Food and beverage available on-site but bringing snacks recommended Etiquette: Photography permitted but no camera clicks during swings Respect player space, follow marshal instructions Mobile phones on silent Golf Nearby During Tournament Week St Andrews New Course - £150 (€175/$200) Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the New Course offers tighter, more defined holes than its famous neighbour. Locals often prefer it for these very characteristics. Excellent conditioning and significantly easier access make this an outstanding alternative when playing St Andrews golf courses. St Andrews Jubilee Course - £150 (€175/$200) Donald Steel's 1988 redesign transformed this into a championship-calibre test. Elevated tees provide spectacular views across St Andrews Bay. The par-three collection ranks among Scotland's finest. St Andrews Castle Course - £180 (€210/$240) David McLay Kidd's clifftop design opened in 2008. Dramatic seaside holes and clever mounding create a modern links feel. The par-three 17th across a coastal ravine sticks in memory long after the round. Carnoustie Burnside Course - £85 (€100/$115) Character-filled second course where Ben Hogan qualified for his 1953 Open victory. Excellent par threes and significantly less intimidating than the Championship layout whilst maintaining quality. Fife's Culinary Scene Premium Dining Experiences Haar showcases chef Dean Banks' three-AA-Rosette modern Scottish cuisine emphasising local seafood. Tasting menu approximately £90 (€105/$120) per person. The Road Hole Restaurant at Old Course Hotel offers sprawling Old Course views alongside Scottish grills and seafood, approximately £80-100 (€95-120/$110-135). The Seafood Ristorante occupies prime West Sands location in distinctive glass structure. Fresh local catch prepared simply, approximately £60-80 (€70-95/$85-110). The Peat Inn, seven miles outside town, provides Michelin-quality fine dining in intimate setting, approximately £85 (€100/$115) for set menu. Local Specialities & Regional Cuisine Scottish produce shines throughout Fife. Fresh seafood from local boats - langoustines, scallops, oysters, and lobster appear on most quality menus. Scottish beef, particularly Aberdeenshire cattle, ranks among world's finest. Game in season includes venison, grouse, and pheasant. Must-try dishes: Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) Haggis (more delicious than reputation suggests) Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock) Cranachan (traditional dessert with raspberries, cream, oats, whisky) Post-Round Drinking Culture Scottish pub culture embraces golfers naturally. The Criterion, Central Bar, and Jigger Inn (by Old Course) provide traditional atmosphere. Expect hearty pub food, extensive whisky selections, and friendly locals eager to discuss your round. Tom Morris Bar & Grill at St Andrews Links Clubhouse offers course views and quality dining. Mitchell's Deli provides excellent all-day option for breakfast through dinner. Prices approximately £15-25 (€18-30/$20-35) per person for casual dining. Budget Dining & Practical Planning Forgan's delivers reliable Scottish fare in historic former golf club factory, approximately £20-30 (€24-35/$27-40). Tailend fish and chips ranks among Scotland's finest traditional takeaway. Zizzi's and Bella Italia provide familiar chain options when needed. Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's) offer breakfast supplies and packed lunch options for early tee times. Many B&Bs include substantial Scottish breakfast. Explore Beyond Golf Cultural Attractions St Andrews University, founded 1413, Scotland's oldest, creates vibrant academic atmosphere. Campus architecture spectacular, public can explore grounds. St Andrews Castle ruins dramatically positioned on coastal headland. Underground siege tunnels and bottle dungeon provide medieval history immersion. St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland's largest church, offers atmospheric ruins and tower climb with panoramic views. British Golf Museum traces game's history through comprehensive exhibits. Entry approximately £10 (€12/$13). Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities West Sands Beach extends two miles of golden sand backed by dunes. Famous from Chariots of Fire opening scenes. Fife Coastal Path provides spectacular walking - St Andrews to Crail section particularly scenic. East Neuk fishing villages (Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, Elie) showcase traditional Scottish coastal life. Harbour walks, fresh seafood, and charming architecture reward exploration. Approximately 30-45 minutes drive from St Andrews. Whisky & Distillery Experiences Kingsbarns Distillery offers tours and tastings in converted 18th-century farm steading. Specialises in single malt and Darnley's Gin. Tours approximately £12-35 (€14-40/$16-47) depending on experience level. Book ahead during summer. Glenrothes and other Speyside distilleries accessible day trips (90 minutes). Edinburgh offers numerous city-centre whisky experiences if combining with capital visit. Activities for Non-Golfing Partners St Andrews provides excellent shopping along Market Street and South Street. Mixture of independent boutiques, golf shops, and outdoor gear specialists. Spa treatments available at Old Course Hotel and Fairmont St Andrews. Edinburgh day trip easily managed (90-minute drive). Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and excellent museums provide full-day entertainment. Glasgow offers alternative city experience with art galleries, shopping, and vibrant music scene (2 hours). Frequently Asked Questions When is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship held? The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes place annually in early October. The 2025 tournament runs October 2-5, with Thursday-Saturday rounds rotating across all three courses and Sunday's final round at St Andrews Old Course. Can I play the Old Course during tournament week? The championship courses (Old Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns) close for tournament preparation and play during the event week. However, St Andrews New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course, and Carnoustie Burnside Course remain open for visitor play, providing excellent alternatives. What are the three courses in the Dunhill Links rotation? The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship rotates across three legendary Scottish links: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship Course, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Players compete on all three venues before the cut, with the final round played at St Andrews. How much are tickets to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship? Daily grounds passes cost approximately £30-50 (€35-60/$40-67) depending on the day. Thursday-Saturday provide access to all three venues, while Sunday's final round takes place exclusively at St Andrews. VIP hospitality packages available through the official tournament website. Plan Your Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Experience The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship offers a unique opportunity to experience Scotland golf at its finest across three of the world's most celebrated links courses. Whether spectating during tournament week or planning your own rounds on these legendary layouts, the region provides unmatched links golf combined with rich Scottish culture, outstanding dining, and warm hospitality. Explore the complete St Andrews Old Course, Carnoustie Championship, and Kingsbarns Golf Links listings on Top100GolfCourses.com to begin planning your Scottish golf adventure. From booking strategies to course insights, everything you need to make your pilgrimage to golf's spiritual home awaits.

The message of great, strategic golf course architecture is clear. The actual words used to describe those golf courses, however, are many. The Architecture Glossary column will examine more precise terms and concepts that one will find when exploring golf course architecture. Hopefully understanding these terms, and why certain architects employed them, will help you to better understand the golf courses you play…and maybe even improve your scores! Today’s term is ‘Spectacles’. There are many differences between the scratch golfer and the touring professional. An important one is how the player reacts to being watched as they play, and whether they fold under the pressure. Carnoustie features at least one moment where, even if you’re not competing for The Open and even if you’re the only one on the course, an imposing pair will be staring down your approach shot. Overcoming this daunting voyeur is the key to success on “Spectacles,” the No. 14 hole at Carnoustie’s Championship course. Carnoustie No. 14: A look at Carnoustie's famous "Spectacles" bunkers, prior to the backs being revetted. Photo credit: Billy Satterfield The feature in question is a pair of circular bunkers built into a ridge that crosses the fairway about 50 yards from the green. That they are built into the hill, and that the back wall of the bunkers is revetted, gives the distinct impression that a giant figure is peeping up from the fairway into your next shot. Whether or not you choose to personify the hole, the role these bunkers play is paramount to ensuring that this short par five (476 yards) lives up to the “Carnasty” brand. A good drive will give most golfers the opportunity to reach the green and pursue an eagle three. The judging eyes of Spectacles work to dissuade both. For those of average driving distance, the rising, revetted nature of the bunkers will make the run-up area seem far shorter than it actually is. For those who have smashed their tee shot, the bunkers may (ironically, considering their optometric namesake), blind the green from the player. Those who hit a poor tee shot will be wise not to contend with the cross-hazard. These Spectacles come from an iconic designer in golf course architecture, Old Tom Morris. Another pair of Spectacles in Scotland come from a lesser Morris, simply known as “F. Morris,” who was both the original designer and greenskeeper at Western Gailes Golf Club. This Morris used his Spectacles in a way that was as cunning as his more famous forbearer, while also showing a touch more sympathy for the player who could use them well. No. 15 at Western Gailes is a 194-yard par three that, like the original “Spectacles,” features a lengthy run-up area for those looking to roll onto the green. It also features a pair of eyeball bunkers that distort the view of that run-up area. Western Gailes No. 15: Although less pronounced than its Carnoustie cousins, the Spectacles at Western Gailes No. 15 still serve their intimidating purpose. Photo credit: Gary Lisbon. On the other hand, this pair can be helpful for the player who trusts their distance. The green is wrapped more tightly by five additional bunkers around its left and right perimeter. If you need a target line to find the front of the green, going right between the Spectacles will do the trick. That said, don’t let them fool you into playing too long, or you might roll right to the back of this long putting surface. If there is one bunker that might easily become confused for the Spectacles hazard, it is the “Principal’s Nose,” a set of sand hazards more well-known than those at Carnoustie. This trio of traps lurk off the left side of No. 16 at the Old Course of St. Andrews. The emphasis is on “trio”; these three circular bunkers are built into a rising mound so that if a player were to look backwards from the fairway, they would indeed resemble a pair of nostrils. That the player is looking backwards is important, however, as proper Spectacles will always be staring at the player while they approach the green. In fact, if the Principal’s Nose bunker were flipped 180-degrees, it might qualify. St Andrews Old No. 16: The "Principal's Nose," oddly, has three nostrils, and that's where you can tell the difference between it and a Spectacles bunker. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Further confusion occurs because American golf course architecture enthusiasts know about the Principal’s Nose primarily from C.B. Macdoanld’s Double Plateau template hole, where he liked to plop a version of that bunker into the middle of the fairway short of the green. So, when looking at instances such as those at the National Golf Links of America or Yale Golf Club, the bunker behaves more like Spectacles but looks more like Principal’s Nose. This leads some to assume that all bunkers ahead of Macdonald’s Double Template green are automatically a Principal’s Nose. However, the architect occasionally employed a proper Spectacles to handle the job. Such is the case at the Chicago Golf Club’s no. 6 hole. Chicago No. 6: Although it does look quite like a nose from above, the centerline bunker formation at Chicago Golf Club's Double Plateau hole is a case of Spectacles. (Photo Credit: Google Maps) If you need further proof that there’s a difference between Spectacles and Principal’s Nose, head back to No. 5 at St. Andrews…but don’t actually look at the bunkers named “Spectacles.” This pair of pots sit very far apart, pinching the fairway as the fairway approaches the green, however they don’t fill the role of the Spectacles as defined by Carnoustie’s more famous version. Instead, look at the pair of bunkers about 265 yards away. Although part of the “Seven Sisters” constellation, these bunkers also stare down players looking for the optimal angle into this par five’s reachable green. Their glare, like that at Carnoustie, may pressure you to play away. Although centerline bunkers have emerged as popular as ever in the new “Golden Age” of golf course architecture, Spectacles themselves have not been quite as popular. Part of this is that, in order to create the proper effect, the backs of the bunkers must rise significantly, and revetting bunkers is not particularly popular under the minimalist trend. That said, some creative architects can find opportunities even without moving much land. The penultimate hole at Cabot Cliffs, for example, manages to find some use for Spectacles even though the approach will be downhill. A good drive to the peak of this fairway will leave a downhill look at the green. The pair of bunkers look up at the player, and their smaller eyebrows rise in such a way that the precise landing area for a pitch to front pins is in question. Rather than take such a risky shot, wise players may prefer to play to the middle or back of the green, thus proving the value such bunkers bring to a hole that, on paper (330 yards) looks like a pushover for the big hitter. Cabot Cliffs No. 16: The green-hugging bunkers at Cabot Cliffs No. 16 is a literal case of staring down the barrel of a loaded Spectacles. (Photo Credit: Larry Lambrecht) Spectacle bunkers shouldn’t make the player feel more self-conscious about their abilities, of course. But, nonetheless, these watchful eyes should certainly make them feel more wary of the next shot they take.

Carnoustie’s John Philp Retires Philp to Retire as Links Superintendent at Carnoustie 19th January 2012 John Philp has announced his decision to retire at the end of June after 26 years of outstanding service working as Links Superintendent at Carnoustie. 64-year old Philp moved from St Andrews to Carnoustie back in 1985 and subsequently has played a pivotal role in transforming the fortunes of the town’s three golf courses. Carnoustie’s Championship course was in poor shape when Philp arrived in the Angus town back in the mid-1980s but he quickly restored it to its former glory and his expertise was rewarded in 1999 when it was named as the venue for the Open Championship for the first time for 24 years. During Philp’s tenure the course also staged The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship since 2001, the 1991and 2001 Scottish Ladies’ Close Amateur Championships, the 1992 Amateur Championship, the 1995 and 1996 Scottish Opens, the 1997 and 2008 Scottish Amateur, the 2002 Boys’ Championship, and the 2007 Open Championship. More recently it staged the Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard in 2010 and the Ricoh Women’s British Open last summer. Philp’s last week as Links Superintendent coincides with Carnoustie hosting the Ladies’ Open Amateur Championship on June 26-30. Philp announced his decision to retire in a letter to the Carnoustie Golf Links chairman in which he praised the CGL directors and his staff for their support during his years of service. He wrote: “I consider it to have been a privilege to have been part of a great team effort whose original target was the resurgence of Carnoustie Links in world golf and for many years now has provided the highest standards possible. “I must convey my sincere thanks to the present and previous Management Committees for their support and substantial investment in the Links without which the success we have enjoyed would not have been possible. “Attention to detail has been the by-word and it has been most rewarding for me to have seen so many improvements on the courses achieved by a talented staff of whom I am most proud.” He added: “I have cherished many moments experienced over the last 26 years and none more so than the return of The Open to Carnoustie. “That was the major highlight of my greenkeeping career.” Gordon Murray, immediate past Chairman of Carnoustie Golf Links paid tribute to the massive contribution Philp has made to the restoration of Carnoustie as one of the leading venues in world golf. “John is without doubt one of the world’s finest greenkeepers and it is impossible to exaggerate the contribution he has made to Carnoustie’s development over the last 26 years.” “His outstanding work on restoring the Championship course is well documented but what must also be remembered is that he has played a similar role in improving both the Burnside and Buddon courses.” Murray added: “He will be an exceedingly difficult act to follow which is why we will not be rushing to announce a replacement.” Further details about the appointment process will be announced in due course. For more information on Carnoustie Golf Links contact Phil at GMS on phil@gmsgolf.co.uk or +44 (0) 1438 718 399