A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Angus
Arbroath, Angus
Plate I — Links course — coastal exposure, firm running turf
Angus coast links between Carnoustie and Montrose. Underplayed and good value.
From the Notebook
Arbroath Golf Links occupies the coastal ground immediately north of the Signal Tower on the Arbroath seafront — a links course on the Angus coast between Carnoustie (20 miles south) and Montrose (14 miles north). The course is managed by the Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, a working-men's club established in 1903, on links ground that has been used for golf since at least the nineteenth century.
Par 68, around 6,100 yards. The layout runs along the rocky Angus coastline with the North Sea defining the eastern boundary. The terrain is genuine links — firm, wind-exposed, with deep rough that rewards the accurate and punishes the wayward. The 15th, played along the clifftop above the sea stacks that characterise the Arbroath coastline, is the photographed hole.
Green fee is £35–45 — exceptional value for a links of this quality and condition on the Angus coast. Arbroath is frequently bypassed by golfers driving between Carnoustie and Montrose who assume there is nothing worth stopping for. That assumption is wrong. The course provides an excellent third link in the Angus coast sequence and costs significantly less than either of its famous neighbours.
The Full Scorecard
Plan This Round
Where to Stay
Hotels, lodges and self-catering near the first tee. Map-style search via Stay22 covering Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and Vrbo.
How to Get There
Edinburgh (EDI) is 90 minutes away by car. Train + onward taxi works for the carless visitor.
Insure Your Round
Most home contents policies don't cover golf clubs in transit. The picker matches you to the right kind of cover in two minutes.
Played here? Consider
Course-tuned recommendations, not generic gear lists.
Outerwear
Wind off the firth changes club selection two irons. A breathable, fully-waterproof shell that's light enough not to swing in is the single biggest upgrade for Scottish links golf.
Layer
Scottish-made merino — the locals' choice for shoulder-season rounds. Warm enough for a 7am tee time in October, light enough for the back nine when the sun comes out.
Tech
Handles blind tee shots and exposed-coastal yardage cleanly. Battery lasts a 36-hole day; the wind-direction overlay justifies the price on its own.
★ The Sunday Post ★
One short Scottish-golf email every Sunday. No sales pitch.
The Sunday Post
One email, most Sundays. No sales pitch.
Stays Nearby
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Arbroath. Tap any property to check rates.
Rates and availability via Stay22. We may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work.
Frequently Asked
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