A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Angus
Carnoustie, Angus
Plate I — Links course — coastal exposure, firm running turf
Third Carnoustie course. Most accessible of the three. Par 66, genuine Carnoustie links terrain.
From the Notebook
Carnoustie Buddon Links is the third and most accessible of the three Carnoustie Golf Links courses, managed alongside the Championship and Burnside courses by the Carnoustie Golf Links Trust. Par 66, around 5,420 yards — shorter than its siblings but on the same ground, using the same Angus links terrain that makes Carnoustie one of the most testing coastal strips in golf.
The Buddon routing uses the southern section of the links ground, closer to the Barry Buddon military range that borders the complex to the east. This proximity to the range occasionally results in red flag days when access to certain holes is restricted, though this affects all three courses equally. The turf, the Barry Burn tributaries, and the sea wind are all present and correct — the Buddon round is a genuine Carnoustie links experience at a green fee significantly below the Championship course.
Green fee £25–35. The Buddon is the natural introduction to Carnoustie for golfers intimidated by the Championship rating, and a useful warm-up for those planning to tackle the Championship course later in a trip. Playing all three Carnoustie courses across two days — Buddon and Burnside on day one, Championship on day two — is the recommended full Carnoustie experience. Advance booking through the Links Trust website handles all three.
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 Carnoustie. 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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