Montrose 1562, Monifieth Medal und Panmure are ranked among the best links courses on the northeast coast of Scotland. Since they are all part of the Open Qualifying Series for the British Open these courses have formed Championship Links Trail.
Together with Links Hotel in Montrose they offer a bargain package. It consists of three rounds on these grand old links courses plus three overnights with breakfast at Links Hotel in Montrose.
The historic harbour town Montrose is home to 12.000 citizens, and is located just one hour from International Aberdeen Airport. Also the airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow can also easilybe reached by well developed road network, including stretches of motorways.
The fifth oldest course in the world
Montrose 1562 (pictured at the top of the article) is the fifth oldest course in the world, and a wonderful experience and challenge for golfers of all abilities. The 1562 Course challenges golfers with its undulating fairways and fast greens. It is described as «a magnificent stretch of marvelously natural ground».
The 1562 Course has all the key ingredients to make up one an utmost challenge. It is rugged and undulating, yet an easy walk. Deep bunkers, springy yet quick draining turf, bountiful gorse, sand dunes aplenty and fantastic greens with a number of the holes running alongside the rugged coastline.
Montrose Golf Links runs a second course called Broomfield which is shorter and less challenging course, but the perfect warm-up for its neighbor 1562.
Two clubs with a special place in the history books
Established in 1643, Monifieth Golf Links’ Medal Course has a special place in the history books of golf.
It was on this ancient turf that the legendary Tom Watson first experienced playing links golf in Scotland. His links initiation was clearly a success as he established himself as one of the world’s best golfers on the links, going on to win The Open a staggering five times.
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A unique combination of parkland and links with undulating ground that is often flanked by rows of pine trees, Monifieth has a distinctive blend and its own distinguished feel.
Deep revetted bunkers provide ample challenge, while the meandering burns will require attention. It is a golf course that certainly provides a stern test and lasting memories and is clearly not to be missed by fanatics of the links game.
The neighboring Ashludie Course is 1,500 yards shorter than its big brother, but with slightly smaller greens and more aggressive contouring around them the challenge is no less diminished and arguably a lot more fun.
Panmure Golf Club is a stunning links course that has hosted many national and regional championships. It offers a host of challenges to even the most seasoned golfer, and like many great courses, demands thought and consideration off the tee.
Established in 1845 at Monifieth, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, and moved to the current location in Barry right next door to Monifieth.
Although Panmure Golf Club is a links course, it has some unusual features. The course is a mile or more from the sea. Many holes have beautiful trees, which rarely come into play. But create an unusual backdrop to the rolling links holes.
The first and last three holes are fairly flat although still interesting, but the middle twelve holes are classic links holes.
Ben Hogan used Panmure to practice ahead of his only only Open appearance in 1953 at nearby Carnoustie. On the 6th hole he suggested that a bunker at the front right of the green would improve the hole, and one was subsequently created, known to this day as «Hogan’s Bunker».
A perennial favorite, Panmure offers a memorable experience for any golfer visiting Carnoustie Country.
The Links Hotel in Montrose was built in the 1800’s for the owners of a local mill, the Paton family. The hotel now offers 36 bedrooms, a cosy bar, restaurant, coffee shop, function suite and meeting rooms.
It is situated on the historic Montrose Mid Links, a quiet location but only a few minutes away from the town centre and the Montrose Links.
Read more: Further information on the region
