MONIFIETH GOLF LINKS
18 Holes Scorecard Links
The Scottish Heartlands Golfing Pass opens up some impressive possibilities and Monifieth’s Medal course is yet another Final Qualifying course for the Open Championship at nearby Carnoustie. This robust layout has garnered great praise from tour players and amateurs alike qualifying for that event. It’s a hybrid, a tree-lined links course on many holes with lush semi/penal rough if you stray. Like a true links, wind is a persistent factor that can completely change each hole’s character from one round to the next.
An infringing railway line stands close to the opening holes all the way to the 6th. But it is the 7th that catches many, often played into or through a crosswind as the course about-turns to the southwest. This is the start of a string of sterling tests, each one completely different from the other. As the course veers homeward, the 13th is one of the best holes. This tough Par 4 seems to narrow as it progresses towards a small green, quite rightfully Stroke Index 1. The 14th is a delightful Par 3 followed by the 15th, an excellent hole with a large tree blocking the right approach to the green so there’s only one area in which to place your drive.
Since the Open returned to this part of Scotland, Monifieth’s overall condition and challenge has improved significantly. A 3-year programme created a course worthy of Final Open Qualifying rounds with well-grassed fairways and fast, consistent greens not to mention deepening and enhancement of many of the bunkers. As with all links courses, wind is a varying factor but combine this with Monifieth’s unique blend of pine avenues, penal rough and a firm, sandy loam and it is one of the area’s most exciting golf courses.
