What handicap do I need to play Carnoustie?

Carnoustie sets a handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for women.

How many times has Carnoustie hosted The Open?

Eight times: 1931, 1937, 1953, 1968, 1975, 1999, 2007 and 2018.

Can I take a buggy on the Championship Course?

Yes, with the appropriate documentation. The buggy fee includes a driver, which the course set-up requires.

How far is Carnoustie from St Andrews?

It is across the Tay in Angus, roughly 45 minutes by car via the Tay Road Bridge.

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Carnoustie Golf Links: The Championship Course

Carnoustie's Championship Course has hosted The Open eight times, from 1931 to 2018, and is one of the toughest links in the world. It is open to visiting golfers with a handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women, and tee times are booked through Carnoustie Golf Links.

Photo: Val Vannet · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped to fit

The course and its character

Open champions at Carnoustie include Tommy Armour (1931), Henry Cotton (1937), Ben Hogan (1953), Gary Player (1968), Tom Watson (1975), Paul Lawrie (1999), Padraig Harrington (2007) and Francesco Molinari (2018). It has also hosted the AIG Women's Open and the Senior Open. The course plays to par 72 from the white tees, and burns cross several holes, including Jockie's Burn directly in front of the 3rd green. The 6th was renamed Hogan's Alley in 2003 in honour of Hogan's 1953 win.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Book tee times online or through golf reservations. The handicap limit is 28 for men and 36 for women. A caddiemaster service can arrange caddies. Buggies are available with the appropriate documentation, and the fee includes a driver, which the course set-up requires. TaylorMade hire clubs and electric and push trolleys can be hired. Carnoustie Golf Links also runs the Burnside and Buddon Links courses, which suit a second round.

Getting there and nearby

Carnoustie is on the Angus coast across the Tay from Fife, reached from St Andrews via the Tay Road Bridge and Dundee in around 45 minutes. Links House, by the 1st tee, is home to The Rookery restaurant and bar.