Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Angus

Angus: A Golfing Paradise

Few regions can match the golfing heritage of Angus. The coastline between Monifieth and Montrose contains some of the oldest and most celebrated links courses in the world, including the legendary Carnoustie Championship Course, which has hosted The Open many times. Inland, parkland and heathland courses offer beautiful alternatives with views of the Grampian mountains and the Strathmore valley.

Golf has been played in Angus for centuries, and the game is woven into the fabric of local life. Visitors travel from across the globe to test themselves on these fairways, while local members enjoy exceptional golf on their doorstep. Here are the ten best golf courses in Angus.

1. Carnoustie Championship Course

Widely regarded as one of the toughest championship courses in the world, Carnoustie Championship has hosted The Open on numerous occasions, producing some of golf's most dramatic moments. Its demanding bunkers, the snaking Barry Burn and exposure to coastal winds create a formidable test. The finishing holes are among the most famous in golf, and playing here is a bucket-list experience for golfers everywhere.

2. Montrose Golf Links Medal Course

Montrose is one of the oldest golf sites in the world, with records of golf being played here dating back centuries. The Medal Course is a classic links set among natural dunes beside the North Sea, offering rolling fairways, pot bunkers and superb views. It has hosted significant amateur championships and Open qualifying.

3. Panmure Golf Club

Located in Barry near Carnoustie, Panmure Golf Club is a hidden gem of Scottish links golf. Its traditional clubhouse, excellent condition and challenging layout make it a favourite among connoisseurs. Legendary golfer Ben Hogan famously practised here before winning The Open at Carnoustie.

4. Monifieth Golf Links Medal Course

Monifieth Medal Course is a classic links that has served as a final qualifying venue for The Open. Its firm fairways, deep bunkers and heather make it a true test, while its accessible location close to Dundee makes it popular with both visitors and locals.

5. Carnoustie Burnside Course

Sharing the famous Carnoustie links land, the Burnside Course offers a slightly shorter but equally authentic links experience. The Barry Burn comes into play on several holes, and the course has been used for Open qualifying. It is an excellent option for golfers seeking Carnoustie's magic at a more forgiving level.

6. Edzell Golf Club

Set at the gateway to Glen Esk, Edzell Golf Club is a beautiful heathland and parkland course with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Its immaculate presentation, tree-lined fairways and welcoming clubhouse make it a highly regarded inland course.

7. Arbroath Golf Links

Arbroath Golf Links, also known as Elliot, is a traditional links course with a strong reputation for value and quality. Set alongside the railway and coastline, it offers classic seaside golf with firm turf and challenging winds.

8. Forfar Golf Club

Forfar Golf Club boasts a distinctive layout on rolling heathland, with undulating fairways created by historic land cultivation patterns. Its unique terrain and scenic setting make it one of the most interesting inland courses in Scotland.

9. Carnoustie Buddon Links

The Buddon Links is the shortest of Carnoustie's courses, making it ideal for higher handicappers, juniors and those seeking a relaxed round. Despite its gentler length, it retains the character of authentic links golf with dunes and gorse.

10. Kirriemuir Golf Club

Kirriemuir Golf Club is a charming parkland and heathland course designed with input from the legendary James Braid. Its elevated setting offers wonderful views over the Strathmore valley and the Angus Glens.

Why Golfers Love Angus

Angus offers an exceptional concentration of quality courses within a short distance of one another. Golfers can play multiple championship-standard links in a single trip, often at green fees lower than more heavily marketed destinations. The variety is remarkable, with windswept seaside links, heathland gems and scenic parkland courses all nearby.

The region's golfing heritage also adds depth to every round. Many clubs have histories spanning centuries, and their clubhouses are filled with memorabilia and stories. Local hospitality is warm, and visitors are made to feel welcome.

Planning a Golf Trip to Angus

Book tee times well in advance, particularly for Carnoustie Championship during peak season. Many visitors combine Angus courses with nearby St Andrews across the Tay, creating an unforgettable golfing itinerary. Consider accommodation in Carnoustie, Arbroath or Montrose for easy access to the coastal links.

Be prepared for changeable weather. Layers, waterproofs and a sturdy umbrella are essential. Links golf rewards creativity, so practise bump-and-run shots and learn to play with the wind rather than against it.

Golf Trends in Angus

Golf tourism continues to grow, with international visitors from North America, Europe and Asia drawn by the region's heritage. Clubs are investing in sustainability, including reduced water usage, natural habitat restoration and biodiversity initiatives. Shorter formats and junior programmes are attracting new golfers, while women's golf is enjoying increased participation and support.

Etiquette and Tradition

Many Angus clubs maintain traditional dress codes and etiquette. Check requirements before visiting, repair pitch marks, rake bunkers and keep pace of play. Respecting these traditions is part of the authentic Scottish golf experience.

Conclusion

Angus is a true golfing treasure, offering world-famous championship links, historic clubs and scenic inland courses. From the fearsome Carnoustie Championship to the ancient links of Montrose and the heathland beauty of Edzell, every course offers its own character and challenge. Whether you are a scratch golfer or a casual player, Angus promises golf you will never forget.