Montrose Golf Links

Montrose Golf Links’ 1562 Course is a par 71 of 6,585 yards or about 6,021 metres on one of the world’s oldest documented golfing grounds. Harry Colt finalised the modern layout in 1913 through natural dunes, moving fairways, deep bunkers and fast greens along the Angus coast.

Golf at Montrose is recorded from 1562, placing the site among the five oldest known grounds. The town’s first club formed in 1810. Late-nineteenth-century matches included Old Tom Morris and local professional Bob Dow. When the town reorganised the East Links in the early twentieth century, holes moved north and east. Harry Colt completed the championship routing in 1913 using existing dunes. The course lies between town, Montrose Basin, harbour and the North Sea. Scurdie Ness Lighthouse appears from several points, while dunes provide partial shelter without excluding wind. Serious coastal erosion affects the property, especially around the second hole. Environmental reality now shapes maintenance, sustainability and long-term protection.

Colt routed through natural dunes with frequent changes of direction and greens beyond crests or valleys. The second, Bents, drives across the dune edge to a left-hand fairway before an approach to a falling surface. Martin Hawtree realigned it in 2008 in response to erosion. Bunkers control landing areas and angles as much as green fronts. The white card is 6,585 yards at par 71. The first looks generous but three bunkers govern the drive. Fairways are firm, greens quick and natural slopes send balls in unexpected directions. Sea holes become difficult in an easterly wind. Long par fours, exposed short holes and recovery opportunities create championship rhythm.

Montrose Golf Links operates alongside Royal Montrose Mercantile and Montrose Caledonia clubs. Visitors book through the Links and use clubhouse facilities. Hire, caddies, trolleys and dining are available. The town, Carnoustie twenty miles away and access from Dundee or Aberdeen make Montrose a practical east-coast stop.

Play it to connect more than four centuries of golf with Colt architecture that remains relevant. The 1562 is not a museum: it confronts erosion, environmental pressure and modern play while preserving natural fairways. History, lighthouse, wind and dunes give exceptional depth to a strategic round. 18 holes; par 71; 6,585 yards or about 6,021 metres; golf documented at Montrose in 1562; first local club 1810; layout finalised by Harry Colt in 1913; second hole realigned by Martin Hawtree in 2008; GEO Certified; significant coastal-erosion challenge.

Scottish championships, historic club competitions, national amateur and professional events — Golf recorded 1562; modern Colt routing 1913; continuing national and regional calendar Recognised as one of the world’s oldest golf grounds; Harry Colt finalised the layout in 1913; course is GEO Certified