Carnoustie Golf Links

The Buddon is the newest of Carnoustie’s three courses. Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, opened in 1981 and notably revised in 2014, this par 68 of about 5,414 metres mixes coastal links, heather, tree-lined ground and lakes on former Ministry of Defence land.

The course was created from part of the former ladies’ course and neighbouring military ground. Alliss and Thomas delivered an eighteen-hole layout in 1981. Reflecting the long relationship with the armed forces, holes carry battle names. Carnoustie continued to develop it, adding two new holes in 2014 and investing in the routing, drainage and transitions between its different landscapes. Buddon occupies the estate’s most varied ground. It starts and finishes in open links country but moves through more sheltered, tree- and heather-lined sections during the middle of the round. Lakes, especially around the eleventh, support local wildlife. The adjacent military training area is a visible reminder of this coastline’s unusual history.

Alliss and Thomas produced a more diverse design than the Championship or Burnside. Dogleg angles, vegetation changes and water alternate with traditional firm-turf holes. The 2014 additions strengthened continuity within a testing par 68. Greens are generally readable, yet entrances can be narrow and bunkers demand a deliberate fairway side. The white card measures about 5,921 yards, around 5,414 metres. There are many medium-length par fours, exposed par threes and transitions where wind direction changes quickly. Ground response varies more than on a pure links: some shots run strongly, while others stop on softer or wooded ground. Rough and heather remain the main penalties off line.

Buddon benefits from the full Carnoustie Golf Links infrastructure and works well for mixed-ability groups. It is more forgiving than the Championship without being a practice course. Its pace, changing landscapes and military references create a narrative round. Visitors book centrally and should check daily conditions, maintenance and service availability.

Play it to see how Carnoustie extended its heritage into the late twentieth century rather than remaining fixed around two historic courses. Buddon joins Alliss-and-Thomas architecture, military memory and environmental management, with a rare single-round contrast between running links shots, approaches through trees and decisions over water. Key facts: 18 holes; par 68; about 5,414 metres from white markers; designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas; opened 1981; two new holes in 2014; holes named after battles; a blend of links, heather, trees and lakes.

Carnoustie open, club, junior and community competitions — Annual calendar Opened in 1981 on former Ministry of Defence land; new holes introduced in 2014