The course at Monifieth is laid out over some lovely, undulating links land bounded on one side by the main railway line, and it is alongside this that the opening stretch is played. On the first four holes, golfers must take care not to hit a wayward one out of bounds and spoil their round before it has really begun.
The remainder of the front nine is varied and interesting, with perhaps the standout holes being the 5th – the first of the par 3s with a well-bunkered green – and the 7th, where players are required to carry their drive over a burn to a fairway that winds through the dunes.
While a little shorter than the front nine, the inward nine is no less enjoyable. There are some exceptional par fours to contend with just after the turn – particularly the 10th, 12th and 13th. All are located in the most rugged part of the course which adds to their character and challenge.
It was here that the great Tom Watson enjoyed his first experience of links golf while in the Angus area ahead of the 1975 Open Championship that he ended up winning. As a result, Monifieth has earned a special place in Watson’s heart – as it often does for anyone who has the pleasure of playing it.
Play Monifieth as part of our Links Cup Pairs Angus.
