When arriving in the UK for the first time in July 1975 ahead of the Open Championship, Tom Watson was a young golfer full of potential. With the course at Carnoustie closed to exempt players, he made the trip to nearby Monifieth Links to begin his preparation.
Watson recalls his first day on the links vividly. “It was rock hard and really fiery. I hit my first shot straight down the middle and somehow lost my ball. I dropped another and kept walking, then found the first one 50 yards to the left in a pot bunker. I have to tell you I didn’t like it one bit”.
Despite his initial misgivings about the oldest form of the game, Watson’s practice at Monifieth paid off and he went on to win at Carnoustie in a play-off. Four more Open titles later, he is now an honourrary member of Monifieth Links, and looks back on his time there fondly.
An authentic links with plenty of character, Monifieth will host the final round of our 54 hole Links Cup Pairs Angus this September. Click here if you would like more information about joining us at the event, and following in the great Tom’s footsteps.
