ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND

Monifieth Golf Links (Medal Course)

An undulating Angus links of railway edges, gorse, and firm greens.

ST ANDREWS Lieu
LINKS Course type
18 TROUS Holes
PAR 72 Par

Beyond the Scorecard

Course established: 1845
Course designer/s: Allan Robertson and Alexander Pirie
Classement national: #48
Known for: Open Final Qualifying beside Carnoustie
Defining feature: Railway-bound opening six with constant out-of-bounds

Monifieth's Living Links by the Tay

The Medal Course at Monifieth Golf Links traces its formal beginning to 1845, when Allan Robertson and Alexander Pirie laid out nine holes on ground where golf had already been recorded in 1639. The course reached 18 holes in 1880, giving the old Angus links its enduring scale.

The opening six follow the Aberdeen-to-London railway, with out-of-bounds pressing along the right. This rigid edge gives the early holes their tension, while rumpled fairways, gorse, and old dune ridges make the preferred line shift with the wind and bounce.

Burns, angled greens, and a sequence of strong par fours on the inward half ask for position rather than force. At North Buddon, the seventh turns into a different wind and begins with a carry across the burn.

Monifieth also holds a notable place in modern links history. Tom Watson played his first links round here in July 1975 while preparing for The Open at Carnoustie. The finishing par five ends beside three clubhouses, a fitting reminder that this championship course remains shared by a living local golf community.

Why Add This Course to Your Golf Experience

Monifieth offers the substance of a historic championship links without the formality often attached to Scotland's headline venues. The location between St Andrews and Carnoustie also allows the round to fit naturally into a wider route rather than feel like a detour.

For groups seeking more golf, the shorter Ashludie Course can be paired with it. Kinfern can include the Medal for guests who value authentic Angus links golf, local atmosphere, and a welcoming day.