Arbroath Golf Club

Burns galore.

Arbroath golf course is a traditional links course situated between the sea and farmland on the west side of the town. From the yellow tees the course is a 5826 yards par 68, expanding to a 6200 yards par 70 from the medal tees.

First impressions would suggest that this course would not provide much of a challenge to the accomplished golfer, but on closer inspection the true nature of the course becomes clear. Farmland on the right borders the first seven holes, making it essential that you work on your slice. On no fewer than nine occasions you will have to negotiate burns crossing the fairway, and strategically placed bunkers provide yet another opportunity to add to your score. Add to this the ever present ‘sea breeze’ and the challenge of the Arbroath links begins to focus the mind.

In 1877 Tom Morris was asked to survey the Arbroath Links and give his opinion as to its suitability for a golf course, and on the 9th of March 1878 a course of 18 holes was opened with a game between Tom Morris and another great professional of his day Mr Rob Dow. The Course remained much the same until more land was purchased and in 1907 Mr Willie Fernie of Troon was employed to redesign the layout. It was not until 1931 that the great James Braid was employed to redesign the bunkering and his layout has not altered a great deal since.