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I could easily have made this latest Scottish Golf blog our briefest ever!
The script would have gone something like this…
“Dumbarnie Links is Scotland’s newest links golf course. Opened officially in May 2020 and located on Largo Bay just 11 miles from St Andrews, it was founded, developed and designed by former Ryder Cup player and renowned golf architect Clive Clark. The golf course is fantastic, the ultra modern clubhouse offers everything the visiting golfer requires. Grab some fellow golf friends and book a tee time. I guarantee you will have an incredible day’s golf.”
Day at Dumbarnie with The 1457 Society
Fortunately, I resisted the urge to restrict myself to the above minimalist approach.
Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit Dumbarnie Links; this time with fellow members of The 1457 Society; set up by a team of golf obsessives, passionate about golf in Scotland 🏴 and sharing their experiences with the world of golf. I always enjoy these events and I always enjoy the drive across from Glasgow into Fife and heading towards The Home of Golf. I know I am well into golf country when I start seeing the signs for Leven Links and Lundin Links. Dumbarnie Links sits just east of these two historic clubs.
Product & Service
Dumbarnie is unashamedly aimed squarely at the international golf visitor market. Very simply if you are looking to charge a premium fee you need to be consistently delivering an exceptional product. I was very impressed.
The business gurus always like to say “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. The entire team at Dumbarnie Links delivers a superb experience from start to finish.
I was met by the very professional and friendly golf team between car park and clubhouse, handed over the clubs for safekeeping and headed into the clubhouse. I have to confess I really like the design and layout. Influenced by the farm buildings across the Balcarres Estate the architects G1 (same company responsible for designing the stunning Art Deco clubhouse at Cabot Highlands) have produced a wonderfully simple and stylish building. Our group certainly enjoyed a first class lunch in The Old Barn restaurant. I have to mention the fabulous views out over the links, the great atmosphere and the the pleasure of being looked after impeccably by the attentive and clearly well trained staff. The very high standard of customer service extends to the Pro shop where I just about managed to control the budget.
The Course
Even if I wanted to I would struggle to criticise any element of this superb new golf course. I know they had issues with the greens last season but I couldn’t see any lasting evidence. Yes I struggled on a number of the greens after playing some decent approach shots but that is simply down to a lack of putting ability on my side. Almost all greens at Dumbarnie are generously sized with plenty of contours. This places an extra emphasis on finding the right area of green and avoiding the large run off areas ready to capture any wayward approach shots.
I really like the numerous raised tees which provide such superb views across The Forth Estuary to East Lothian’s golf coast which includes numerous high class Scottish links courses such as Muirfield, Gullane, Renaissance Club, Archerfield and North Berwick.
I also want to highlight the way the course continually changes direction, forcing you to deal with the ever changing effect of the wind.
The course has been designed to be both challenging and great fun for all abilities. There are many risk v return options, particularly for the big hitters. There are also many bunkers to trap the poor shot or the indisciplined shot.
If you are travelling from overseas you need to put Dumbarnie Links on your tour itinerary.
If you are based in the U.K. you need to treat yourself to a special golf day……a majestic modern golf experience!
