An aerial view of Dumbarnie Links showing its proximity to Largo Bay. In the foreground is the par-3 14th.
holes. Three of the 4s play 240 (No 11), 284 (third) and 290 (No 17). This pen- ultimate challenge could be Dumbar- nie’s signature hole. It plays uphill over an old stone wall to a narrow fairway guarded by a swath of bunkers which resemble bomb craters. The opening hole is a great introduc- tion to the links, 365 metres downhill with a stream to the left of the fairway which then crosses in front of a raised green. There are extensive practice facilities available, and golfers are welcomed on the first tee by a starter who has a dram of malt whisky to fortify each member of the fourball for the round ahead.
tees are on the highest dune, and the fairway sweeps downhill before turn- ing sharp right towards a raised green. Stupendous closing hole. Dumbarnie has already hosted a tournament, the 2021 Women’s Scot- tish Open on the LPGA Tour. A winning score of 17-under-par 271 reflected its comfort levels for elite players; two 63s were posted on the last day, testament to the quality of the greens. Most visitors will enjoy the layout more off the blue tees at 5 871 metres (red tees are 4 842), as the par 3s are not as daunting, and the firm bounce of the ball on the rich green fairways does shorten the longer downwind
pass. The links is sited on two levels, and the upper level, where you start and fin- ish, has stunning outlooks. The land is mostly flat, so it’s an easy walk with rea- sonable distances between green and tee. Like Kingsbarns the links has been built to championship specifications, measuring 6 968 metres with an im- pressive array of varied and challenging holes, coupled with large, rolling greens that catch your attention and put your putting skills to the test. Deep bunkers are a feature and need to be avoided. Two par 4s at the start of the longer back nine measure 479 and 460 metres re- spectively, while the 18th is a beautiful and formidable hole at 455. Its elevated
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