Founded in 1845 and as such, one of the oldest clubs in the world, Panmure Golf Club is a traditional links course and is situated adjacent to the world-famous Carnoustie Championship Links. And though originally located at Monifieth, Panmure moved to its present location at Barry in 1899. Panmure also boasts the distinction of being one of the founders of the British Amateur Championship. In 1885, Panmure Golf Club joined with twenty others to establish the Championship and to purchase the trophy. These clubs continued in this role until the administration passed to the Royal & Ancient Club of St Andrews in 1920.
At a normal medal yardage of 6,317, the par-70 layout at Panmure Golf Club may not be exceptionally long by today's standards but its successful negotiation places a premium on accurate driving and iron play. In addition, the greens are generally small with subtle borrows, which have developed through a century of play. The testing layout has fully merited its roll call of championships. Over the years, Panmure has hosted countless events, the more recent ones being the British Seniors Amateur Championship in 1986 and the Scottish Strokeplay of 1997. Panmure also holds the distinction of being a final qualifying venue for the Open Championship, which it most recently held in 1990 (for St Andrews) and 1999 (for Carnoustie). It will again host Final Qualifying when the Open return to Carnoustie in 2007.
Offering two short holes and just one par-five on each nine, Panmure provides a fine selection of holes from the tricky 289-yard, par four opening hole to the 535-yard 14th, rated as the second most difficult on the course. Rated as the toughest test at Panmure, is the 387-yard 6th hole, known as "Hogan's Bunker". While practicing here prior to the Open Championship of 1953, Ben Hogan took a particular liking to this hole, remarking that it could be improved by adding a bunker to the front right of the green. This was duly put into effect and the hole now bears his name.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Panmure is not long but qualifying for the British Open Championship does not take place on easy golf courses. Situated alongside Carnoustie, Panmure should be played if at all possible and is a perfect venue for a 36-hole day including Carnoustie.
Situated just off the A930 route from Dundee to Carnoustie, about one mile south of Barry and one mile west of Carnoustie.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
11 Park Avenue, 11 Park Avenue, Carnoustie, Angus DD7 7JA.
Tel: + 44 1241 853336. Email: parkavenue@o2.co.uk.
Just the place to kick back after a day on the golf course. Local ingredients, particularly fish are a feature of the menu, which includes the likes of scallops and oyster mushrooms.
Sandford Country House, Newpton Hill, Wormit, Dundee DD6 8RG
Tel: + 44 1382 541802. Email: sandford.hotel@btinternet.com.
Offering glorious views, Scottish patriotism rules supreme here with log fires, artefacts depicting the area's heritage and a kitchen, which offers the best of local cuisine.
Castleton House Hotel, Castleon of Eassie, Glamis DD8 1SJ
Tel: + 44 1307 840340. Email: hotel@castletonglamis.co.uk.
Excellent service and hospitality are hallmarks of this hotel restaurant. The approach to cooking and flavours is straightforward but shows a high level of attention to detail.
