Dumbarnie Links

Deep in the Kingdom of Fife, the new Dumbarnie Links occupies a stretch of coastline that it seems was always destined for golf. Many of the more storied ancient links of Scotland, are just minutes down the road - courses such as Lundin and Leven Links, Elie and Crail, and of course St Andrews. 

Dumbarnie Links lies within the Balcarres Estate, a 5000 acre property that has been owned by Lord Balniel and family for 400 plus years. Dumbarnie Links was designed by former Ryder Cup player Clive Clark, and opened for play on 29 May, 2020.

Dumbarnie Links is one of a handful of new links courses in Scotland that are pushing to be considered for inclusion in Travelling Golfer itineraries, itineraries that are already bursting with the greats links from yesteryear. The Old Course, Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch are not under threat, but the likes of Castle Stuart, Kingsbarns, Trump Aberdeen, and now Dumbarnie, are increasingly being recognised as ‘must plays’ as well!

There is so much great golf to choose from in this region of Scotland.

 A 'Constucted' Links Course

At Dumbarnie, Clive Clark started with 345 acres of flat pastureland devoid of sand dunes. Thankfully there were extensive sea views and enough elevated tracts of land to offer some interest. These features have been used to good advantage by the architect. Of particular note is the use of higher land for tees, where the hole below is beautifully framed by sculpted dunes and a sea backdrop. While it may sometimes look a little too uniform in dune size and shape compared to a natural dunescape, the overall effect is quite impressive.

I always have reservations when playing links courses that have been 'man-made' rather than created in natural sand dunes.  It is rare, and difficult, for a course that has been shaped from scratch to have that little bit of 'quirkiness' that nature provides.  But the architects and shapers at Dumbanrie have done a great job.

 Overall the course is well designed.  It offers variety, playability, and wonderful sea vistas. The playing surfaces were pristine, the fairways wide enough to be very playable for most, and the green complexes are big enough to be ‘fair’ when the wind blows, and interesting enough given their size.

 So Dumbarnie is attractive, playable, well conditioned, and interesting!

 But what impressed me most was the variety of holes offered. A number of these offer quite distinctly different ways to play the hole. Holes 3, 11, & 17 are potentially drivable, but offer safer routes as well. And holes 5 & 15 offer split fairways. Working out which way to go first time around can be challenging!

 Burns and bunkers are well placed throughout, causing some consternation for anyone wavering in confidence or form.None of it is overdone, but this course keeps you on your toes. 

A repeat play might just make for an even more rewarding round.