Home to the world's 5th oldest golf course, Montrose Golf Links is about as authentic as Scottish links golf gets. Founded in 1562 and set right on the Angus coast, it gives you 36 holes across the 1562 Course and the Broomfield Course, so it's an easy pick if you fancy a proper full day of seaside golf in the Angus region.
The 1562 Course is the one most golfers come for. The front nine hugs the coastline, so you'll feel the wind straight away and you'll need to keep the ball under it. Then you turn slightly inland on the back nine and the questions change, with tighter angles and more trouble waiting if you get greedy.
Two holes that tend to decide your score are the 16th and 17th. The 16th is a long par 3 where anything a touch short or leaked off line gets found out. Then the 17th is classic links punishment if you pull one, with gorse-lined banks ready to snatch your tee shot and a raised green that makes the approach feel smaller than it looks. Play those two well and you'll pick up shots. Get them wrong and your card can unravel quickly.
Broomfield is shorter and a bit friendlier, which makes it ideal as a second round, a warm-up, or a breather if you've just been battling the wind on the main course. Both layouts share the same turf, the same wind and the same proper links character, so you're getting a genuine Scottish links experience no matter which one you choose.
Who is this for? Anyone chasing proper Scottish links golf with history, without the St Andrews-level crowds.
Who is it best for? Golfers who enjoy wind, firm turf and having to think your way round, plus anyone building an Angus tour (Carnoustie is close).
