The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
New links a ‘memorable, unparalleled experience’
Owner of Fife estate delighted with world-class Dumbarnie course
Fife’s newest world-class links golf course has been praised by the man whose family own the estate on which the £16 million project has been created.
Crafted by golf course designer and former Ryder Cup player Clive Clark, Dumbarnie Links on the Largo coast is due to open for play on May 16 next year.
The project is built on part of the Balcarres Estate. Lord Anthony Balniel, whose family has owned the estate since the 16th Century, admitted there was an “air of uncertainty” in the family when the course was first mooted.
“Fast forward several years and we simply could not be more pleased,” he said. “What Clive and his team have done is nothing short of outstanding.
“I have been struck not only by the beauty of what has been created with the dune landscape significantly enhanced, but also by the focus on the wildlife. “It has been a joy to see unfold. “Our goal has always been to provide an unparalleled, memorable golf experience – not just the playing surface, but the service level as well.
“I think we’re well on our way to achieving that goal.”
The water of Largo Bay and the estuary can be seen from at least 14 of the holes at Dumbarnie, and the course features a mixture of tees that play down an escarpment towards the water. Some have views straight into the water and are as much as 60ft above their fairways.
Clark – designer of 35 golf courses in Europe and America – photographed a selection of his favourite holes, and has a taster of what players can expect.
Hole 3
Par 4/344 yards (measured as dogleg) “This is a risk-and-reward hole and, for some players, with suitable wind conditions, it may be driveable.
“However, in order to go directly for the green, players must carry a large protective bunker. Most will instead play a safer line on the right and hit their approaches with a short iron or wedge.”
Hole 9
Par 4/422 yards
“The elevated set of tees is some 60ft above the fairway, and they offer magnificent views of the Firth of Forth.
“The elevation will add some extra length to the drive. The green is split level, with the lower part being on the left. Pin placement will make quite a difference as to how the hole will play.
“Most of the greens at Dumbarnie have subtle breaks, but the 9th is most pronounced. For a player on the wrong level, judging the pace will be vital.”
Hole 17
Par 4/362 yards (measured as dogleg) “This will become a distinctive and memorable hole, punctuated by the 300-year-old wall passing through it.
“Golfers can either play left of the wall to a generous fairway, leaving them a short-iron second shot, or drive over the wall and dice with 10 pot bunkers.
“It can be a good opportunity for birdie or even eagle – however, a poor tee ball can rapidly lead to a double-bogey.”