Royal Montrose Golf Club

Intro: I visited Scotland together with my father in the middle of September this year (hcp 5 and 15). We stayed near Anstruther in a woderful cottage and played 9 out of ten days. Planning the trip I tried to find a interesting mixture of course typs for reasonable prices. I bought 5 bunkered coupons (2for1) which I highly recommend, if you want to play good courses for small money. Before this trip I had allready been to Fife once and to England and Ireland. All in all, the trip was just great and can not be compared to usual trips to Spain, Portugal or elsewhere, mainly because of: - the tradition of the courses and the different layouts - the value for money - the ease on the course, playing mostly two-balls in less then 4 hours - and even the weather... Main Part: We played Monterose on a calm sunny Monday afternoon. I booked the teetime a few days in advance but the club did no seem to be to overcrowded, maybe because it is about a one hour drive from the St. Andrews area. We had to pay 45 GBP for the two of us (coupon) and played a two ball in 3 hours. The first 8 holes are a pure joy. Straight out all along the beach, pretty short but intersting and playable for everyone. The challenge starts with No. 9 and continues on most holes to come. The variety of lengths, bunkers, layout and greens make the hole course a real links pleasure. Tees, greens and fairways were well maintained and not as hard and bumpy as most other courses we played later. There are only very few blind shots aswell. Another plus is the location, most holes are sourrounded by the sea or heathland, so it is pretty quiet and enjoyable. Because of the fact that both clubhouses were closed we drove down to the beach after the round. A nice little coffeshop can be found there and the beach is worth a walk aswell. Resumee: Monterose is worth the visit and even the drive. Despite its tradition the links course is a good test in a nice area.

Played in the 27 June 2004 Open. Great layout, though some of the par 4's were a little on the short side (made up for with a great long par 3 16th and tight par par 4 17th). Rough was not too tough but on gorse lined fairways, forget it if your ball strays. Wind was behind for the first 7 holes which helped. Thought the greens could have been a little faster and tee box areas looked a wee bit ropey but overall this ancient links is very good value for 18 holes. Clubhouse welcome was first class. Very well organised for their Open.

I first played Royal Montrose during the mid 1990's, whilst operating my Aberdeen based business. The layout was interesting and challenging, but not too difficult, like Carnoustie. The more I played it the better I liked the subtle layout. The greens are a joy to play to and put on, as good as any I have played in the world. The layout features interesting par 5's, excellent par 3's and some brilliant par 4's. Having won the inaugural four ball championship on this wonderful course, I can thoroughly recommend this course to all golfers. Ross Waddell Australia

This course is a true pleasure to play. I had the joy of playing with three members, friendly and helpful throughout. The course is challenging and quite varied. I enjoyed the wonderful par threes and the excellent conditions of the bunkers and greens. My two rounds were a sheer delight.

Very Good course, pity about the clubhouse, better next door in the Mercantile!

Excellent course, good clubhouse facilities. Well worth the trip.