Dumbarnie Links

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2020
Scottish Links
Clive Clark
7,600
18
72

 

Other than Pebble Beach, there are few world-class courses able to offer such an expanse of beach and water frontage as that we have been blessed with at Dumbarnie Links. Of the 34,000 golf courses currently in play around the world, only 246 of them are authentic links courses. Of these, only around 40 are internationally recognized 5 Star links, and yet over thirty of these appear in The World’s Top 100 Golf Courses. The most famous is the Old Course at St Andrews on the shores of Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. Premier links are very rare and have great cachè value.

The aim of our partnership is to produce a world-class, prestigious daily fee golf course on a site of genuine links land that is only minutes away from St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” This rare piece of land has a mile and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.

At first glance Dumbarnie Links may have the appearance of the style of the classic links courses where The Open Championship has been played since 1860.  However, the extensive 345-acre site at Dumbarnie is particularly special.  Its dual elevations, which are connected by a flowing escarpment, have provided the opportunity to create a number of elevated tees where holes play directly towards panoramic views of the expansive Firth of Forth.  A further outstanding feature is that a number of tees and greens are in close proximity to the water.  In fact, fourteen of the holes have views of the Bay and the Firth of Forth.

The design incorporates three potentially driveable Par-4s and features several holes that engender ‘risk and reward’.  This course is designed to inspire  rather than intimidate golfers.  Total yardage for the golf course varies from 5,300 to 6,900 yards.  However, there is a special set of professional tees positioned such that should an event be held at Dumbarnie sometime in the future, there are 12 extra tees whereby the course can measure up to 7,600 yards.

Leading golf course contractor, Landscapes Unlimited (based in Nebraska, USA www.landscapesunlimited.com), built the golf course at Dumbarnie Links.  Landscapes Unlimited have worked on over 1500 golf courses around the world.   Their work at Dumbarnie Links has been outstanding. “We would also like to acknowledge the support of Fife Council, OB Sports, Malcolm Campbell, the many consultants, and our project manager, Paul Kimber.”


The Architect

The 18-hole course at ‘Dumbarnie Links’, which is a genuine links course, has been founded, developed and designed by renowned course architect, Clive Clark.

Clive Clark, a former Ryder Cup player, has designed 35 golf courses across the United States and Europe.  Prior to living full time in America, he was in a highly successful design partnership in Europe with Peter Alliss.

Clive’s first design in America – Belgrade Lakes GC in Maine – won numerous awards and was ranked #1 course in the state of Maine by both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, the largest golf magazines in America.  Belgrade Lakes also achieved the “Five Star Award” from Golf Digest for “Golf at its Absolute Best”.

Amongst his many awards and numerous high rankings for his work, Clive’s design at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire was also ranked #1 course in the state.

Examples of Clive’s design work and other details of his career can be found on his website at www.cliveclarkdesign.com

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