‘For a brand new course, it’s impressive how established it already looks’
There’s been a lot of hype around Dumbarnie, but it fully lived up to my expectations. For a brand new course, it’s amazing how established it already looks. The opening hole sets the tone for a dramatic challenge ahead.
Based on our handicaps, starter Davy suggested playing off the white tees (roughly 6,000 yards) and that was good advice. The condition of the whole course was excellent, but especially the greens; they were just terrific – firm and pacy with lots of undulations, but nothing that felt tricked-up or silly.
The biggest compliment I can pay Dumbarnie is that I used every club in my bag. It’s one of those courses that really makes you think on every hole, and it’s full of risk and reward opportunities, especially off the tee. A couple of the par 3s are on the short side, but they are well defended by bunkers, gorse and the prevailing wind so they still need to be treated with respect.
After making the trip from Glasgow, we spent a good 30 minutes on the manicured range, where staff regularly topped up the supply of balls. Then it was off to the nearby short game area to get a good feel for chipping off tight lies and from bunkers. The practice facilities are right next to the first tee, too.
There are obvious challenges at the moment with Covid-19 delaying construction of the clubhouse. I’m confident it will be top class when it opens and I can’t wait to see it finished. But the temporary facilities work well and having a barbecue set up at the back end of summer was a great idea.
It isn’t cheap to play here, but it’s a stunning course and worth the green fee. I’ll be playing here again. It’s a great addition to Fife’s worldclass golf landscape.