Dundee’s other wonderful Discovery
Summary: (hi/lo season) £65/£45 (round); £75/£60 (day). Par 72. Value (out of 5) – 4
Detail;
Captain Scott’s Discovery in Dundee
Dundee, on the east coast of Scotland, can proudly boast of being a city closest to some of the greatest golf courses in the world, many being very accessible. It is less than 20 minutes drive to either St Andews or Carnoustie. The “City of Discovery”, named because of its association with Captain Scott of the Antartic, is blessed with another wonderful discovery – Downfield golf course.
Downfield’s 3rd Green
Downfield, nestled amongst Adler, Black and Templeton Woods, can safely be categorised as a Woodland course! It’s on the north-west of Dundee adjacent to industrial and large housing estates – entered via iron gates it soon becomes apparent you are in a golfing oasis. You could be in Surrey or New England once inside the fence!
14th Green towards the fairway
Surrounded by an arboretum, Downfield is a outstanding golf course, and well worth its place amongst the best courses in the UK. Tees, fairways and greens were all excellent when I played, as were the bunkers filled with some of the finest sand I’ve experienced.
Moly and Eric on the majestic 11th hole
Its very important to drive straight and keep the ball on the fairway – something I regularly failed to do for the first 13 holes. However, a good finish (2 over for the last 5) enabled me to win a close fought contest with Eric and Moira Brown, my partners for the day.
There are many highlights on the course, but the 11th is surely one of the best inland holes in Scotland:
From the 11th green towards the fairway with the water hazard in view
a drive needs to be on the right to view the green, which has a water hazard in front, not unlike something from Augusta.
Downfield also has a very impressive club house, with a fantastic view over the course. It would be well worth planning to eat there to take full benefit of the surroundings.
So, a classic layout, and a real gem in the industrial heartland of Dundee – please don’t miss this treat whilst on your tour of the hallowed links nearby.
Key Facts
Course Type: Woodland
Green Fees:
Day – Hi Season (May-Sep): £75.00, otherwise £60.00
Round – Hi season: £65, otherwise £45
Deposit, £20.00
Par 72 (4 par 5, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)
Distance(blue) 6560 yards
Moly’s Gross score: 99
Moly’s Downfield Scorecard – 99