A great example of why golf is Scotland’s “game of the people”
Summary: Midweek £20 (round); £30 (day); weekend £25/£35 . Par 69. Value (out of 5) – 4
Detail: Caird Park in the north of Dundee is a great example of Scotland’s golfing accessibility; it is the sort of local authority owned and managed course that golfing visitors to Scotland would benefit from playing.
Caird Park 1st Hole – a seductive straight forward start.
This accessibility did have a slight drawback when in the 1980s Caird Park was deemed Europe’s busiest course – although the course is no longer that busy. Current annual membership fees for concessions (Pensioners, unemployed, etc) start from around only £150. Given the quality of the course this is incredible value “golf for the people”.
It is also one of those course where playing from the yellow tees (white is only available to competition play) has a significant drawback, with 3 of the relatively short par 5s (all under 500 yards), becoming long par 4s on the yellow card.
Moly at the 5th tee – must keep that right nee bent!
To my mind these 3 shots to the card more than offset the other 600 yards given up.
After a relatively easy start over the first 4 holes, things get increasingly difficult. You need to score well on the first 9 at Caird Park as the back 9 is significantly longer. The course was in excellent condition on the day I played, with the fairways being particularly lush and welcoming. In fact, Caird Park has generally wide fairways so you can open your shoulders off the tee.
Chipping to the well architechtured 10th hole
The greens were also excellent, with subtle borrows. Only the tees could have done with a bit more care.
On the day I played, I was accompanied by my wife, and hence some of the photos are of the author in action – although that may not add to the entry!
Par 3 17th in the evening sun
I played the 4 par 3s very well, with 3 pars and a bogey. The 3 7s on my card contributed to my round of 92.
A typical Dundee Course Hazard? A wheelie cyclist with his dog!
Caird Park, is a very mature easy-walking course surrounded by mature avenues of trees and views north to the Sidlaw Hill. Opened in 1923, it also has a 9 hole course in the park grounds. It is well worth a visit.
Key Facts
Course Type: Parkland
Green Fees:
- Weekday £20 round (£16 concession), £30 day
- Weekend £25 round (£19 concession), £35 day
- Winter Greens £12
Par 69 (1 par 5, 13 par 4s, 4 par 3s)
Distance(yellow) 5772 yards
Moly’s Gross score: 92
Moly’s Caird Park Scorecard