Played by NCG: Monifieth Links (Medal)
Reason for a Monifieth (Medal) Golf Club review
A golfing trip with two colleagues from NCG had been floated for months and finally we grabbed the chance to make it a reality. Monifieth had been on our golfing bucket list for a while which made it a must even though much of our trip was spent in the Kingdom of Fife.
Where is Monifieth Links?
Monifieth Links is a short hop over the Tay Bridge and into the Scottish county of Angus. It is around a 40 minute drive from the Home of Golf.
What to expect
A links test that is about as traditional as it gets.
The constant threat of the out of bounds railway line on the right during the opening exchanges only adds to the experience with knee-high rough and running fairways to match.
Perhaps the feather in the cap of this links delight is the finish. Closing out with three par 4s and a par 5 may sound like nothing special but the pot bunkers and undulating terrain means the final few holes provide a rigorous test of golf as good as you’ll get anywhere.
Favourite hole
A number of holes could’ve taken this crown but I finally settled on the 16th as my hole to remember. A 337-yard short par 4 awaits and a well placed tee shot is a must.
Bunkers down the left in which a big hitter may find themselves in if greedy is then accompany by three sand traps protected the front right of the green.
For me, a golf hole that tests the mind as much as your game is a good one rather than just reward length off the tee and ‘The Wilderness’ does just that.
My best bit
As I mentioned, the closing stretch in an absolute delight and a must if you’re ever in the area. Including my favourite hole, the 16th, from the 15th onwards three par 4s and a closing par 5 test every aspect of your game and if you’re scoring well this little run will make or break your round.
What to look for
It is well documented that Tom Watson’s first taste of links golf was at Monifieth and the plaque that sits by the first tee is a great picture opportunity.
When I go back
As with all trips to Scotland we got a little wet on our visit but thankfully after some serious downpours we managed to fit all 18 holes in. So when I go back I’ll cross my fingers for some rare Scottish sunshine.
For more information, visit the Monifieth Links website.
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.