The NCG Podcast: The new golf course that’s defying Covid-19
It’s been one of the most anticipated new golf courses for many years – an instant bucket list visit in a corner of Scotland that’s already choc-full of them.
The transformation of largely flat pasture into a dunescaped golfing paradise has had players purring since Dumbarnie Links opened its doors.
But the beautiful course on the coast in Fife has already come through more challenges than most – the coronavirus pandemic being just the latest.
As it has to refocus its attentions from an international market to attracting domestic customers, and with building work still going on at the site as the resort plays a Covid-19 catch up, we talked to general manager David Scott about Dumbarnie’s wonderful reception on finally opening, the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and, of course, the reasons why you should get in your car to come and play this new treasure…
The NCG Podcast with Dumbarnie Links general manager David Scott
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- Related: How Dumbarnie Links sprang up in record time
- Related: The inside story of Scotland’s new £11 million links
- Related: The five Scottish courses I most want to play
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.