Landscapes Unlimited-Constructed Dumbarnie Links Wins ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Experience’ Award

(LINCOLN, Neb.) – Landscapes Unlimited-constructed Dumbarnie Links was named “Best Scottish Golf Experience” at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards ceremony at the Fairmont St. Andrews.

Dumbarnie Links – which opened in May 2020, hosted the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open and is about 10 miles from St. Andrews – also won “Best Golf Course” in the £151 and higher category.  It held off competition from Trump Turnberry, Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarns Golf Links.

The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards – with winners determined solely by public vote – is a centerpiece to the fifth annual Scottish Golf Tourism Week supported by VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise.

Clive Clark

Regarded among the top golf course construction companies globally, Landscapes Unlimited worked closely with Dumbarnie Links founder, developer and course designer Clive Clark to create a premier links experience with modern twists over a 340-acre site. To ensure entertaining rounds no matter the handicap, a wide variety of hole layouts weave in and out of omnipresent dunes along 1.5 miles of beach and water frontage.  Golfers relish in regularly seeing dolphins and seals just off the shoreline.

“With Landscapes Unlimited at the helm, the golf course was created with all the drama I envisioned within a timeline faster and more efficient than I could have imagined,” says Clark. “In my years of golf development, nothing has come together as impressively than Dumbarnie.”

“Clive’s vision is second to none, and part of the strategy involves inspiring versus intimidating golfers while maintaining a true links feel,” says Bill Kubly, Chairman of Landscapes Unlimited. “What’s special is routing and constructing several tees in close proximity to water and 14 holes with views of the Bay on the Firth of Forth.”

True to a “Golf for Everyone” philosophy, Dumbarnie Links’ fairways are wide, mounds funnel balls in play and roughs are not overly penal. Elevated tees give golfers full views of shots to come and represent a welcome departure from common Scottish links. Short Par 4s are drivable for bombers and provide ample scoring opportunities for short hitters. Bunkers and swales pop up for intermittent bark.

Among the fun holes which stand out is No. 17 where decisions off the tee abound – lay up to a fairway to the left or carry shots over a wall, menacing rough and bunkers to almost reach a massive green. 

While the 18-hole course measures 5,300 to 6,900 yards, a special set of 12 tees are positioned for professional tournaments, stretching to a whopping 7,600 yards.

The clubhouse features dining options and a pro shop and is set nearly 100 feet above sea level to make the most of the commanding and sweeping views across the golf course and the bay.  

Dumbarnie Links is part of the 5,000-acre Balcarres Estate owned by Lord Balniel with family ties from the 16th century. The Balcarres House is based on a mansion built in 1595 by John Lindsay, second son of David, the 9th Earl of Crawford. The buildings and formal gardens are preserved under “special historic interest,” making the golf course location unquestionably rare and associated with an important piece of Scottish history.

More information about Clive Clark Designs: www.cliveclarkdesign.com, 760.771.0400.