By Dave, The Carnoustie Caddie. On the bag since 1998. Updated 11 September 2026.
Straight answers to the questions everyone asks about Carnoustie, from a caddie who has walked her a lifetime. No guesswork, no guidebook copy. Just what I would tell you on the first tee.
The questions
- How much does it cost to play Carnoustie?
- Do you need a handicap to play Carnoustie?
- Is Carnoustie harder than St Andrews?
- Do you need a caddie at Carnoustie?
- What is the hardest hole at Carnoustie?
- Why is the 18th at Carnoustie so hard?
- Can a high handicapper play Carnoustie?
- How do you book a tee time at Carnoustie?
- What is the best time of year to play Carnoustie?
- What happened to Jean van de Velde at Carnoustie?
- How far is Carnoustie from St Andrews and Edinburgh?
Planning the whole trip
These pages answer Carnoustie. If you are building a Scotland golf trip around her, the wider one is here: planning a golf trip to Scotland. When to come, how far ahead to book, the five ways onto the Old Course, and what it all costs.
Who’s answering
I’m Dave. I caddie at Carnoustie, and I wrote The Carnoustie Caddie: How the Course Really Plays, every hole, every named bunker and every wind read you will never find in a yardage book. More about me, or the book is here.
Booking and prices
Everything on these pages is what I would tell you standing beside you. For tee times, green fees and the official terms, go to Carnoustie Golf Links and book direct at booking.carnoustie.com.
I am an independent caddie at Carnoustie. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by Carnoustie Golf Links. Prices, limits and policies are theirs and can change, so always check the official site before you travel.