Quench Your Thirst of Links Golf After The Open at Panmure GC

One of the things that makes The Open Championship is the vastly different links golf conditions that, with very, very limited exceptions (Bandon, Whistling Straits, …), cannot be replicated on this side of the world. And as much as I love parkland courses, (see: traditional U.S. golf) and stadium/championship-style (see: TPC Sawgrass) golf courses, The Open stirs up a need to get on a links course ASAP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So rather than fighting the urge, why not give in to it and take in some of the best, most authentic golf known to man at one of the world’s oldest golf clubs: Panmure Golf Club in Scotland?

Panmure is the world’s 21st-oldest golf club and moved to its current site in Barry in 1899. The original layout was designed by Old Tom Morris and constructed by R. Duff of Edinburgh, who also built the New course at St Andrews and Muirfield. Many of the original holes remain and have been blessed by some of golf’s greatest, including Ben Hogan—who famously only played in one Open Championship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Before winning the1953 Open at Carnoustie Golf Links, Hogan, accompanied only by his caddy, Cecil Timms, arrived at Panmure—located merely 1.5 miles from Carnoustie Golf Links and a 45-minute drive from St. Andrews—two weeks earlier to acclimate to the terrain and smaller 1.62-inch British ball that was used at the time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Although Hogan would never play in a second Open, his legacy at Panmure remains. The sixth hole, a 414-yard par 4, stroke index 1 (pictured above), was Hogan’s favorite hole and is named after the great man. He suggested to the club that a strategically placed pot bunker should be built to the front and right of the green. It was, and it is still known as Hogan’s bunker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The other legendary story from Hogan’s Panmure experience came on the par-4, 401-yard 17th hole. Hogan liked the green (pictured above) and spent much time putting there, but he wanted it to run quicker than it did. So, he asked William Falconer, the head greenkeeper, if the mower could shave the green a tad tighter. Falconer said it was possible, but pointed to the mower and mentioned that Hogan was free to do it himself. He did, and word is that he later returned the mower to Falconer in pristine condition after insisting on cleaning it first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Over the years, Panmure has hosted many prestigious championships, ranging from national amateur tournaments to final qualifying for The Open Championship. Recently, the club has hosted regional qualifying for The Open, the R&A Girls Amateur Championship, final qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, and the stroke play qualifying for the R&A Boys Amateur Championship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Today, the course measures 6,551 yards, plays to a par 70, and combines the best elements of links and heathland, with tight fairways, challenging carries, and undulating greens. True to links golf, holes mostly play firm and fast, and the rolling fairways wind through dunes and pine trees, leading to greens that are protected by proper Scottish bunkers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Club’s iconic clubhouse is one of the finest old golf buildings in Scotland and was modeled, both architecturally and spiritually, on Royal Calcutta Golf Club. It offers three uniquely charming lounges, perfect for a post-round beverage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Like many European courses, Panmure remains a private member’s club but is delighted to welcome visitors to experience their authentic, classic links. So rather than drool over the links conditions over the TV this week, why not ask yourself if you’re finally ready to take on the Hogan challenge?

Cover Image via Panmure Golf Club