Downfield

1895 saw the founding of Downfield Golf Club, with a 9-hole course laid out. However, the course was put back into agricultural use during the First World War.  It wasn’t until 1932 that the course was rebuilt, and it was soon extended into an 18-hole layout. The course moved ever so slightly in the 1960s, with land being needed for development as the city of Dundee grew. Five of the original holes were retained, and the layout was changed into what it remains today.  Since then, Downfield Golf Club has played host to the first ever Scottish Open on the DP World Tour, with Neil Coles taking the victory in 1972. It has also hosted the Benson & Hedges International, World Seniors Match Play and the Scottish Amateur Championship.

Downfield Golf Club is regarded as one of the premier inland courses in Scotland, and this parkland layout has plenty of challenges for golfers of all abilities. As well as the tree-lined fairways, the Gelly Burn winds its way through the course, coming into play on several holes throughout the course. From the tips, this Par 73 plays at just over 6,800 yards, but even from the whites it remains a 6,500-yard layout.  The opening hole is a tough par 4 of 425 yards. There is a generous landing area, but three fairway bunkers do constrict the zone somewhat. Trees on the left side of the green make it a difficult approach from the left side of the fairway. The 2nd is another par 4 of more than 400 yards, and it plays as a dog-leg right. A drive missing the fairway right will be in trouble, with plenty of trees to catch your ball. The 3rd is the longest par 3 on the course, at almost 230 yards. A single bunker front left is the danger, but with at least a long iron or hybrid in hand, this is a difficult hole.  The tough start continues, with the 4th being the hardest hole at Downfield. It is the longest hole on the course at 552 yards, but it does play slightly downhill. If your tee shot can find that slope, then it can run on, but for most, it will be a three-shotter. There is water short right and left of the green, along with a large bunker on the right of the putting surface. The 5th is a dog-leg left par 4 with four greenside bunkers, while the 6th is the next par 3 on the layout. Bunkers front left and front right, along with one at the back of the green, provide the trouble on this 175-yard hole.  7 is the next par 5, and much shorter than the 4th. At just 491 yards, this is reachable in two for some. The Gelly Burn might come into play for the second shot for some, but most will fancy their chances. The 8th and 9th bring the front nine to a close with a pair of tricky par 4s, the former of which featuring a double green with the 10th. The opening hole of the back nine is another long par 4, playing more than 430 yards. It is a slight dog-leg left off the tee and plays back to that double green you saw just a couple of holes earlier.  11 is the first par 5 on the back side at Downfield, and there are huge trees down the right side. A large water hazard comes into play in front of the green, so golfers must choose to either lay up or take it on with their second shot. The 12th is the next short hole, playing 180 yards from the tips. It is slightly downhill, and plays to a long, kidney-shaped green. Bunkers left and right await any mishit shots. 13 and 14 are back-to-back par 5s, but they are vastly different holes. The 13th is only 470 yards, but it plays as a sharp dog-leg right. Some might try and take it over the corner with a strong power fade, but for most, they will play up to the corner before taking two more shots to find the putting surface. The 14th is 40 yards longer, and turns in the other direction, with most needing three to get home.  The closing stretch at Downfield begins with the easiest par 4 on the course. At just 326 yards, the choice is whether you try and get past the fairway bunkers or lay up short of them. The 16th is another dog-leg right par 4, one of only 350 yards. However, the turn in this hole comes right at the end. A good drive must be hit straight and to the left side of the fairway, before the hole turns sharply towards the green. The penultimate hole is a 150-yard par 3, playing over the Gelly Burn to a small green. Bunkers either side of the green, and tall trees at the back providing a great setting for this short hole. The final hole at Downfield is a 385-yard par 4 that turns to the right. The big hitters will try and cut the corner, with three bunkers surrounding the green.

Ed Battye: A well-presented championship parkland course which will only improve soon with their 5-year forestry management programme.

David Walker: Excellent layout and one of Scotland's best parkland courses

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Where is Downfield Golf Club located?  
Downfield Golf Club is four miles from the centre of Dundee, based just to the northwest of the city. The A928, which runs from Kirriemuir to the Todhills junction of the A90, runs to the west of the golf club. The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is around an hour and a half south of Downfield.  Thanks to its locality to the city, Downfield’s nearest train station is Dundee. It is just over four miles from the golf club, with trains running in both directions towards Glasgow and Edinburgh in the south, and up to Aberdeen in the north. Dundee Airport is the closest to Downfield, but for a wider range of flights, most international travellers will fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is 60 miles south of the venue. Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?
Downfield is one of several courses in and around Dundee that is worthy of a place on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list. Panmure, Monifieth's Medal Course and both the Championship Course and Burnside Course at Carnoustie Golf Links are within 15 miles to the east. Blairgowrie - with its Rosemount Course and Lansdowne Course - is also within a similar distance to the northwest.
What golf facilities does Downfield Golf Club offer?
Along with the glorious 18-hole layout at Downfield, there is also a wonderful practice facility. There is a grass driving range, along with a short game area and a putting green, the latter of which is by the clubhouse.  
What are the green fees at Downfield Golf Club?  
The price of a green fee at Downfield Golf Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.  For more information on current green fees at Downfield, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).   Visit Downfield's website here (opens in a new tab). Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.