Hello everyone! I’m Emma, and I run Foresterseat Holiday Park in Forfar, Angus. If you’re as passionate about golf as we are about providing great getaways, you’re in for a treat. Angus is a golfer’s paradise – from championship links on the coast to historic inland courses – and Foresterseat is the perfect base to enjoy them all. In this guide, I’ll share why Angus should be next on your golf-break list, highlight some of the best local courses, and show how Foresterseat Holiday Park can make your golfing getaway comfortable and memorable (minus the bunkers and bogeys!). So grab your clubs, and let’s tee off on planning the ultimate Angus golf break.
Why Choose Angus for a Golf Break?
Angus is famous in golfing circles for its world-class courses and rich history. This region of Scotland offers a mix of rugged coastal links and lush parkland courses, all within a short drive of each other. Here are a few reasons Angus stands out as a golf destination:
- Heritage & Prestige: Angus is home to legendary courses like Carnoustie – known worldwide for hosting The Open Championship – as well as some of the oldest golf clubs on record (Montrose Links has been played since 1562, making it one of the world’s oldest courses!). Every round here lets you walk in the footsteps of golfing greats and be part of centuries-old traditions.
- Variety of Courses: In Angus you can challenge yourself on tough championship links, then enjoy a relaxed game on a scenic inland course the next day. The coastal courses offer firm fairways, dunes, and sea breezes for the purists, while inland courses provide rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and beautiful countryside views. This variety means a golf break here never gets boring – each day’s course can have a totally different feel.
- Convenience: Angus isn’t as overrun by tourists as some other Scottish golf regions, so tee times can be more accessible. Many top courses are within 30 minutes of each other. Foresterseat Holiday Park’s central location in Forfar puts you within easy reach of multiple top courses without long drives. You can play a different course each day and still have plenty of time to relax afterward.
- Value & Hospitality: While Scotland is the Home of Golf, Angus offers that experience often at more affordable green fees than the super-famous spots like St. Andrews. The local clubs here are known for their warm welcome to visitors. You’ll find pro shops and clubhouses friendly and unpretentious – expect a chat and maybe a tip or two from the locals about how to play the course.
In short, Angus combines legendary golf with genuine Scottish charm. Now, let’s look at some of the star courses you can easily play during your stay at Foresterseat.
Top Golf Courses Near Foresterseat Holiday Park
Staying at Foresterseat Holiday Park puts you in the heart of “Carnoustie Country” – the nickname for this area due to its abundance of great golf. Here are five fantastic golf courses within a convenient drive, each offering a unique experience:
1. Forfar Golf Club (Old Tom Morris Design)
Just 1 mile from Foresterseat lies Forfar Golf Club, a must-play inland course with a lot of history. Founded in 1871 and designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, Forfar was the world’s first 18-hole course built from inception.
This heathland track is set on gently rolling terrain with gorse and heather framing the fairways. It’s a fair but engaging test – not overly long (around 6,100 yards), so perfect for a relaxing warm-up round on your trip. The course conditions are excellent, and you’ll love the classic design features like squared-off tee boxes and subtly contoured greens. After your round, enjoy a drink in the welcoming clubhouse where members are always up for a friendly chat.
2. Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course)
No Angus golf break would be complete without Carnoustie – one of the world’s most revered (and feared) links courses. Carnoustie’s Championship Course (often just called “Carnoustie”) has hosted The Open multiple times, most recently in 2018. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Foresterseat and well worth it for any serious golfer. Expect a stern challenge: nearly 7,400 yards from the tips, deep bunkers nicknamed “Spectacles,” the winding Barry Burn, and the infamous 18th hole that undid even Jean Van de Velde in 1999.
But don’t let Carnoustie’s tough reputation scare you – the experience of playing here is thrilling. The history hits you on every tee, and the conditions are impeccable. Non-championship tees make it playable for us mere mortals, and the sense of accomplishment after finishing is hard to match. Be sure to book your tee time well in advance for this one, as it’s very popular. Afterward, you can visit the on-site golf museum or toast your round at the hotel bar adjacent to the course.
3. Montrose Golf Links (Medal Course)
Head about 25 minutes east to find Montrose Medal, a classic links course reputed to be the 5th oldest in the world (golf has been played on these dunes since the 16th century!). Montrose offers a pure links experience: rippling fairways, tricky pot bunkers, and gorgeous North Sea views on several holes. At around 6,500 yards, it’s a bit more forgiving than Carnoustie but still packs plenty of challenge, especially when the coastal winds blow.
The stretch of holes along the dunes is truly memorable – you might even spot dolphins offshore while walking the fairways. Montrose is usually less busy than Carnoustie, so it can be easier to get a tee time, and green fees are quite reasonable. The club’s heritage and the friendly welcome in the clubhouse (don’t miss their hearty soup and sandwiches) make it a delightful day out.
4. Panmure Golf Club
Located just inland between Carnoustie and Dundee (about 30 minutes from Foresterseat), Panmure is a hidden gem that often surprises visitors. This traditional links course dates back to 1845 and is perhaps most famous for hosting Ben Hogan for practice before he won the Open at Carnoustie in 1953. Panmure’s layout is a blend of links and heathland character – you’ll find firm turf and some dunes, but also a few trees and gorse in play.
The signature hole is the 6th, “Hogan’s Hole,” where Hogan requested a bunker to be placed by the green (it’s still known as Hogan’s bunker). At par 70 and about 6,500 yards, Panmure isn’t as long as Carnoustie, but the small, well-protected greens will test your accuracy. The atmosphere here is charming and less touristy; it feels like a step back in time. Panmure is often ranked among the top courses in Scotland and offers a wonderful contrast to the bigger championship venues.
5. Monifieth Golf Links (Medal Course)
Another excellent course in the Carnoustie area is Monifieth Medal, roughly 25 minutes from Foresterseat. Monifieth actually has two courses; the Medal is the premier one, and an Open qualifier venue. Your round starts in an unusual way – the first tee lies alongside a public park and even a railway line, giving a nod to the old Scottish golfing tradition of courses beside common land. Once you’re past the opening holes, you enter classic links terrain with fast-running fairways and open vistas.
Monifieth is known for being in superb condition and offering a strong test despite being just over 6,600 yards. Its defences are subtle: burns (small streams) that zigzag the course and cunning bunkering that make you think carefully on every shot. Many golfers enjoy Monifieth for its welcoming club vibe – visitors are embraced, and the green fee is a bargain compared to its famous neighbor down the road. If you want the full Angus links experience, Monifieth paired with Carnoustie and Panmure makes for an epic trio of rounds on your break.
(Of course, these are just a few options. Angus has more to explore for golf fanatics – from the scenic parkland of Kirriemuir Golf Club with its views of the Angus Glens, to Arbroath’s cliffside links overlooking the North Sea, or the tranquil fairways of Edzell on the northern edge of the county. During a stay at Foresterseat, you’ll have plenty of choices to fill an entire week with different courses if you wish!)
Foresterseat’s Accommodation – A Golfer’s Haven
After a satisfying day on the course, having a comfortable place to unwind is essential. This is where Foresterseat Holiday Park really shines for golfers:
- Luxury Glamping Huts: Our four deluxe shepherd huts (named Laird, Wallis, Airlie, and Strathmore) offer hotel-like comfort in a peaceful countryside setting. Each hut features a cosy double bed with quality bedding, an en-suite bathroom (hot shower, flushing toilet – no roughing it after your round!), plus a handy kitchenette with a hob and fridge for snacks or breakfast.There’s also a comfortable seating area inside to relax and maybe review your scorecard. We’ve designed these huts to be a perfect retreat – warm, insulated, and quiet – so you can get a great night’s sleep before another early tee time. Bonus: Waking up to the sounds of birds and stepping outside to fresh morning air beats any stuffy hotel corridor experience – it truly recharges you for another day of golf.
- Spacious Caravan & Motorhome Pitches: If you’re touring Scotland with your own home-on-wheels, Foresterseat has you covered. Our fully serviced pitches come with electric hook-ups (and options for water and drainage) on hard-standing or grass, so setting up is easy. The park’s modern shower blocks and facilities mean you’ll have all the conveniences you need. It’s a relaxed, friendly environment – you might even meet fellow golfers on neighboring pitches and exchange stories about your rounds.
- Scenic Tent Camping: For those who love camping under the stars, we have plenty of space for tents too. The campsite area is flat, well-maintained, and right by open fields. You’ll still enjoy access to all the amenities (including heated showers and proper toilets). It’s a budget-friendly way to do a golf trip, and there’s nothing quite like stepping out of your tent to a sunrise view of the Angus hills before you head to the course.
No matter which accommodation you choose, the atmosphere at Foresterseat is tranquil and friendly. We pride ourselves on offering a restful haven after the excitement (and maybe occasional frustrations!) of a day on the links. There’s something special about sitting outside your hut or camper in the evening, watching the sunset glow fade over the countryside, and planning the next day’s shots in your head.
On-Site Dining: Don’t feel like cooking after 18 (or 36) holes? You won’t have to go far for a good meal. Sinclair’s Kitchen, our on-site restaurant and bar, serves hearty local fare and refreshing drinks just a short stroll from your pitch or hut. It’s the perfect place to refuel with a delicious dinner or celebrate a great round with your favorite drink. The casual, welcoming vibe at Sinclair’s is just right for swapping golf stories – whether you aced that par-3 or found one too many bunkers, the staff and fellow guests will be all ears!
Beyond the Fairways: Other Activities in Angus
While golf might be the main focus of your break, remember that Angus has plenty more to offer. If you’re traveling with family or you want a rest day from the courses, consider exploring some local attractions:
- Glamis Castle: Just 15 minutes from Foresterseat, this majestic castle (the childhood home of the Queen Mother) is a must-see. Take a tour to learn about its history and legends, stroll in the beautiful gardens, or enjoy a coffee in the castle’s café. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and history.
- Angus Glens: Trade the golf shoes for hiking boots on a non-golf day and head into the Angus Glens (like Glen Clova or Glen Prosen). These glens offer breathtaking walking trails through heather-clad hills and alongside sparkling rivers. It’s a fantastic contrast to the coast – pure Highland scenery, peace and quiet, and maybe an eagle or red deer sighting if you’re lucky.
- Beaches and Coastline: If you loved the coastal views on the golf course, why not enjoy them up close? Lunan Bay (about 30 minutes from the park) is a stunning sandy beach perfect for a walk or picnic. Arbroath’s seaside cliffs and the famous Arbroath Abbey (where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320) make for another interesting excursion. And of course, you can’t leave without trying an Arbroath Smokie – the town’s famous smoked haddock delicacy!
- Murton Nature Reserve & Farm: Right next door to Foresterseat Holiday Park is the Murton Trust nature reserve. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll around ponds teeming with birdlife. There’s also a small children’s farm park – a hit if you have kids along. It’s an easy, relaxing activity you can do in an hour or two between rounds or in the evening.
- Local Whisky Tasting: After playing some of Scotland’s finest courses, why not taste one of Scotland’s finest exports? Angus is close to some excellent whisky distilleries. For instance, Glencadam Distillery in nearby Brechin offers tours. Savor a dram and toast to your birdies and pars – you’ve earned it!
Mixing in a few of these activities can really round out your holiday, giving you a true taste of Angus beyond the golf course. Plus, a little sightseeing or relaxation can help recharge you for even better golf the next day.
Final Tips for an Ace Golf Trip
Before you pack your clubs and head our way, here are a few final tips to make your Angus golf break smooth and enjoyable:
- Book Tee Times in Advance: Popular courses like Carnoustie and other championship links should be booked as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time. Many courses have online booking or you can call their starter offices. For smaller local courses (like Forfar or Kirriemuir), a day or two ahead is usually fine, but it’s always best to check availability.
- Golf Passes and Deals: Check if any regional golf passes are available. Angus and the surrounding area sometimes offer multi-course deals (for example, a pass that includes rounds at several courses for a discounted rate). Carnoustie Country’s website or local tourism info can be useful resources for this. Even if you don’t go for a pass, many clubs offer lower green fees at off-peak times or twilight rates later in the day.
- Prepare for the Weather: Scottish weather can be unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a breezy, cool afternoon. Pack your waterproofs, an extra layer, and maybe a woolly hat, just in case – even in summer. That said, Angus is one of the sunnier areas of Scotland, especially in late spring and summer, so you might be pleasantly surprised. Don’t forget sunscreen for those long days on exposed links, and keep hydrated out there.
- Handicap Certificates: A few high-end courses (Carnoustie, for example) traditionally like to see a handicap certificate or proof of golf ability. It’s rarely enforced strictly, but if you have a membership card or handicap documentation, bring it along. Generally, as long as you can play reasonably and keep pace, all are welcome.
- Transportation: Foresterseat’s location is central, but you will need a car (or willing driver) to get to the courses. The roads around Angus are easy to navigate and wonderfully scenic. If you’re coming from afar, Dundee and Aberdeen are the nearest airports, each under an hour away. Car hire is available there. Once you’re at Foresterseat, most courses – even down into St. Andrews or up to Aberdeen’s links – are feasible day trips if you’re making a grand tour of it.
And one tip worth emphasizing: take time to soak it all in. It’s not every day you get to play in the cradle of golf. Pause on that tee box to admire the view of the coastline or the hills, chat with the locals, and enjoy each moment on these storied fairways.
Ready to Tee Off?
Angus truly offers something special for golfers. Championship challenges, historic fairways, friendly clubs, and stunning scenery at every turn – it’s all here. And right at the heart of it, Foresterseat Holiday Park is ready to welcome you with comfortable accommodation and local hospitality that will make you feel right at home.
Picture it: you wake up in your cosy shepherd’s hut to the sound of birdsong and plan out the day’s round over a hot cup of coffee. In 20 minutes you’re standing on the first tee of a bucket-list golf course, breathing in fresh sea air and anticipation. After sinking that final putt on 18, you’re back at the park unwinding with a hearty meal at Sinclair’s Kitchen and recounting the day’s highlights. The next morning, you do it all over again at a different course – a new adventure just around the corner. That’s what a Foresterseat golf break in Angus is all about.
I hope this guide has inspired you to pack your clubs and visit our lovely corner of Scotland. Great golf, comfortable stays, and genuine Angus hospitality await you here. Feel free to reach out to us at Foresterseat Holiday Park if you need any help planning your trip – we’re always happy to assist fellow golf enthusiasts. Until then, keep your drives long and your putts true. We can’t wait to see you on the first tee in Angus! ⛳🏞️
Emma. x