Panmure Golf Club and Ben Hogan
When Ben Hogan came to Carnoustie in the summer of 1953 he was already holder of The Masters" and "The U.S. Open Championship". For this, his only (British) Open Championship appearance, arrangements were made for him to practice at Panmure GC., just two miles to the west, but well away from the busy practice ground at Carnoustie.
At Panmure, only his caddie Cecil Timms accompanied him. After two weeks of rigorous preparation for the Championship, he was familiar with the then smaller British ball and the unforgiving links grasses, which prevented him taking his customary long divot.
Methodical as ever, Hogan taught himself to pick the 1.62 inch ball off the turf. The long hours of practice paid off. He won the Open by four strokes, setting a new Carnoustie course record of 68 for his final round.
Hogan's favourite hole at Panmure was the sixth and he suggested the cleverly-placed hidden pot bunker to the front right of the green. Over fifty years on, the members still refer to it as "Hogan's Bunker". It is a fitting memorial to a champion.
Welcome to Panmure Golf Club
As Captain of Panmure Golf Club it is my pleasure to welcome you to this website. For those making their first visit on-line, I hope that the information provided will inspire you to visit us in the near future. For Members and others familiar with the Club and Course, I trust that the site contains valuable information that will enhance your ability to use the facilities of the Club.
We have a splendid golf course, situated on a renowned stretch of links land between Monifieth and the world famous Carnoustie. Although a form of golf is known to have been played on the links of Barry since around the end of 15th century, the more formal layout dates back to the late 1890s when the Club moved form Monifieth. Old Tom Morris is believed to have had a hand in the design of the original course. The present layout owes much to the influence of James Braid, who was consulted by the Club in 1922.
Extensive improvement works were carried out on the course for the 2007 Open Championship Final Qualifying. Much hard work by our greenkeeping staff produced a course in outstanding condition, the quality and pace of the greens being a matter of particular pride to all concerned. 96 professionals and leading amateurs competed for 3 Open slots. One of the fortunate three, Steve Alker from New Zealand, equalled the course record of 65 which has nevertheless stood since 1998. The much vaunted assistance of modern equipment is negated by the tough test of Barry links. Whilst the course is not long by modern standards it calls for accuracy from tee to green and exacts its toll on the wayward.
We look forward in 2008 to hosting the Girls Internationals in the first week of August. This is a prestigious LGU event which will provide an opportunity of demonstrating what Panmure has to offer to some of the most talented young lady golfers from the four Home Countries and their supporters. A particular feature of this year's Tournament will be Scotland's attempt to complete a hat trick of victories. Once again every effort is being made to prepare the Course and present it in first class condition. Areas of gorse have been cleared with a view to regeneration,. Following our best ever Report from the Sports Turf Research Institute on the condition of the greens we have continued to follow their advice on every aspect of green maintenance.
As the golfing year commences we say farewell to our professional Neil Mackintosh who has given 12 years of loyal service. Neil's quiet, patient style has made him many friends in the Club over the years and we wish him every happiness in retirement. We welcome as his successor Andrew Crerar. Andrew is a well known golfing figure in Tayside, having been Assistant Professional at Blairgowrie and Tournament Professional attached to Downfield before becoming professional at King James VI Golf Club, Perth. He has had a distinguished golfing career, holding various course records along with 29 Scottish and International wins. He competed in two Open Championships and was SPGA Order of Merit Winner in 1997. The Professional's shop is the first point of contact for most visitors to the Club; we are delighted to have Andrew as a new member of the Panmure team in a key position to promote Panmure and its many attractions.
David Crawford
Club Captain
Visitor Information
Visitors are most welcome at the Club, daily apart from Saturdays and Tuesday mornings which are reserved for members and their guests. Parties of more than four, must book in advance. Groups of four or less are welcome to play without making an advance booking by checking in to the professional's shop, but in general, start times are not available on Saturdays or on Tuesday mornings.
The Club would expect a fourball to complete a round in three and a half hours. Visitors are reminded that in June and July it is possible to complete a round having started by 6:30pm. The maximum party size is generally 28, but larger numbers may be possible, at the discretion of Council, on particular days or for particular events. It is recommended to write to the Secretary as far in advance as possible to allow each request to be considered on its merits.
Visitors should not be deceived by its length of 6,317 yards. The course occupies only 115 acres, most of which is rough, whins or trees. There are 83 bunkers, 81 of them being spread between 15 holes.
New
Between 1st May and 31st August visitors may book a time on Saturdays after 4:00pm. With a reasonable pace of play there will be more than enough daylight to complete a round!