Two new holes, created at a cost of £500,000, have been opened at the Buddon Links golf course in Carnoustie.
Angus Provost Helen Oswald officially opened the new holes alongside Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee chairwoman Pat Sawers and head greenkeeper Steve Mitchell.
The Courier joined Steve Mitchell on the course as he played the new layout and outlined the challenges golfers will face.
The new holes, combined with other adjustments on the course, have increased the Buddon’s length by more than 600 yards.
The course was designed by Peter Alliss and David Thomas and opened in 1979. A variety of changes in the past 25 years has seen the course yardage reduce from 6,600 to 5,420 and its par drop from 71 to 66.
The £2 million golf centre, which opened last year, resulted in the first hole becoming a par three, making a total of eight par threes on the course.
This amount of par threes was considered too many and contributed to a total length that was thought to be insufficient for modern golf.
The course redesign has seen the first hole dropped, holes nine and 10 merged and hole 12 extended.
The changes, combined with the two new par fours, now make the new course length 6,088 yards.
Carnoustie Golf Links general manager Graeme Duncan said: “We are delighted that after three years this major development of the Buddon Links has now been completed.
“We believe this development will provide the golfers of Carnoustie with three challenging courses and continues the transformation of these links from the original course of 1979.
“I’m confident both local and visiting golfers will enjoy the improved layout.”
The old first hole will be transformed into a six-hole junior course. The old first green will remain for people to practise their chipping and putting.
Ms Sawers said the improved Buddon Links course would help relieve waiting lists at the Burnside course.
“The waiting list for a three-course ticket is still lengthy, so CGLMC hope the extension to the Buddon will now satisfy any golfer, whatever his or her handicap may be.”
Helen Oswald praised the development and said the investment could see an increase in tourists to the area.
She said: “I was very impressed with what I saw and I congratulate the head greenkeeper and his staff for doing a great job.
“It’s been a substantial investment so that’s good for the local economy and the changes are sure to attract golfers far and wide.
“It’s great to see a job very well done.”