Carnoustie is another of those quaint Scottish seaside towns where golf was played long before a community evolved. Historical records prove that 'duntin' the gutty' had begun on the links by 1527.
Believe it or not, it was almost the 19th century before a long sleep on the Carnoustie links (forced on an exhausted joiner who was making his way home to Barry after a long day's work in Arbroath) kick-started the growth of the town.
Centuries later, Carnoustie is widely acknowledged as the hardest links in the world. Seven Open Golf Championships have been staged at Carnoustie. Although there have been countless moments of golfing drama in every one, the near-pantomime at the 18th hole in Jean Van de Velde's final round in 1999 will never be forgotten.
Carnoustie's finishing stretch is recognised as the stiffest in the British Open rota; there is no point within any of the six closing holes at which a golfer can allow himself the slightest feeling of complacency.
Scotland's leading publisher of golf course photography, Donald Ford, spent many years as a youngster on holiday in Carnoustie. His parents retired there and he and his wife are now themselves resident in Carnoustie. He has suffered as much embarrassment over the golf courses as anyone else. He is well qualified, therefore, to tell The Carnoustie Story.
Liberally laced with his wonderful photographs of Carnoustie's Championship, Burnside and Buddon courses, The Carnoustie Story is a book which lovers of Scottish links, and this unique golfing location in particular, will cherish.
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