Dumbarnie Links in Scotland, which has quickly established itself among the world’s top new links courses, will close later this month ahead of planned winter works on its 5th and 18th holes.
Dumbarnie says it is committed to refining the experience for every golfer, with the latest enhancements set to sharpen strategy and improve visuals on two key holes.
On the fifth, a strategic par four that doglegs from right to left, a pair of high mounds on the left side of the fairway will be lowered by three to four feet. Currently, the ideal line down the left shortens the approach, but if the pin is tucked back-left those dunes can block out a clear shot, meaning risk isn’t rewarded. By reducing the height of the mounds, the hole will offer fairer outcomes for those taking on the braver line while retaining multiple shot options.
On the closing 18th, select dunes above the existing bunkers on the right side will be lowered to create a clearer view from the tee. The intention is to make the final drive more visually inviting, while preserving the challenge expected on a finishing stretch.
The changes to the 18th, alongside those on the 5th, are part of Dumbarnie’s ongoing commitment to evolve the course in response to player feedback and further enhance the visitor experience.
The work follows the successful redevelopment of the par four 10th hole, completed ahead of the 2025 season.
That project saw the removal of a blind burn and reshaping of the fairway under the direction of course manager Grahame Taylor and his team. Previously, longer hitters risked seeing well-struck drives run into the hazard after a downslope, while shorter hitters into the wind often faced a blind uphill carry with their second shot. More than 300 tonnes of soil were brought in to complete the transformation, which has blended seamlessly into the landscape.
Feedback since reopening earlier this year has been overwhelmingly positive, with many golfers now calling the 10th one of the best holes on the course.
The course is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026. Dumbarnie Links general manager, David Scott, said: “The 5th is already a fine hole, but the dune structure could be overly severe. By reshaping it, we’ll restore the balance between risk and reward, ensuring that when players take on the braver line down the left fairway, they are properly rewarded. The same principle applies on the 18th.”