The Carnoustie Craws – Learn to Golf
We are delighted that you are interested in golf and looking to improve your skills! Golf is a big part of growing up in Carnoustie, and getting involved in the sport is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, meet new friends and—most importantly—have fun.
Through our fantastic Learn to Golf programme, you will be able to track your progress and develop your skills at your own pace, eventually progressing to become a confident club golfer. This could be the start of an incredible journey, and we look forward to seeing how much you can develop and improve.
Here is some information to help you get started.
Coaching for Young Golfers at Carnoustie Golf Links
Free group coaching is available to young people from Primary 1 (age 5) to S6 (age 18).
To enrol in our sessions, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Reside in Carnoustie (DD7 postcode)
- Attend Carnoustie High School
- Attend one of the local primary schools (Burnside, Woodlands, Carlogie, Monikie or Newbigging)
- Hold a Carnoustie Golf Links Junior Season Ticket
Please note: Junior Season Tickets are only available to residents within Angus Council.
How Do I Register for Coaching?
Golfers who participated in our 2025 programme will receive a registration renewal email in January, with renewals closing on 13 February 2026.
For golfers who are new to the programme, registration for the 2026 season will open on 23 February 2026.
Please note:
- Spaces in each age group are limited.
- Participants from the 2025 programme will receive priority when selecting session times for 2026.
- If sessions become oversubscribed, a waiting list will be operated.
Please click HERE to complete the registration form.
Learn to Golf Programme
The Carnoustie Craws programme follows the Scottish Junior Golf Learn to Golf Pathway, a nationally recognised development framework designed to guide young golfers from beginner level through to achieving their first handicap index.
The programme is structured across five progressive levels, each featuring clear skill challenges and on-course targets. Junior golfers receive certificates and recognition as they complete each level.
Players work through age-appropriate challenges in:
- Distance and short putting
- Chipping and pitching
- Bunker play
- Full swing distance and accuracy
- On-course scoring benchmarks
Alongside technical skills, players also develop their knowledge of golf, including:
- Rules of the game
- Etiquette
- Safety
- Understanding how to play the course
The programme also focuses on important “mind matters”, such as confidence, resilience, focus, honesty and sportsmanship.
Each level includes measurable goals so players can clearly see their improvement and build confidence as they progress. Early stages focus on coordination, confidence and basic target skills, while later levels introduce greater distances, tighter targets and structured on-course scoring challenges.
By the time a player is ready to obtain a handicap index, they will have developed strong fundamentals, course awareness, positive mental habits and—most importantly—a lifelong love for the game, all within a fun, supportive and encouraging environment.
To learn more about the skill challenges and on-course scoring targets for each of the five levels, please click HERE.
Coaching and Playing Session Information – 2026
Players can attend one group coaching session per week during the season (April – October).
Sessions are organised into three school-year groups:
- P1 – P2
- P3 – P5
- P6 – S6
Young golfers can also take part in our weekly On The Course Playing Sessions, which are an important part of developing real playing skills.
Scores from these sessions are recorded on the My Pathway 2 Golf App, which helps players track their progress. Players can request access to the app by registering HERE.
Playing sessions are grouped by ability level, and players follow our On Course Pathway to monitor their development.
While not compulsory, we strongly encourage players to attend both coaching sessions and playing sessions to get the most from the programme.
The provisional 2026 schedule is shown below.
Extra Information for Playing Sessions
Sunday Afternoon Sessions
Sunday sessions take place on:
- The Nestie Course (5 holes)
- The Burnside Short Course – Orange Tees (4 holes)
These sessions are aimed at players working through Levels 1–3 of our On Course Pathway.
To progress to the Burnside Short Course (Level 3), a player must complete the Nestie Course in 30 strokes or fewer.
Friday Evening Sessions
Friday sessions are held on:
- The Burnside Course
- The Buddon Course
These sessions are designed for players working at Levels 4 and 5 of the On Course Pathway.
To reach this stage, players must have completed the Burnside Short Course (4 holes) in 24 strokes or fewer.
To access more information about our On Course Pathway and access to the golf courses please click HERE.
Carnoustie Craws Clothing Range
Did you know that The Carnoustie Craws have their very own clothing range?
Our exclusive Carnoustie Craws apparel has been designed specifically with junior golfers in mind. Worn by members of our junior academy, the range is available to all junior golfers, whether they are just starting out or dreaming of becoming a future professional.
The collection includes fun, comfortable and stylish clothing, perfect for any young golfer.
Visit The Professional Shop to find out more and view the range.