The carnage witnessed when Carnoustie hosted the British Open in 1999 has led to it being regarded as being one of the most difficult courses if the weather is poor. On that occasion 19 years ago, in addition to the challenging narrow fairways, pot bunkers and wicked rough, the weather was to put it politely, "most foul".
Horrific scores reduced some players to tears. The winner, Scotland's Paul Lawrie, finished on six-over. The course was nicknamed "the beast". Even Tom Watson, who won the first of his five Opens at Carnoustie in 1975, had reservations: "Carnoustie is like an ugly old hag who speaks the truth no matter how painful. But it's only when you add up your score when you hear exactly what she thinks of you."
It also prompted a new expression -- the "Carnoustie Effect" -- a phrase enough to send shivers through the blood of even the bravest golfer. It was later defined as "the degree of trauma experienced when what is undertaken in confident spirit, founders on unforeseen difficulties."
However, like many links courses, if the weather is favourable, Carnoustie loses much of its bite. The "beast" can actually be handled, if not exactly tamed.
That's why in Thursday's first round the golfers were initially delighted to find Carnoustie at its most benign -- a lovely sunny day with barely any wind. In fact, perfect golfing conditions.
But one thing they didn't bargain for was the scorched fairways, not a common phenomenon in Scotland. They were so hard the ball rolled and rolled and rolled -- sometimes into the lethal pot bunkers or the sneaky water hazards, known in these parts as "burns".
This made it very difficult to control the distance. So although some players were able to take advantage of the relatively friendly conditions, many suffered. Only 31 of the 156 players managed to finish under par.
Many years ago the opening hole at Carnoustie was dubbed the "elephants graveyard" by Hale Irwin, owing to the bumpy nature of the fairway. On Thursday, the extremely dry nature of the course was reflected in both Thomas Pieters and Brooks Koepka being able to drive the 393-yard first green.
There were few 'marquee' names at the top of the leaderboard -- leading the way on five under was Kevin Kisner, followed by Erik van Rooyen, Tony Finau and Zander Lombard. Kisner benefitted from a red-hot putter, needing only 22 putts for the 18 holes, quite a remarkable effort.
Of the big stars, Rory McIlroy could be satisfied with his two-under 69, but it could have been better if he had not missed some short putts.
A lot of the big names did not fare so well, including world No.1 Dustin Johnson (76), Patrick Reid (75), Sergio Garcia (75) while Jordan Spieth and Justine Rose had to settle for one-over 72. But you can't rule them out after just one round. This is Carnoustie after all.
The presence of Tiger Woods has added spice to what was already an eagerly-awaited tournament. Woods, who has played in 20 Open tournaments and won three of them, has said he feels his best chance of winning another major would be on a links course.
As he observed: "Distance becomes a moot point on a links-style course. But creativity plays such an important role."
He certainly attracted a huge gallery which witnessed some vintage Tiger shots and at one stage he threatened to make a charge, being two-under after the first nine. But he had to settle for even par 71 which will make him reasonably happy. "I'm just blessed to be here," he admitted after his round and he is still in with a chance.
Thailand has three representatives for the second successive year and, reflecting the strength of Thai golf, they are different trio to those who played at Royal Birkdale last year. In fact it is the first time veteran Thongchai Jaidee hasn't played in the Open since 2008.
It was bit of a mixed bag from the Thai contingent. The talented Kiradech Aphibarnrat, playing in a star grouping with Spieth and Rose played steadily at first, but dropped a succession of bogeys on the demanding back nine to finish on three-over. However, when he spectacularly holed his third shot on the 17th from 100 yard he received one of the biggest cheers of the day. Kiradech has never made the cut in four previous Open championships. He would have to put in a good second round if he is to break that unwanted run.
Jazz Janewattananond, in addition to having the most eye-catching name in the tournament, also played quite well but like Kiradech, late lapses saw him also finish on three over.
Danthai Boonma was always going to find a course like Carnoustie a tough challenge. He was actually performing quite well until dropping five shots in three holes on the tricky back nine. However, he shouldn't worry about his score too much but savour what will be a rich experience.
The trio will no doubt be making use of the Thai restaurants in town. You can't beat a good plate of somtam to warm the heart if the weather turns nasty on the Angus coast.
For the start of yesterday's second round, the weather was back to more familiar Scottish conditions... a bit of drizzle and not so warm. The forecast is for occasional inclement weather, which could make the weekend fun. But whatever the weather it will still come down to who can avoid the bunkers and the rough.
Somehow you will expect the 'old hag' will not give up without a fight.