Jerry Kluger and I played Carnoustie May 2017 with the Captain and GM of the Carnoustie Golf Club, who are both excellent players.
Could not have had a better experience. Jerry and I were "coached" around the course by these experts and we had a marvelous time. Neither of us found the course to be too difficult for an enjoyable game (even with my paltry skills) and we had an absolute blast. This was my third play at Carnoustie and I would not hesitate to go back or advise a friend to visit. I understand it is considered "Car-nasty" by the professionals, but from the member tees it is not any more difficult (overall) than any other open rota course.
The problem for tourism is that there are no ocean views from the course... and, the town is lacking. It is a shame the TV announcers kept harping on the difficulty of Carnoustie... over and over... it couldn't have done anything but scare a good number of visitors away. The Carnoustie tourism council should have worked with the broadcasters to better promote the course as a fun challenge (maybe they did and I just didn't see it). The course/city is a "hit and run" destination as they don't really promote any reason to spend a couple of days there. Shame really, as there are a number of courses close by that make for a fun two or three days. Hard for them to compete with St Andrews, though, when one can just pop up to Carnoustie for a round then return to StA for a fun evening.
The Carnoustie Golf Club (across the street from the hotel) is VERY welcoming and has an open door policy for guests. It is a great spot to soak up a bit of history as their main room has been organized as a museum of the club's accomplishments in golf, with many medals and memorabilia professionally displayed. Well worth a visit! Oh... and the drinks are priced for members, not to gouge the out-of-towners.
If you visit Carnoustie please drop into the CGC... they would appreciate your support.