- Central Scotland
Fife
Golf in Fife Region
Also known as The Home of Golf, Fife is perhaps best known for the golf courses in St Andrews. However, there are also five other people golfing regions within Fife which shouldn’t be overlooked.
Fife is a peninsula situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth and just north of Edinburgh.
— Golf Courses
Golf Courses You Can Play in Fife
Scotscraig
Old Tom Morris & James Braid
Style: Links / Heathland
Par: 71
Scotscraig Golf Course is conveniently located only 15 minutes from the famous Old Course, St Andrews.
Although the course doesn't sit exactly adjacent to the coastline, there are a few sea breezes to consider when playing this links, heathland mixture.
Since 1984, Scotscraig has repeatedly hosted the Final Open Qualifying when The Open is played over St Andrews.
When the Open returned to St Andrews in 2010, Scotscraig once again hosted Final Open Qualifying.
Ian Baker-Finch, Brian Barnes, Justin Rose, Mark Mouland, Duffy Waldorf, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood and Sam Torrance are only a few of the famous players to have graced this renowned classic Fife course. Justin Rose describing it as "Great course, great greens and very friendly"
St Andrews
(Old Course)
Old Tom Morris & Daw Anderson
Style: Links
Par: 72
The Old Course St Andrews is known as ‘The Home of Golf’. Golf has been played at St Andrews for over six centuries on a course that wasn’t architect-designed, but rather has evolved over time out of the natural terrain.
Starting and finishing in St Andrews, it is renowned for its huge double greens meaning that a golfer may face a 100-yard putt, compact shared fairways, and massive bunkers (of which there are 112).
The 17th hole is often voted the toughest par 4 in golf, with the tee shot having to cut over part of the famous hotel, whilst the Road Hole bunker and the road itself await any loose shot into the green.
A definite on any visiting golfer’s itinerary, this famous course has hosted The Open on 30 occasions with the most recent being in July 2022 for The 150th Championship when Cameron Smith was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year.
St Andrews
(New Course)
Old Tom Morris
Style: Links
Par: 71
The oldest ‘new’ course in the world, the second course at the Home of Golf was built by the Keeper of the Green, Tom Morris in 1895.
It was imaginatively named to differentiate it from its famous neighbour. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of links golf.
St Andrews
(Jubilee Course)
John Angus
Style: Links
Par: 72
The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links.
Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988.
St Andrews
(Eden Course)
Harry Colt
Style: Links
Par: 70
Only slightly more forgiving than its contemporaries on the seaward side of the Links. The Eden Course was built in 1914 by Harry S. Colt whose use of natural boundaries and severe bunkers provides a course full of character.
St Andrews
(Castle Course)
David McLay Kidd
Style: Links
Par: 71
The newest addition to St Andrews Links, The Castle Course opened in 2008 becoming the seventh course at the Home of Golf. Set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews, The Castle Course offers a memorable golfing experience.
Fairmont
(Torrance & Kittocks)
Gene Sarazen & Sam Torrance
Style: Links
Par: 72
Discover championship golf at Fairmont St Andrews. Two world-class courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, that wind their way around 520 stunning acres of utterly breath-taking scenery.
With views overlooking the historic Home of Golf and St Andrews Bay, our exquisitely presented golf resort is a naturally beautiful setting for golf experiences all year round.
The Torrance and Kittocks were host to Final Qualifying for the 150th Open, and the Torrance staged the DP World Tour from 2020 to 2022.
The Asian Tour International Series will be played at Fairmont St Andrews from 24th to 27th August 2023.
Kingsbarns
Kyle Phillips
Style: Links
Par: 72
Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns Golf Course is one of the newer golf courses in Scotland but it has quickly garnered a large following.
Despite being in the company of some of the finest links in the world, the course has managed to distinguish itself as one of Scotland's must-play golf courses.
The 7,227-yards layout runs longer than other traditional links courses, but it has a challenging yet inviting design that lacks the severity that can sometimes make Carnoustie a disappointment.
The course was blended so seamlessly into the landscape that it's hard to believe that over 300,000 yards of earth were moved in order to create the bunkers, dunes, and perfectly rumpled fairways. Kingsbarns' large greens have some contours but overall, the undulations throughout the course are gentler than they appear.
It finishes dramatically with an uphill par 4 that provides the only forced carry approach shot on the golf course.
Crail
(Craighead)
Old Tom Morris
Style: Links
Par: 72
It is no accident that members play Craighead as much as our old course. The course is a very different challenge to the links of Balcomie, but no less memorable. Gil Hanse, the acclaimed American architect designed the course to be at one with the clifftop environment and ancient medieval walls.
At full-length Craighead Links has hosted national and international championships. From expertly placed tee boxes, golfers of all levels play spectacular holes surrounded by breathtaking coastal views.
Crail
(Balcomie)
Old Tom Morris
Style: Links
Par: 69
Centuries of golf has been played over these beautiful old links; long before the days of formal rules, mechanised mowers and metal cups.
Much of the course as it is enjoyed today was laid out in 1895 by the master himself, Old Tom Morris. Balcomie is one of Scotland's golfing gems, it's a must-play course for members and visitors alike.
Elie
James Braid
Style: Links
Par: 70
Elie is one of the most highly regarded courses in Scotland and the historic links terrain effortlessly combines undulating fairways with large, fast and firm greens.
It also has some sensational views for golfers to enjoy and these play an important part in creating what is one of the most wonderful golfing experiences not just in Fife, but also in Scotland.
Elie is not a course that gives up good scores easily and the patient player that crafts their way around these cultured links will always fare better than the thoughtless golfer who tries simply to overpower them.
At 6,273 yards the course is not long, but its network of bunkers are beautifully placed to catch those that stray offline or misjudge their distances. This can be all too easy to do, especially as the prevailing south westerly breeze slackens or stiffens during the course of a round.
Lundin Links
Old Tom Morris, James Braid
Style: Links
Par: 71
The course remains largely as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes are in classic links tradition proceeding from the Clubhouse to the Mile Dyke.
Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the nine ‘newer' (1908) James Braid designed holes. Back across the railway, the last four holes revert to pure links.
Not long by modern standards, Lundin nonetheless presents a thorough test of the golfer’s skills.
Leven Links
Alister MacKenzie
Style: Links
Par: 71
Leven Links is one of the very oldest links courses in Scotland with golf dating back to the mid 1800's. Leven is thought to be the very first course in the world to feature 18 tees and 18 separate greens
A traditional links with rolling fairways, many of which are lined by ancient sand dunes, fast putting surfaces, burns and pot bunkers.
A six time Open Championship final qualifying venue, Leven has stood the test of time and continues to host leading amateur events and international matches to this day.
Ladybank
Old Tom Morris
Style: Heathland
Par: 72
Designed by Old Tom Morris, Ladybank is a rare beast in Fife – a tremendous inland course. It measures almost 6,800 yards from the championship tees, making great use of its heathland terrain. It has changed a little over the years, requiring the golfer to display real precision to hit the small and often contoured greens.
For lovers of the game away from the sea Ladybank Golf Club provides a classic heathland test and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest inland layouts in the British Isles.
Recently Ranked No 2 in Great Britain’s Top 100 Courses – £100 and under by National Club Golfer magazine.
—Where To Stay
Accommodation in Fife
- Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews
- Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
- Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews
- Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
- Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
- Tarskavaig B&B, St Andrews
- 7a St Andrews
- Green Tiles Holiday Accommodation
—Where To Golf