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Delightful 9 hole courses are perfect for a quick game or a family outing while there is plenty of variety for those who enjoy a real challenge. Superb links courses proliferate in this picturesque county blessed with a coastline of some 100 miles. Many would argue that you haven't really played the game until you've pitted your wits on a Fife links course. It's a different experience. It's almost a different game. Drier, firmer ground conditions call for tricky little 'bump and run' shots and those sea breezes can really test the quality of the strike. It is no accident that the cream of the world's golfers thrive in these surroundings or that prestigious tournaments like the Open Championship, the Ladies British Open, the Curtis Cup and the Dunhill Links are played here. However, while famous venues like the Old Course and Kingsbarns remain as popular as ever, they are complemented by a plethora of, less well-known but equally enjoyable, hidden gems. At St Andrews, the Links Trust are in the process of adding a seventh course to their stable with the development of the Castle Course and there are two splendid courses at The Fairmont St Andrews. Each of these cliff top courses have outstanding views out over the North Sea. Further down the coast, Balcomie and Craighead Links belong to Crail Golfing Society - the seventh oldest golf club in the world. Golf is enjoyed by local people as much as by visitors here and there are delightful courses to be found in many of the fishing villages and towns along the shores of the Firth of Forth. A number of good inland courses, such as Ladybank, Balbirnie Park and Dunfermline, have charms of their own and provide very pleasant golfing experiences. You can choose to have your trip organised for you by one of the many tour operators in the area or, if you prefer to be independent, you will find the staff at our Tourist Information Centres friendly and knowledgeable. They will also be able to guide you in your choice of accommodation. Wherever you choose to stay in Fife, you will find that golfers are given a very warm welcome. When you are not playing the game, there are a number of other golf attractions to satisfy your appetite. The British Golf Museum, situated right behind the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, tells the story of the game from its origins to the present day or you could walk the Old Course with an expert guide. Golf has been a way of life here for more than 500 years and it is the continuing respect for the traditions of the game which gives the place its unique atmosphere.
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Golfing in Fife