Golf and Whisky - a perfect Scottish pairing

Whether you're visiting St Andrews for a bucket-list golf trip or exploring Fife’s hidden gem courses, here’s how to make the most of Scotland’s two greatest pastimes.

1. Kingsbarns Golf Links & Kingsbarns Distillery
Golf: Kingsbarns Golf Links is a modern classic. With stunning coastal views, wide fairways, and undulating greens, it’s a must-play for any golfer. The layout is challenging but fair, and the dramatic seaside setting makes every hole a picture-perfect experience.
Whisky: Just a five-minute drive from the course, Kingsbarns Distillery is one of Scotland’s newer whisky producers. Known for its light and fruity Lowland-style whisky, it’s a great stop for a tour and tasting session after your round. Try the Kingsbarns Dream to Dram for a smooth, approachable whisky with hints of vanilla and orchard fruits.



2. St Andrews Links & Eden Mill Distillery
Golf: Playing at St Andrews Links is a pilgrimage for any golfer. The Old Course is legendary, but the New, Jubilee, and Castle Courses offer equally thrilling challenges.
Whisky & Gin: While Eden Mill started as a craft brewery and gin distillery, they’ve now ventured into whisky production. Their limited-edition single malts are worth trying, and their gin selection is among Scotland’s finest. The new multi-million Eden Mill Distillery & Visitor Centre opens in July 2025, located just outside St Andrews, and makes for the perfect stop to enjoy a whisky tasting or a gin cocktail.



3. Lundin Golf Club & Daftmill Distillery
Golf: Lundin Golf Club is a hidden gem of links golf. This Open Championship qualifying course features fast fairways, deep bunkers, and incredible sea views. It's a strategic course that rewards accuracy and smart shot-making.
Whisky: Daftmill Distillery is a rare, family-run farm distillery producing small-batch single malt whisky. Unlike most distilleries, they operate on a seasonal basis, meaning their whisky is both limited and highly sought after. A tour here is an intimate and unique experience, perfect for whisky enthusiasts, booked by arrangement only.



4. Ladybank Golf Club & Lindores Abbey Distillery
Golf: Ladybank Golf Club is one of Scotland’s finest inland courses. A classic heathland layout, it features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and a demanding test of accuracy. It’s a former Open Championship qualifying course, making it a great challenge for serious golfers and one of Fife golfing hidden gems.

Whisky: Lindores Abbey is considered the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, with distillation records dating back to 1494. Their modern distillery is beautifully designed, offering a great tour, apothecary experience and tastings.



How to Plan Your Golf & Whisky Experience
Book early! Tee times at St Andrews and Kingsbarns especially fill up fast.
Check distillery tour availability. Many require advance bookings, especially smaller ones like Daftmill.
Bring a designated driver or hire transport. Whisky tasting is best enjoyed responsibly!