Iona Stephen on her passion for Fife and Golf’s spiritual home

How did St Andrews, the Home of Golf, shape your love for golf? 
Although I didn’t grow up in St Andrews, I have fond memories of visiting as a child. But it was when I went to university there to study History of Art that I truly fell in love—with the town, and with golf. There’s something about St Andrews: a symbiotic relationship between the town and its golf courses. One simply wouldn’t exist without the other.

My connection to the game deepened during those years, and St Andrews became the launchpad for my career in golf. I stayed in first year at Agnes Blackadder Hall, and it just so happened to be a brisk ten-minute walk to the driving range from my room—entirely coincidental, of course! These days, my whole family lives in Fife, and I’m proud to call the Kingdom home too. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a place so rich in golfing history and very much at the epicentre of the game.
 
What was the first club you ever played at, and do you still visit?
The first place I played in St Andrews was the Himalayas Putting Green. A rite of passage, I think. It’s such a fun and iconic little course, and I still love going there—especially in the summer—but I’ve been known to roll a few putts in the winter months too. We filmed a special episode there for our YouTube channel, which was great fun. My dog, Deleas, even makes a cameo—she takes his putting very seriously. 
 
What are your favourite Fife courses or holes to play, and why? 
We’re spoilt for choice in Fife. I’m a member at Crail Golfing Society, and have a lot of love for the Balcomie Links. The par-3 14th hole, ‘The Cave’, is a standout for me. It boasts one of the best views in golf. Dumbarnie Links and Kingsbarns are both high on the list of unforgettable golfing experiences, for their condition and sheer beauty. And when I’m in search of an inland challenge, I head to Ladybank. It’s a wonderful course that asks very different questions of your game. 
 
What’s a hidden gem course in Fife that visitors might overlook? 
Links and Leven Links often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. Both are steeped in history and have hosted plenty of prestigious events over the years. They offer a classic, authentic links test—and for those in the know, they’re an essential addition to any Fife golf itinerary. 
 
What’s your favourite non-links course in the region, and why?
Ladybank Golf Club. It’s a beautiful inland course, set amongst the trees, offering a very different challenge from the coastal links. I played it regularly with the university team when I was a student, and it taught me a lot about my game. Unlike the links, you can’t always get away with the odd thinned shot—Ladybank demands precision. The fairways are narrower, and the trees can cause havoc if you haven’t quite got your ‘A’ game on site. 
 
Do you have any insider golfing tips for visitors to Fife? 
Absolutely. Take a putter down to the West Sands early one morning in St Andrews and recreate Seve’s iconic scene from Seve: The Movie. Or, if you prefer, leave the putter at home and channel Chariots of Fire instead—trainers optional. For me, there’s something quite magical about walking those sands with a club in hand. It’s a bucket list experience for any golf lover. Just don’t forget to check the tide times. 
 
Do you have any plans to shoot upcoming videos in the region? 
Yes! We’re filming three episodes in Fife this year as part of our Chasing The Red series. We’ve got some fantastic VIP guests joining us, and I have to say, Fife is my favourite filming location of them all. There’s something special about being home—especially when home happens to be St Andrews.