golf itinerary
East Neuk Golfing Gems
££ - nightsThe East Neuk of Fife offers some of the best golf courses Fife has to offer and this challenging 3-day experience takes in three absolute gems.
1Crail Golfing Society, Balcomie Links
Heralded as one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, Balcomie Links offers challenging fairways and a varied selection of 18 brilliant holes against a spectacular North Sea backdrop.
Much of the course was laid out by Old Tom Morris himself. Highlights include the aptly-named Hell Hole, a devilishly challenging drive across the bay, and the 14th (The Cave), a short Par 3 teeing from a hilltop tee box, where distance control is the order of play.
View the course
2Elie Links, Golf House Club
A course steeped in golfing history, the beautiful game has been played on this course since the 15th century.
Elie offers close cut running fairways with fast, true greens and is currently ranked 5th in Fife, 27th in Scotland and 85th in Great Britain. At 6,273 yards, the course is not long but its bunkers are beautifully placed to catch stray balls and challenge a golfer’s accuracy. The 10th to 13th holes offer a particularly thrilling run, culminating in the cliff-nestling 13th, widely-known as one of the best Par 4s in the land.
In addition, the quirky Starter’s Office with its periscope (salvaged from HMS Excalibur in 1966) provides the perfect view over the hill towards the 1st hole, ensuring there’s a suitable distance between groups of golfers.
3Fairmont St Andrews - Kittocks Course
The Kittocks is the flagship course of the 5-star Fairmont St Andrews resort, serving up a dramatic series of 18 meandering holes, which cleverly utilise the natural features of the rugged landscape.
Designed by Australian Open Championship winner Bruce Devlin, alongside renowned course architect Gene Sarazen, the Kittocks is constructed in an American style, with two lakes, two double greens and numerous (and hazardous) pot bunkers.
A particular feature of the course is a deep ravine named Kittock’s Den which offers interest and danger for wayward tee shots. However, the 15th is the overall star of this course, doglegging towards a clifftop green perilously hanging over the sea.
View the course
Beyond the golf
Places to visit
Bowhouse Market Weekend, St Monans – Savour the tastes and flavours of the very best of Fife produce (once a month).
Kingsbarns Distillery & Darnley’s Gin Cottage – Enjoy a spirited tour of one of Fife’s award-winning distilleries (and maybe a wee dram or two!).
Elie Seaside Sauna – Sweat away those golfing aches and pains in a sauna perched on the dunes before dashing into the waves for an invigorating dip!
Places to Eat & Drink
The Ship Inn – A round of golf followed by fine fare overlooking the Elie coastline (lookout for beach cricket during the summer).
Crail Golfing Society Clubhouse Restaurant – Views and food so good, it’s only open to CGS members and visiting golfers.
East Pier Smokehouse – Locally-caught, expertly-cooked seafood, including lobster, crab, langoustines, sea bass and haddock (closed in winter).
Places to Stay
Charleton Eco-Lodges
Balcomie Links Hotel
Fairmont St Andrews
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