Golf Guide: St Andrews
& Fife
The St Andrews and Fife region of Scotland offers an unparalleled golf experience, steeped in history and tradition. Often referred to as the “Home of Golf,” St Andrews is where the modern game was born, and it continues to be a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide.
The Old Course, with its iconic Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker, provides a challenging yet rewarding experience, allowing players to walk in the footsteps of legends. Beyond the Old Course, the region boasts a variety of world-class links courses, such as Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie Links, and the New Course, each offering its own unique test of skill amidst stunning coastal scenery. Golfers can also explore lesser-known gems like Elie, Lundin Links, and Crail, where the charm of traditional Scottish golf is beautifully preserved.
The experience is not just about the game; it’s about the camaraderie, the sense of history, and the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. Whether you’re tackling the famous Road Hole or enjoying a pint in one of St Andrews’ historic pubs, a golf trip to this region is a blend of challenge, tradition, and unforgettable memories.
Hidden Gem Courses
There are some exceptional hidden gem golf courses in and around St Andrews that deliver an authentic links experience, featuring challenging greens, breathtaking coastal views, and rich historical significance.
Elie (The Golf House Club)
13 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
Elie is a traditional links course with a quirky charm, located in the picturesque village of Elie. The course is known for its scenic views of the Firth and Forth and its unique starting hole, where a periscope from a submarine is used to check if the fairway is clear.
Why it’s a Gem: Elie offers a blend of fun and challenge, with a layout that requires strategic thinking. It’s a lesser-known course that provides an authentic links experience in a stunning coastal setting.
Leven Links
15 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
Levin links is one of the oldest golf courses in Scotland, offering a classic links experience. The course is characterised by its fast-running fairways, challenging greens, and natural dunes.
Why it’s a Gem: Often overshadowed by nearby courses, Leven Links is a hidden gem that provides a traditional links challenge at a reasonable price. The course’s history and well-maintained layout make it a must-play for those exploring Fife.
Lundin Golf Club
12.5 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
Adjacent to Leven Links, Lundin Golf Club is another historic course with a reputation for quality. The course features a mix of links and parkland holes, offering variety and a challenge for golfers of all levels.
Why it’s a Gem: Lundin is highly regarded by those in the know but doesn’t attract the same level of of attention as some of the more famous courses. Its strategic layout and scenic views make it a hidden treasure in the Fife golf landscape.
Crail Golfing Society (Balcomie Links)
11 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
Balcomie links is part of the Crail Golfing Society, the seventh-oldest golf club in the world. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the course offers a true links experience with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Why it’s a Gem: Despite its historical significance and stunning location, Balcomie Links remains a hidden gem compared to the more famous St Andrews courses. The course’s natural beauty and traditional layout provide a memorable round of golf.
Scotscraig Golf Club
11 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
Scotscraig is the 13th oldest golf club in the world and offers a blend of links and heathland golf. Located just a short drive from St Andrews, the course is known for its challenging layout and wall-maintained greens.
Why it’s a Gem: Scotscraig often flies under the radar, but it’s a favourite among locals and those who appreciate a challenging, well-designed course. The mix of heathland and links features makes it a unique and enjoyable round.
Dumbarnie Links
12 miles from Rusacks St Andrews
With its firm, fast-running conditions and ocean views, Dumbarnie Links has quickly gained a reputation as one of Scotland’s must-play modern links courses.
Why it’s a Gem: Wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and dramatic elevation changes provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Five-Day Golf Itinerary
This five-day golf itinerary in St Andrews and Fife offers the perfect blend of championship courses, hidden gems, and rich golfing history. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or discovering a new favourite course, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable golf experience in the Home of Golf.
Day One
Morning arrival in St Andrews; settle into your room at Rusacks. Take a leisurely walk around the seaside town, exploring the medieval street, St Andrews Castle, and the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. Afternoon tee time at the Eden Course, which is known for its more forgiving layout. Dinner at The Seafood Ristorante, which offers fresh, local seafood and stunning views of St Andrews Bay.
Day Two
Morning tee time at the legendary Old Course or enjoy the spectacular views at Dumbarnie Links. Lunch at The Bridge. Afternoon visit to the British Golf Museum to dive deeper into the history of the sport. Return to Rusacks for a Glendronach whisky experience in Room 116, serving the best view in golf.
Day Three
Morning tee time at Kingsbarns Golf Links, one of Scotland’s finest coastal courses, known for its breathtaking views and challenging holes. After golf, drive along the coast to explore the charming fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther. Enjoy a famous fish and chips lunch at the Anstruther Fish Bar. Return to St Andrews for drinks at The Dunvegan, followed by dinner at 18 Restaurant rooftop.
Day Four
Morning tee time at Crail Golfing Society (Balcomie Links), one of the world’s oldest golf clubs, offering more traditional links experience with stunning sea views. Afternoon tee time at Lundin Links known for its challenging and well-maintained course. Dinner at The Peat Inn, a Michelin-starred dining experience in a charming country setting, perfect for celebrating a great day of golf.
Day Five
Morning tee time at The Jubilee Course, often considered the most challenging of the St Andrews Links courses. Spend your last few hours exploring more of St Andrews, picking up any final souvenirs, visiting the university grounds, or enjoying a pint and a burger in One Under Bar.
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