Hidden Gem Golf Courses to Play in Fife

The Kingdom of Fife is one of this game's true cradles; rich with history and variety on every corner. Understandably, the coastlines of East Lothian and Ayrshire receive acclaim, but when you consider what's available within the East Neuk of this region - traditional courses like St Andrews, Crail and Elie alongside modern classics Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie - then Fife may offer the perfect encapsulation of what makes Scottish golf special.

However, there is far more to this place than what you typically see topping the published rankings. "Hidden Gem" is a fairly redundant term these days in the age of the internet and social media ensuring that nowhere is genuinely undiscovered, but there are venues in Fife that don't receive wider recognition that offer a memorable and thoroughly pleasant experience on their own terms.

We take a look at just some of the best alternative courses that you should consider visiting!

Dunfermline Golf Club

A superb parkland layout that benefits from its location within the rolling woodlands of Pitfirrane Castle, Dunfermline Golf Club is one of the region's leading inland courses.

Golfshake Rating: 4.67

Green Fee: £45 - £85

Anstruther Golf Club

Undeniably a memorable nine-holer that draws visitors to the small fishing coastal town of Anstruther, its par 3 fifth hole - known as Rockies - was once voted the toughest short hole in the UK.

Golfshake Rating: 4.62

Green Fee: £20 - £25

Dunnikier Park Golf Club

Sitting almost perfectly Edinburgh and St Andrews in the large town of Kirkcadly, Dunnikier Park is an excellent inland course that offers an engaging challenge to golfers of all standards.

Golfshake Rating: 4.48

Green Fee: £16 - £20

Drumoig Golf Hotel

A fine venue just a few short miles from Dundee on the way to Dundee, Drumoig's underrated course has been laid out across 250 acres of spectacular Fife countryside.

Golfshake Rating: 4.46

Green Fee: £35 - £40

Aberdour Golf Club

A truly majestic parkland that rests alongside the Firth of Forth, offering wonderful views across the water to Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh.

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

Green Fee: £50 - £60

Pitreavie Golf Club

The historic town of Dunfermline is home to Pitreavie Golf Club, which was born from the imagination of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the genius behind Augusta National, Royal Melbourne and Cypress Point.

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Green Fee: £35 - £46

Lochgelly Golf Club

With beautiful views across the Ochil and Lomond Hills, Lochgelly is a gem in the heart of Fife, presenting a parkland design that is always displayed in fine fettle.

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

Green Fee: £15 - £20

Scoonie Golf Club

Positioned alongside the more famous Leven Links, Scoonie is a fine layout that enjoys a stunning setting with views across the Firth of Forth to the south.

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

Green Fee: £15 - £25

Balbirnie Park Golf Club

Located just outside the town of Glenrothes, Balbirnie Park is considered by some to be the finest parkland in Fife, with its immaculate conditioning always a highlight for members and visitors alike.

Golfshake Rating: 4.21

Green Fee: £40 - £60

St Michaels Golf Club

Near St Andrews on the road towards Dundee, St Michaels is a classic parkland that features many challenging holes, including some that play alongside the east coast railway line!

Golfshake Rating: 4.18

Green Fee: £15 - £46

Kinghorn Golf Club

Originally created by Old Tom Morris, Kinghorn is a rugged, proper links test that boasts panoramic vistas over the Firth of Forth from its modern clubhouse that was opened by Paul Lawrie.

Golfshake Rating: 4.15

Green Fee: £14 - £23

Burntisland Golf House Club

Designed by Open champion Willie Park Jr, Burntisland is home to one of the oldest golf clubs on the planet and features spectacular views across to Edinburgh and East Lothian, where you can easily see the likes of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Bass Rock, Berwick Law and the Forth Bridges.

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

Green Fee: £40 - £50

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