15 of The Best Golf Courses in Fife

By: Liam Moore | Mon 23 Oct 2023

Scotland is a rich golfing country that is home to some of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world.

The region of Fife is particularly interesting too, with layouts such as St Andrews, Elie and Dumbarnie Links all within close proximity of one another.

Below, we provide information on 15 of the best golf courses in Fife - use these suggestions as encouragement to book a Scottish golf tour!

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Kingbarns Golf Links is part of the heritage of links golf that can be found in the stunning area of St Andrews. Kyle Phillips is the man responsible for the wonderful design, which is home to spectacular views of the North Sea. The Dunhill Links Championship is contested at Kingsbarns annually, as well as the Old Course and Carnoustie Golf Links.

Dumbarnie Links

The setting of Dumbarnie Links is part of its charm, with the surrounding sea providing havoc on breezy days. The layout is designed in a varied manner, with plenty of holes offering birdie opportunities - but just as many demanding you take the safe option. With outrageously good views, this is golf at its very best.

The Golf House Club, Elie

Elie is another venue that benefits from an envious location. It has become one of the most regarded golf clubs throughout Scotland, as the challenge of the undulating fairways are further enhanced through fast and firm greens of the highest order. Measuring 6,273 yards from the tips, it isn’t the longest course you’ll play, but a collection of bunkers cranks the difficulty further.

St Andrews Links

St Andrews Links is one of the most known collection of golf courses throughout the world, rivalling iconic sites such as Pinehurst in the US. The three main layouts that comprise the most significant portion of the links; the Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course all run parallel to each other. Facing the opposite side of the land is the Eden, Strathtyrum courses and the Balgove, which is the only nine-hole course at the links.

Dunfermline Golf Club

The uniqueness of Dunfermline adds to its attraction, as the layout boasts five par fives and five par threes to produce a different experience of golf. J.R. Stutt was the chief designer and he successfully created a golfing masterpiece that has been enjoyed by different generations of golfer. The parkland setting will provide a challenge for all levels of ability.

Lundin Golf Club

Another venue that is located closely to St Andrews is Lundin Golf Club, which would act as a fantastic addition for any Scottish golf tour. Having been established in 1868, James Braid was tasked with redesigning the golf course that was originally sketched by Tom Morris. A blend of fine links fairways and devious greens act as the ultimate golfing challenge.

Anstruther Golf Club

Another historic Scottish club is Anstruther, which originally opened their doors back in 1890. Historically, the course opened as seven holes before extending to nine after the war. Outstanding views over Anstruther Harbour and the Isle of May can be enjoyed, but golfers must be warned that that the 5th hole was voted as the toughest par three in the UK!

Drumoig Golf Hotel

Drumoig Golf Hotel is home to a championship golf course that was created to accompany the Scottish National Golf Centre, and only opened for play in 1996. The location benefits from natural stunning scenery, which is something all golfers comment on. A number of natural features demonstrate why Drumoig is such a pure experience of golf.

Aberdour Golf Club

A wonderful golf course can be found at Aberdour, which boasts a parkland setting that is located relatively near to the sea. A selection of holes run adjacent to the shore of the River Forth, which provides spectacular vistas across the Forth to Edinburgh and beyond in the distance. The varied views of Aberdour are something that should be experienced by every golfer.

Pitreavie Golf Club

Pitreavie exudes a parkland nature, but there are several links-like holes that provide a fantastic challenge. The course only extends to just over 6,000 yards from the tips, which should encourage an array of handicaps to visit. Boasting a par of 70, this can be deemed as a scoreable course that better players should go low on.

Crail Golfing Society

The famous Crail Golfing Society is situated only 12 miles from St Andrews and boasts a terrific and prosperous history. Having opened for business in 1786, two championship golf courses of the highest standard reside on the premises. Whether you tackle the Balcomie or Craighead Links, you are guaranteed a stern test of golf.

Fairmont St Andrews

Fairmont St Andrews is home to two tremendous layouts that weave over the rolling landscape. The Torrance Course only opened in 2001 yet the stunning views of the North Sea will leave a lasting memory. The Kittocks Course - formerly known as Devlin Course - provides the greatest challenge of the two, with Gene Sarazen and Bruce Devlin responsible for the design of the latter.

Ladybank Golf Club

Ladybank Golf Club is a classic heathland layout that is set amongst silver birch, heather and pine trees. The championship routing ranges 6,754 yards off the medal tees whilst also boasting two loops of nine holes. Open Championship Final Qualifying has taken place at Ladybank on eight occasions, with the club also acting as a Senior Open Championship Final Qualifying venue.

Dunnikier Park Golf Club

When it comes to parkland golf in Fife, seldom is Dunnikier Park beaten from both a golfing and hospitality perspective. Boasting picturesque features, Dunnikier can offer both higher and lower handicaps a brilliant experience of golf. Located only 30 minutes from St Andrews and Edinburgh, this is another great choice if you’re looking to create a Scottish golf tour.

The Duke’s St Andrews

The Duke’s St Andrews has only been in operation since 1995, yet it has created a fantastic reputation for itself in such a short period. Peter Thomson, the five-time Open Champion, created the design before it was redesigned in 2004 by the Kohler Company - who are responsible for the famed Whistling Straits.