Best golf courses in Fife

With arguably the most storied golfing history of any region on the planet, the Kingdom of Fife is a pilgrimage that all golfers must make during their lifetimes. There are over 45 golf courses in Fife, with some of the finest layouts ever built (both old and new), including the likes of St Andrews Old Course and Kingsbarns.

Whilst there are many more to visit for those making multiple trips to the region, below are our list of the best golf courses in Fife.

Location: St Andrews | Par: 72 | Hosted: The Open 30+ times

No list of Fife’s best golf courses is complete without the Old Course at St Andrews, arguably the most famous golf course in the world. Development over recent years, as well as a greater appreciation of the architectural merits of the ‘Grand Auld Lady’ have also seen it climb back towards the top spots of global lists of ‘Best Courses in the world’.

With origins dating back to the 15th century, this course is the ultimate must-play for golfers. The Old Course is defined by its double greens, iconic Swilcan Bridge, and the daunting Road Hole, where you’re still incredibly encouraged to hit the ball dangerously close to The Old Course Hotel!

What more can we say, walking these historic fairways, shaped by centuries of play, is sure to exceed your every expectation, and something you’ll never forget.

Check out our top tips for getting a tee time at St Andrews Old Course

Key features:

• Double greens shared between holes, a rare architectural feature.
• The Swilcan Bridge, a globally recognized icon.
• The Road Hole (17th), one of golf’s toughest challenges, requires players to hit over The Old Course Hotel.

Location: 7 miles from St Andrews | Par: 72 | Hosts: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

A more-recently added jewel on the Fife coastline, Kingsbarns Golf Links combines modern design with traditional links charm and is regularly thought of as one of the top golf courses in Scotland. Situated just a few miles from the centre of St Andrews, this layout offers stunning views of the North Sea from nearly every hole.

It’s known around the world for its unbelievable conditioning, and despite its young age compared to most in the area, the holes here are becoming increasingly iconic, thanks to its annual joint hosting of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Key features:

• Impeccable course conditioning, regarded among the best in the world.
• Coastal setting, with sea views from nearly every hole.
• Annual host of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, alongside St Andrews Old and Carnoustie.

Location: St Andrews | Par: 71 | Designed by Old Tom Morris (1895)

Often overshadowed by its older sibling, the New Course at St Andrews is a masterpiece in its own right. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895 (making it one of the oldest ‘New’ courses in the world!), it offers a more traditional links experience with undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and slick greens.

The New Course is challenging yet accessible, providing a perfect balance of history, strategy, and playability. We know the members of the R&A love a jaunt around The New course for their weekend’s golf, thanks in part to the sheer demand for times on The Old. And if it’s good enough for them, then it’s guaranteed to deliver on a St Andrews golf trip!

Key features:

• A classic links layout, favoured by many locals and R&A members.
• Offers a less tourist-heavy experience compared to The Old Course.
• Tough but fair, making it a great test for all skill levels.

Location: Lower Largo | Par: 72 | Hosted Women’s Scottish Open

The newest course on this list and an easy addition to Fife’s best golf courses, Dumbarnie Links has quickly gained acclaim as a modern classic. Opened in 2020, the course was designed to provide a fun and dynamic experience, with wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning views of the Firth of Forth.

It’s rare that a course enters this hallowed golfing county with as much universal praise as Dumbarnie, and the course has already become a fixture of many golfing itineraries in Fife. Despite its youth, Dumbarnie has already hosted the Women’s Scottish Open, a testament to its quality and appeal … if you needed any more convincing!

Key features:

• Designed for fun—generous fairways and creative shot options.
• Hosted the Women’s Scottish Open, confirming its championship quality.
• A new favourite among golfers looking for an alternative to the St Andrews courses.

Location: St Andrews | Par: 71 | Opened in 2008

Perched on cliffs overlooking St Andrews Bay, the Castle Course is the most dramatic of the seven courses operated by the St Andrews Links Trust. Opened in 2008, this modern layout offers challenging greens, steep elevation changes, and breathtaking views.

This course offers something entirely different to others in the region, with much more change in elevation, and some of the heroic architectural choices that would have been a bridge too far for Old Tom Morris and the gang back in the 1800’s. We love the Castle Course and are sure you will too.

Key features:

• Challenging greens, requiring precise approach shots.
• Spectacular ocean views on almost every hole.
• Offers a completely different experience compared to other St Andrews layouts.

Location: St Andrews | Par: 72 | Championship heathland course

Set inland among rolling hills and woodlands, The Duke’s Course offers a striking contrast to the traditional links layouts of Fife. Situated around 5-minutes from the centre of St Andrew’s, this championship course features a parkland design with undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens.

The stunning views of the ‘Grey Auld Toon’ and the coastline add to the allure. The Duke’s provides a refreshing change of pace while maintaining the region’s world-class standard. It is partnered with The Old Course Hotel, and so those staying here can often benefit from excellent package offerings – ideal for adding an additional 18-holes in the evening perhaps?

Key features:

• Heathland layout, offering a contrast to traditional links courses.
• Rolling fairways and dense woodlands, adding a unique challenge.
• Beautiful panoramic views of St Andrews and the surrounding countryside.

Location: Elie | Par: 70 | Established in 1875

Elie is a quirky and charming links course with a unique character that dates back to 1875. Its opening hole famously features a periscope from a Royal Navy submarine to check if the fairway is clear.

The course itself is a delightful mix of strategic bunkering, natural terrain, and scenic coastal views. Playing Elie feels like stepping back in time, making it a truly special experience. For an authentic taste of local golf in the area, Elie is a great addition to any Scottish golf trip.

Key features:

• Unique periscope feature, offering a nostalgic and novel touch.
• Fast, firm fairways, providing a true links golf experience.
• Spectacular coastal setting, delivering breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth.

Location: Lundin Links | Par: 71 | Founded in 1868

Located on the East Neuk of Fife, Lundin Golf Club is another classic links course with an interesting history. The original layout was created in 1868, however, the club seemed to have disappeared less than a decade after opening.

Following a resurrection in 1889, the club has been in operation ever since, and like Elie, has primarily been a members’ haven in this busy golfing area. Nowadays, the club accepts visitors throughout the week, and we’d strongly recommend making the trip to Lundin on your visit to Fife.

Key features:

• Classic links layout with rolling fairways, firm greens, and scenic ocean views.
• Challenging coastal winds, making club selection crucial.

Location: Ladybank | Par: 71 | Former Open qualifying & Senior Open qualifying venue

For those seeking a break from links golf, Ladybank offers one of Scotland’s finest inland courses. Set amidst heather, pine trees, and rolling parkland, this championship course boasts pristine conditioning and a universally lauded layout. Ladybank has been a final qualifying venue for The Open, and its subtle design demands precision and strategy at every turn.

Key features:

• Heather-lined fairways and strategic bunkering require accuracy and control.
• Final Open Qualifying venue, making it a great test of championship golf.

Location: Leven | Par: 71 | Established in 1846

As one of Scotland’s [oldest golf clubs][1], [Leven Links][2] is a classic example of traditional links golf. Its fast-running fairways, natural dunes, and firm greens provide a pure links experience. The finishing hole, guarded by the Scoonie Burn, is one of the most challenging and memorable in Fife.

[1]: (/en-gb/inspiration/articles/oldest-golf-courses-in-the-world/ [2]: /en-gb/holidays/fife/leven-links-golf-club/

Over the past century, the course hasn’t changed dramatically and is on the shorter-side of modern-day scorecards – only stretching back to 6,551. However, relax at your peril with the wind able to make this layout feel significantly longer if visited on a particularly blowy day!

Key features:

• Fast-running fairways and natural dunes create a classic links experience.
• The legendary 18th hole, featuring the difficult Scoonie Burn hazard.

Location: Tayport | Par: 71 | World’s 13th oldest golf club

Located just a short drive from downtown St Andrews, Scotscraig is the world’s 13th-oldest golf club and offers a blend of heathland and links styles. Its firm fairways, well-placed bunkers, and subtle challenges make it a joy to play. The venue has also served as a final qualifying venue for The Open, further cementing its status as a hidden gem in the region.

Key features:

• A mix of heathland and links-style holes providing a unique playing experience.
• Historical significance as the 13th-oldest golf club in the world.

Location: Craighead | Par: 69 | Built in 1895 by Old Tom Morris

Another of the world’s oldest golfing institutions, Crail Golfing Society was initially formed in 1786. It’s Balcomie Links is a true historic treasure offers a traditional links layout with stunning views of the North Sea.

The stronger of Crail’s two courses, this routing was finished by Old Tom Morris in 1898, with the short par-4 holes being especially memorable, demanding both accuracy and creativity – rather than brute strength.

Key features:

• Old-world charm with traditional links design and stunning sea views.
• Short but tricky, requiring precision over power.

Location: St Andrews | Par: 72 | Five-star experience overlooking the St Andrews coastline

Set within the luxurious five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort, the Torrance Course offers a modern links experience with a championship pedigree. Designed by Sam Torrance, the course features undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and a spectacular clifftop view across the town of St Andrews and the bay.

The resort itself is steeped in luxury and is the ideal base for those looking for an unbeatable experience in the Home of Golf.

Key features:

• Clifftop holes with stunning views of St Andrews Bay.
• Designed by Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, blending resort luxury with strategic shot-making.

• Best time to visit: May–September for optimal weather.
• Booking tip: St Andrews Links courses use a ballot system; book Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie well in advance.
• Stay & play: The Old Course Hotel, Fairmont St Andrews, and local golf lodges offer excellent packages.