Welcome to Fife: 50 Courses. One legendary golf destination.

From picturesque fishing villages and bustling towns to ancient sites and beautiful countryside, it’s easy to understand why Fife, which boasts Scotland’s largest continuous coastal path, has become one of the world’s most popular destinations.

This is where golf began. St Andrews is renowned as the Home of Golf, and Fife is on the bucket list of every golfer worldwide, thanks to its array of incredible golf courses.

With over 50 to choose from, the iconic Old Course is the most famous, surrounded by other links gems, but let that take nothing away from the lesser-known courses that also guarantee excellent golf experiences.

Budget-friendly options, as well as winter choices, make this a year-round golf destination, while the range of accommodation, unique and authentic experiences, and stunning coastline should encourage everyone to enjoy a golf stay or long break.

There is no better time to visit Fife, with The Open – golf’s oldest major championship – set to return to St Andrews in 2027. Meanwhile, the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October is just one of many prestigious golf events that takes place each year.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to uncover what Fife has to offer…

• Dumbarnie Links: Is this Scotland’s best golf experience?

• This golf resort should be near the top of your 2025 golf list

On The Tee

A true golf mecca, Fife is widely regarded as the original birthplace of golf and, therefore, is a goldmine for some of the best and most challenging courses in Scotland.

St Andrews, said to welcome over 600,000 overnight visitors each year, is home to the most diverse range of courses in the region. No fewer than seven are operated by the St Andrews Links Trust, including The Old Course. Playing all 18 holes here is to follow in the footsteps of golf greats and, best of all, it’s open to the public.

Located directly across the road from the first tee is the R&A World Golf Museum, where visitors can explore the rich history of golf from its very beginnings up until the modern day.

Of course, golfers are not limited to St Andrews Links courses, which also includes the esteemed Castle Course and Jubilee to name but two. Allow us to share some of our other favourites…

Ladybank Golf Club

Located near Cupar, Ladybank is a fabulous course. With a beautiful heathland backdrop, it’s one of the finest inland courses in the UK. An undoubted gem, it was designed by Old Tom Morris and measures almost 6,800 yards from the championship tees. The fairways are lined with heather and trees, leading towards small and often contoured greens.

Kingarrock Hickory Golf

At Hill of Tarvit, near Cupar, a special nine-hole experience awaits. Kingarrock Hickory Golf is the only remaining round of its kind in the country. After a presentation from staff, you’ll grab the old gear and head out for a game. No 250-yard drives here – just brilliant fun. And, afterwards, the reward is a glass of ginger beer and a plate of shortbread.

Burntisland Golf House Club

Designed by Willie Park Jnr and later revised by James Braid, the present course at Burntisland can claim its origins from 1897. It’s a parkland layout with several links-like features, so play safe and you might fare best of your group. Length is not the main feature of the course, either, meaning accurate shots are well rewarded, while some reprieve can be found in the generous fairways.

Elie Golf House Club

The Golf House Club is home to Elie, a stunning 18-hole links course on the east coast of Scotland. The opening tee shot is a blind one, with that theme continuing as the round progresses. There are also no par-5s, while the best stretch comes around the turn, as the 11th, 12th and 13th all run along the coast.

Dumbarnie Links

For a true taste of Fife, there aren’t many better places than Dumbarnie Links. It offers a unique first tee tradition: a wee dram. That will set you up for a round on one of the world’s best new courses, an incredible links with a spectacular setting around the golden sands of Largo Bay. Designed by Clive Clark, this modern challenge is one that every avid golfer simply can’t miss. With an emphasis on having fun irrespective of your handicap, it will take your breath away from the moment you walk through the clubhouse and look down the first hole and across the Firth of Forth. With five options of which length golf course to play, Dumbarnie – sprawled across 345 acres of glorious Fife coastline – is spectacular whichever way you look at it.

Lundin Golf Club

Scottish golf at its very best. Expect several blind shots, numerous hazards and rolling fairways with unexpected bumps, whilst the sea is visible from every corner. Located on the south coast, it’s also home to the Lundin Ladies, one of the oldest ladies golf clubs in Scotland. It welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities, whilst, on it, you’ll find the unique standin stanes in the middle of the third fairway.

Crail Golfing Society

Yet more history can be discovered at Crail Golfing Society, the seventh oldest golf club in the world. Founded in 1786 the club dates back to the very origins of the Royal and Ancient game and ensures no two rounds are the same, no matter if you play over the highly regarded Balcomie or Craighead Links courses. Notable features include wide, sweeping fairways, large, expansive greens and sizeable bunkers.

Dunfermline Golf Club

Also known as Pitfirrane, this 18-hole course is set in the woodlands of its namesake castle and is a parkland classic with plenty of historical significance. In fact, it’s 600 years old, while the club was formed in 1887. There are five par-5s to contend with, but Dunfermline’s 19th hole is the perfect place to relax afterwards. A great balance of challenge and enjoyment.

Leven Links

Many of the rolling fairways at Leven Links are ancient sand dunes, while the fast putting surfaces, burns, and pot bunkers, combine to create a true links test. This place is steeped in history, as the first nine holes were originally laid out in 1846. That makes it one of the oldest that has ever been played on, and its Open qualifying credentials are easy to see.

Off The Course

Despite its relatively small size, Fife has plenty to offer away from the golf course.

WHERE TO STAY

When it comes to accommodation, Fife has it all. Escape the hustle and bustle by unwinding at one of Fife’s many rural retreats. Perched among the treetops within the enchanting Airdit Woods, near Cupar, you’ll find Bracken Treehouse, offering a cosy hideaway for two, while the eight luxury safari lodges at Catchpenny in the East Neuk enjoy stunning views. If you want to stay on a farm, Bramble Brae, situated just outside of Culross, is an idyllic peaceful escape. And if you simply can’t shake the golf bug, check out Hawkswood House near St Andrews, a luxury self-catering property that boasts its own putting green, what more can you ask for?

WHERE TO EAT

Fife truly is a growing foodie destination, with visitors making the trip to this part of Scotland for the grub alone. From freshly caught seafood in the East Neuk, to award-winning fish and chips in Anstruther and homemade ice cream at Jannettas Gelataria, in St Andrews, it’s clear to see why. Meanwhile, Fisher and Donaldson – around the corner from the famous ice cream shop – is a 5th generation Scottish family baker home to THE fudge donut. Good food and drink can also be enjoyed with a view in Fife. That’s certainly the case at the Mediterranean style East Pier Smokehouse on the breathtaking St Monans coast. The Shore – Grill & Fish House, in North Queensferry, sits in the shadow of the Forth Bridge, while there are plenty of Michelin recommended restaurants, too.

GETTING AROUND

The East Coast is one of the most scenic rail lines and the new Levenmouth rail link, which opened in 2024, means you can now visit this nostalgic seaside town by rail. If you prefer exploring on foot, take the Fife Coastal Path to appreciate Fife’s stunning coastline or the Fife Pilgrim Way, a popular 64-mile walking route from Culross to St Andrews.

MUST VISITS

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Fife. If you’re looking for something special to add to your bucket list, take note. History awaits at Fife Folk Museum, Crail Museum & Heritage Centre, and Falkland Palace, which was used in the filming of Outlander. Explore the fascinating Wemyss Caves, take a boat trip to the magical Isle of May, or visit Dunfermline – Scotland’s newest city – and make memories of a lifetime. Your Fife adventure starts here – plan your golf break today.

Check out the new Fife Golf website launched by Welcome to Fife. Including a Course Finder tool, which includes everything you need to know about each course, it provides a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in playing golf in Fife. The site also features a series of itineraries, golf tour operators, news and interviews, as well as a history timeline and photo gallery.

Visit the website for more information: www.welcometofife.com/golf-in-fife

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