Fife beyond the Old Course.
The ballot said no. Kingsbarns, Crail, Elie and Lundin say yes, and some of them are better value than you'd think.
The trip in a minute
Most people go to Fife for the Old Course and come home talking about somewhere else. If the ballot doesn't go your way, there's a coastline of brilliant links within half an hour of St Andrews.
Kingsbarns is the big-ticket round. Crail, Elie and Lundin are older, cheaper and every bit as much fun.
The courses
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Par 72 · about 7,180 yards · opened 2000
Kyle Phillips' modern links right on the North Sea, and a Dunhill Links venue. The price matches: about £486 in peak season 2026, with a cheaper replay rate within seven days.
Crail Golfing Society
Balcomie par 69 (Old Tom Morris) · Craighead par 72 (Gil Hanse) · founded 1786
One of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Balcomie hugs the cliffs; Craighead is the longer, newer course. Far kinder on the wallet than Kingsbarns.
Elie, The Golf House Club
Par 70 · no par 5s
Famous for the starter's periscope, which came from a submarine, because you can't see the first fairway from the tee. A charming, fast-running links.
Lundin Golf Club
Open final qualifying venue when The Open is at St Andrews
A proper links at Lundin Links, a short drive along the coast. Fees vary a lot by season and time of day.
Which course to play on which day, the tees to pick for your handicap, and the holes you'll still be talking about at the bar.
Join the ClubhouseMembers' love-hates
Been? Tell us the one thing you loved and the one thing you'd change. The best go up here with your name and handicap.
Send your love-hateKeep planning.
East Lothian, ScotlandA week of links golf east of Edinburgh
North Berwick, Gullane and the hidden gems in between.
Costa Blanca, SpainOrihuela Costa for a winter fourball
Las Colinas, Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor within a short drive. Paul's old stomping ground.
Murcia, SpainAltaona: the new course under the mountains
A modern par 72 in the foothills of the Sierra de Carrascoy, with a society scene to match.