CRAIL GOLFING SOCIETY, BALCOMIE LINKS - 15 POINTS
As you drive along the southern coast of Fife it seems you are passing golf courses pretty continuously. However, most people turn up to St Andrews before getting all the way to the eastern head where you will find the gorgeous setting of Crail Golfing Society. This is a part of Fife where many people have holiday homes or come to stay at one of the local guest houses or hotels and Crail is a perfect place for holiday golf. It is home to two courses - the Balcomie Links, dating back to the late 19th century and the modern Craighead course. Like oh-so-many courses in this part of the world, Old Tom Morris takes credit for designing Balcomie.
The course isn’t long - even off the back tees it is a 5,800 yard, par 69. The fairways and rough pretty much blend into one so you won’t lose too many balls, but that doesn’t mean it is without challenge
Firstly, this is a pretty exposed place. You are right on the coast, and while this is a dry part of Scotland, you should certainly expect some wind. It means you will get to craft and create some pretty unusual shots, which all adds to the fun!
Secondly, while it’s pretty wide off the tee, the greens are mischievous in places. Humps, hollows and even a double green all feature.
But while there are tests it is likely that a diverse group of golfers will enjoy Balcomie - you could play it with players of different generations or skill levels and everyone would find pleasure and, at times, a challenge.
You get out to the coast pretty soon with the par 3 4th hole giving you a good view of what is to come along the water on the subsequent holes. The 5th is a long par 4 which asks you a simple question from the tee - how much of the water are you willing to cut off? You are at the corner of the cove, hitting over it. I was far too conservative and, while I found dry ground, it meant there was no way I was going to get all the way up to the green with my second, especially with the water on the right.
The next few holes take you inland, but there is still fun to be had. A standout for me would be the short par 4 9th hole. It’s only 250 yards to the green but there’s out of bounds over a stone wall on the right. I played short and left and then there’s a big bunker to navigate - fat and you’re in it, thin and you’re over the wall! It was a lovely hole.
The short par 4 9th hole is a great fun test
From the 13th you have four par 3s and two par 4s, one of which is driveable. There are strong holes - the par 3 13th is 200+ yards up hill, over gorse, to a very well sloped green. The 14th is well protected with a sleepered bunker short and then a massive tier on the green. From the 14th hole you are back to holes with great views of the water.
The round finishes on a real high. Another 200+ yard par 3. I hit a three quarter driver, pin high and was delighted with the result, but the slope on the green was truly fiendish, robbing me of a birdie finish. The clubhouse is perched on the hill above looking down over the closing holes.
The long par 3 18th is overlooked by the clubhouse
It is a wonderful finish to this fun, holiday course. Old Tom designed plenty of courses which are more challenging, but few with such gorgeous views or which you could nip round quite so quickly. I was behind a three-ball most of the way, I was taking it nice and easily to enjoy the views, and we got round comfortably in under 3 hours. Golf as it should be.
BOOKING THE COURSE
You can book your round at Crail online here, although if you don’t find what you are after, I would recommend giving them a call as this is a very friendly club who will try to find a way to accommodate you.
Green fees range from £60 in the off-season on Balcomie to £135 in peak summer. I suspect this is at the top end of what many will want to pay for holiday golf, but you could consider the Day Ticket which includes a round on the Craighead course as well for £184. There is a very good junior rate available at only £25 and it’s worth looking on the website for other deals too.
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
Crail is on the very easterly tip of Fife. You’re only 20 minutes away from St Andrews so I imagine most will choose to stay there. If you are looking for accommodation on this coast though Crail has The Golf Hotel and Balcomie Links Hotel. Both have golf packages so check them out if you are looking for a deal.
Anstruther is only a short drive away and has a little more life to it than Crail. There are plenty of guest houses, Airbnbs and a couple of hotels there.
When it comes to places to play golf you are completely spoiled for choice. Crail is within a 30 minute drive of Kingsbarns, Elie, Lundin Links, Leven and Dumbarnie. Any or all of those would be worthy additions to a holiday depending on your budget. And you’ll always be able to get a game on one of St Andrews’ many great links courses.
CONTACT DETAILS
Crail Golfing Society
Balcomie Clubhouse,
Crail,
Anstruther KY10 3XN
Web - https://www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk/
Phone - +44 1333 450686
