Destination Golf Scotland 2021
Elie
Crail ( Balcomie )
Laid out along a promontory which juts into the North Sea , the Balcomie links is a par 69 , measuring 5,900 yards from the back tees . Don ’ t let that fool you though , for the ever-present wind has to be tackled all day long . This is traditional , open links , laid out by Old Tom Morris , and several holes are on show from the high 1st tee . It promises an adrenaline-fuelled start , which continues as you must drive over the beach on holes 4 and 5 . The course is quite narrow as it works its way along the seashore and the six par threes use the dune tops ( and a cliff or two ) to perfection . Stunning views . The Craighead course makes Crail a delightful double act .
Edzell ( Old )
The tall trees stretch elegantly across this landscape to give Edzell its easy air and pace . The highly regarded firm of Mackenzie and Ebert upgraded the course in 2015 , but there ’ s little doubt that the masterful design came from James Braid in the 1930s , and Bob Simpson before that . The course combines heathland and parkland traits , with tree-lined corridors framing holes while still offering a generous enough width to make driving a pleasure . The quality of the course ’ s presentation is also worth noting and the gently contoured greens will appeal to everyone . Located between Aberdeen and Dunfermline , the Angus Glens create a backdrop that ’ s easy on the eye and helps to establish the rhythm of the golf course .
Elie
A crafty , cunning and quirky links , Elie has been entertaining golfers for generations . None other than James Braid began his golf here and , after Old Tom Morris extended the course to 18 holes in 1895 , it was Braid who later revised it . This is the sort of links that plays with the golfer ’ s ambition : it is not long but it requires the utmost respect . There are blind shots , perfectly positioned and treacherous bunkers , and large greens with surfaces like glass . There are stunning views , too , both from high up and down next to the Firth of Forth . There are 16 par fours and two par threes but you won ’ t have time to notice … you ’ ll be far too focused on Elie ’ s thrills . Enjoy the periscope in the starter ’ s hut … how ’ s that for quirky ?
Dunfermline
The golf course at Dunfermline is a gentle and charming parkland , routed around the old Halkett estate . Indeed , the clubhouse embraces its 15th century heritage ( Pitfirrane House ) so there ’ s a certain elegance to it all . The course moves over a lightly rolling landscape and between the trees , which can certainly present problems on the doglegs . The course was designed in the 1950s ( the club dates back far longer ) and the five par fives and five par threes add a little twist to your round , especially as three of those par fives are in your last four holes . The course is well known for the thrills of its par threes with the 9th and 16th proving particular favourites . Arranged in two loops of nine and promising a short par 72 , this is as relaxing a day ’ s golf as you could ask for .
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