DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2023
Leven
Kingsbarns
Kyle Philips worked his magic to create this spectacular course in the late 1990s . It is fluid , it is velvet and it is unforgettable . The course embraces the subtlety of links golf while lavishing it with charm and elegance . Set on Kingsbarns Bay , golfers will play over wide and rhythmic fairways to sweetly undulating greens . It is as hypnotic as it sounds and the course stretches for almost two miles along the coast , embracing three separate coves . The views of sea and coastline are only the turn of a head away and such beauty is reflected on the course with the wispy rough adding a golden hue , the series of slopes presenting holes on different levels and the variety of greens promising huge amounts of fun .
Leven Links
A links course through and through , and of that low-lying , deceptive and mischievous variety that makes you think holes look straightforward . Even the scorecard suggests you ’ ll have an easy day of it … until you look closely . From the forward Yellow tees there are three par fours of over 450 yards ( two of these are par fives from the back tees ). The wind will taunt you all day and this is a course that requires accuracy to find the fairways tucked between rough strewn dunes . Bump and run isn ’ t always on ( the memorable 456 yard 18th has the Scoonie Burn in front of the green ) but when it is , it ’ s a delicious opportunity to attack flags on the large greens . And mind the bunkers : slopes and hollows can steer your ball unerringly into the sand . That ’ s a links for you !
Monifieth ( Medal )
This course is well known for its narrow fairways , deep revetted bunkers and fast greens . It is strong links golf by any standard and there ’ s a second course here , too . The links eases you in gently with the opening ( and closing ) holes running calmly parallel to the railway line . You feel the momentum growing as you head out to the heart of the course and the Index 1 , par four 4th is all the introduction you need as the fairway narrows quickly to a green lost in a nest of dunes . For the next two hours you ’ ll encounter serious swagger as holes rumble over and through good sized dunes , creating plenty of blind spots and daunting shots . Sharp approach play required . The stands of pine trees add hugely to the setting . An Open Championship qualifying venue .
Ladybank
Dating back to 1879 ( and Old Tom Morris ), this attractive heathland course races through a landscape drenched in gorse , heather , pine and silver birch . It is bursting with colour and the club ’ s mascot – the red squirrel – tells you a lot . Even the drive in is wonderful , that long avenue of trees setting the tone and offering glimpses of golfers and fairways . The sandy soil promises tight turf , gentle undulations to fairways and fast firm greens . Combined with some deep bunkering it is little surprise that golfers wax lyrical about its links-like traits . The links resemblances end there , however , for this is a course where the trees call for caution and the narrow fairways reward accuracy . There is barely a straight hole and with only four par fours over 400 yards , beating the doglegs and subtle curves is your number one priority . The peacefulness of Ladybank is always enchanting .
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