Crail Golfing Society, Balcomie Course
This is a must while in Fife, the club was founded in 1786 and the course is one of the most traditional in the area. Old Tom Morris design, short, quirky, very exposed to the elements, windy, beautiful and most of all, great fun. The membership and pro staff are wonderful, David Snodgrass, the new director of golf, is one of the nicest and most dedicated pros in golf!
Best Holes – 1 Downhill par 4 can be drivable downwind, but beware, there is a small burn directly behind the small green. 5 Hell’s Hole is a long par 4 dogleg right with the sea along the right of the hole. You must carry the dogleg as the beach is out of bounds. #14 “The Cave” is a beautiful downhill par 3 with a bunker with sleeper ties guarding the entire front of the green. Large multi-tiered green. Even being down hill, most players come up short here, take a little extra. Between here and 15 you will see the cave. This is where, legend has it, King Constantine I met his demise in AD 877.
Crail Craighead Links – Looking out toward East Lothian, Isle of May and Bass Rock, the views on Craighead are some of the best in Fife. This was Gil Hanse’s first course in Scotland and he did a wonderful job. The holes are varied, more challenging overall than Balcomie, but still fun to play. Crail makes for a fantastic 36 hole day.
Best Holes – #4 “Hollow Flats” is a strong dogleg right par 4. Choose your line and club carefully from the tee. The windmill is a good line, but if downwind the rough can be reached. The second plays toward the sea, you should plan to fly your approach to the hole.
While you are there – The clubhouse has wonderful views of the final 4 holes and the sea. This is a must spot before or after your round to have a bite or a pint and look at all of the historic trophies. Be sure to say hello to David Snodgrass, the director of golf, honestly one of the nicest people in golf! The town is very nice and well worth spending some time, but we normally end up staying in St. Andrews.