East Neuk Golfing

Anstruther Golf Club

Distance: Less than 1 mile | Travel Time: 3-minute drive / 10-minute walk

Small but mighty, Anstruther Golf Club is a hidden gem right on the doorstep of May Cottage. This 9-hole course may look modest at first glance, but it offers a serious challenge—especially the famous 5th hole, “The Rockies,” a short par 3 that has been repeatedly voted one of the toughest in the UK.

The course is perched on dramatic cliffs, with views sweeping across Anstruther Harbour and out to the Isle of May. It’s perfect for a relaxed morning round or a spontaneous afternoon game. Visitors are welcome, and tee times can be booked directly on the club’s website or by phone.

Great for: Casual golfers, local character, coastal views Booking: [Available online or via phone – visitors welcome]

Crail Golfing Society (Balcomie Links & Craighead Links)

Distance: 5.9 miles | Travel Time: 13-minute drive

Founded in 1786, Crail Golfing Society is the 7th oldest golf club in the world, and it boasts two stunning courses: Balcomie Links, a classic Old Tom Morris-designed course, and the newer Craighead Links, a cliffside challenge with panoramic sea views.

Balcomie is known for its historic charm, blind shots, and dramatic seaside holes, while Craighead offers a longer and slightly more modern layout with no trees—just you, the ball, and the ocean breeze.

Both courses welcome visitors and offer online booking for tee times. The clubhouse also has a great restaurant with views over the course and the Firth of Forth.

Great for: Links purists, history buffs, photographers Booking: [Online booking available on their website]

Elie Golf House Club

Distance: 5.8 miles | Travel Time: 13-minute drive

With origins dating back to 1875, Elie Golf House Club is a charming and unusual course that begins with a periscope (!) to view the first fairway before you tee off. Quirky features aside, Elie offers a classic links experience—fast fairways, coastal winds, and beautifully maintained greens.

The course doesn’t have a single par 5, but its subtle challenges, blind shots, and cleverly placed bunkers keep even experienced players on their toes. The village of Elie also makes for a great post-round stop, with beachfront pubs and cafes nearby.

Great for: Traditionalists, unique experiences, all skill levels Booking: [Visitor bookings accepted via the club's website]

Lundin Golf Club

Distance: 11 miles | Travel Time: 23-minute drive

Situated just outside Leven, Lundin Golf Club is known for its combination of links and parkland features, offering a slightly different feel from the coastal layouts nearby. The course dates back to 1868 and features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning coastal views across Largo Bay.

The challenge here lies in its variety—open links-style holes transition into tighter tree-lined sections, making it a test of accuracy and adaptability. The course has hosted Final Qualifying for The Open, making it a respected spot among serious players.

Great for: Competitive golfers, Open enthusiasts, varied terrain Booking: [Tee times available online or through the pro shop]

St Andrews Links (Old Course & More)

Distance: 10 miles | Travel Time: 18-minute drive

Welcome to the “Home of Golf.” St Andrews Links needs little introduction. It is the world’s most famous golfing destination, with seven public courses to choose from, including the legendary Old Course, where golf has been played for over 600 years.

While the Old Course requires either a ballot system or advance application, the other courses like the New Course, Jubilee, and Castle Course are more accessible and equally scenic. The area is steeped in history, and the entire town revolves around golf—from the clubhouses to the iconic Swilcan Bridge.

Great for: Bucket-list golfers, heritage lovers, competitive players Booking:

• Old Course: Via ballot or advanced application

• Other Courses: Online booking via the St Andrews Links Trust

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Distance: 7.2 miles | Travel Time: 14-minute drive

Consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, Kingsbarns Golf Links delivers a world-class golfing experience. This modern links course opened in 2000 and hugs 1.8 miles of rugged North Sea coastline, with virtually every hole offering sea views.

Kingsbarns feels grand in every way—wide fairways, rolling dunes, elevated greens, and dramatic changes in elevation. It has hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and attracts golfers from all over the world. The service is impeccable, the setting breathtaking, and the golf unforgettable.

Great for: Golf connoisseurs, scenic play, special occasions Booking: [Bookable well in advance via their website – green fees apply]