Crail - Balcomie

Opened: 1786
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Par: 69
Length: 5,922 yards

Just a short drive from St Andrews, on the easternmost tip of the Kingdom of Fife, lies the Balcomie Links. It was laid out by Old Tom Morris on a narrow promontory, often blasted by North Sea gales. There are magnificent views across the beach to the Firth of Forth. 

Measuring under 6,000 yards from the men's medal tees, Balcomie is by no means a championship course, but with a par of 69 and the ever-present wind, the yardages are often meaningless. The opening hole falls away from the clubhouse towards the sea and the next four holes hug the shoreline – it's a thrilling start. The next nine holes are a little less dramatic – inland in character, but nevertheless enjoyable. A return to the shoreline concludes the round.