3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Golf at Elie Links, often known as The Golf House Club, sits just 12 miles from St Andrews in the East Neuk of Fife and it's comfortably under an hour from Edinburgh. If you're after proper Scottish links golf on natural ground, Elie delivers it in spades.
Golf here can be traced back to 1589, when a royal charter granted locals permission to play over the ancient links. The course itself evolved in classic fashion, starting as 9 holes in 1875, expanding to 12 in 1885 and reaching 18 holes by 1895.
What you'll find today is an honest test on free-draining, undulating fairways, with large greens that tend to be quick and firm when conditions allow. It's a course that rewards imagination and a running approach rather than simply hitting it as far as possible. I'd also factor the wind into your planning because when it comes in off the Firth of Forth, it can change the way the course plays from one hour to the next.
One of Elie's biggest attractions is that it sits slightly away from the main St Andrews trail. That often means a quieter, more members' club feel, while still giving you a genuine slice of historic Fife links golf. If you're building a Fife itinerary, it's an ideal addition for variety, character and a bit of golfing heritage without the crowds.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a genuine Scottish links experience without the crowds or the premium green fees of the bigger names. It suits anyone planning a Fife golf trip who wants to add variety and history to their itinerary, and it pairs perfectly with a day or two in St Andrews.
Who is it best for?
Mid-handicappers and traditionalists who appreciate classic links golf, natural terrain and a course that rewards smart play over power. It's also ideal for groups looking to tick off a historic venue that still feels like a members' club rather than a resort.
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Elie Links requires a patient, thoughtful golfer to achieve good scores instead of trying to overpower the course.
At 6,273 yards the course is not long, but its network of bunkers are beautifully placed to catch those that stray offline or misjudge their distances. This can be all too easy to do, especially as the prevailing south westerly breeze slackens or stiffens during the course of a round.
With quick, contoured greens and firm fairways Elie has often been described as one of the best courses in Scotland. This is reflected in the tournaments that have been held there, these include the British Seniors Championship, Scottish Professionals Championship, Scottish Ladies Championship and qualifying rounds for the Open Championship.
Close to the 4th tee, golfers will notice a small pub, on cold and windy days, the 19th Hole Pub can look warm and inviting.
| Par | 70 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Old Tom Morris, James Braid |
| Opened for play | 1895 (current layout) |
| White | 6,273 yards | SSS 70.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,009 yards | SSS 69.3 |
| Red | 5,768 yards | SSS 73.9 |
David
✓7 Jun 2026
weather was tough but great course
Tom
✓21 Dec 2024
Richard
✓26 Sep 2024
The starter was a bit over zealous with his rules of keeping no more than 4 on the first tee which made things feel a little less welcoming when you compare to the atmosphere at other clubs. The rest of the club and facilities were great though and other staff very welcoming.
Alain
✓9 Sep 2024
Don't forget to look through the periscope at the start of tee number one. Starter very strict on etiquette
