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VISIT FIFE GOLF
Whether you’re a keen amateur, complete beginner or seasoned professional, a warm welcome awaits at the ‘home of golf
GOLF is more than a game in Fife, it is a way of life. Its roots lie in this historic, beautiful part of Scotland – the 18-hole round began at the famous Old Course at St Andrews, for instance, as far back as 1764.
Today, the Old Course remains a bucket-list experience for enthusiasts, but Fife caters for all kinds of golfers at 50 links, parkland and heathland courses around the region.
Far from resting on its laurels as the undisputed ‘Home of Golf’, Fife continues to evolve, creating new courses, experiences and packages as it warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world.
“You don’t have to be a world-beater to play golf in Fife,” explains Liam Barn, of Visit Fife Golf. “Yes, we have an outstanding selection of championship courses that have held, and continue to hold, some of the greatest championships in the men and women’s professional and amateur games.
“However, we genuinely have a truly memorable experience awaiting all golfers, regardless of age-group, golfing tastes and budgets. And there is much more to see and do away from the courses, whether it’s taking advantage of the stunning scenery, the coastal walks, varied accommodation or the excellent food and drink opportunities on our doorstep.”
Fife is home to historic towns and pretty villages, seaside nooks and countryside estates, all within easy reach of golf courses.
Head to Culross to indulge your Outlander obsession (the hit TV drama was filmed here) or marvel at historic Culross Palace; enjoy Anstruther’s famous fish and chips before taking a boat trip out to the Isle of May; or explore the lovely village of Kingsbarns, where the classic links course ranks in the world’s top 100, and the stunning Cambo Estate is just a five-minute drive, or 25-minute stroll away.
Aberdour takes full advantage of its coastal location (Image: Liam Anderstrem)
Accommodation options in Fife range from gorgeous five-star hotels and off-the-beaten track self-catering hideaways to historic inns and beautiful guesthouses. The region’s natural larder means an abundance of places to drink and dine. Café-owners, restaurateurs and local producers are rightly proud of their reputation for fine food and service, and they are keen to shout about it.
Excellent pubs and delis rub shoulders with Michelin-starred restaurants and friendly sandwich stops. Look out for 18, the high-end restaurant inside Rusacks Hotel, for dinner-with-a view over the Old Course and St Andrews beach; the Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry, for excellent food and wine; The Crusoe, situated on the edge of Lower Largo Beach; and Boat Brae in Newport on Tay, a gastropub with glorious views over the Tay to Dundee.
Fife is a fantastic family holiday destination, with one of the biggest draws being its array of outdoor activities.
The beautiful 117m-long Fife Coastal Path is just part of the story – other highlights include rockpooling at Ruby Bay in Elie, surfing (or kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding) at Blown Away, on St Andrews’ breezy West Beach; and clay pigeon shooting at the wonderful Cluny Activities near Kirkcaldy, where families can also attempt footgolf, which is like a cross between football and pitch and putt.
If the day is drizzly, or you are feeling less than daring – or simply fancy learning more about Fife’s rich history – there are plenty of museums, castles and heritage hotspots.
Aberdour Castle and Gardens, for example, is among the oldest standing masonry castles in Scotland (also used in the filming of Outlander) while Culross Abbey has been a religious site for more than 1500 years.
Fife is easily accessible from Edinburgh Airport, and by road and rail from across Scotland and beyond. New transport schemes, such as the £116m Levenmouth Rail Link, have vastly improved connectivity across the region, making it simpler to visit and explore.
For more information, Visit Fife Golf’s website is a treasure trove of helpful guides, maps, ‘play and stay’ packages, news and offers. There is also a dedicated hub for tour operators and advice on where to find the best driving ranges and academies, for these keen to practise and perfect their game.
www.visitfifegolf.com
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