Brought to you by
FIFE GOLF
Fife, the ‘Home of Golf’, is not merely a place where the sport’s rich heritage is preserved; it is a thriving economic engine powered by strategic investments in the hospitality sector, infrastructure and new golfing experiences
AS the birthplace of the modern game in St Andrews in 1764, Fife continues to attract enthusiasts from around the globe seeking to enjoy the most iconic experience in the game.
Today, this historic region is leveraging its legacy with a forward-looking vision that blends tradition with contemporary investment, positioning itself not only as a premier destination for high-value tourism, but also as the ideal experience for golfers of all abilities and budgets.
The recent surge in investment across Fife’s golf and accommodation is a key driver in the regional tourism economy which had an economic impact value of £450 million in 2022.
The region has seen substantial upgrades to its accommodation offerings, enhancing its appeal to high spending tourists, particularly those drawn by golf.
The economic impact of these developments was dramatically highlighted during the 150th Open at St Andrews, which generated a staggering £300 million, demonstrating the financial power of golf tourism.
Fife’s hospitality landscape has undergone a significant transformation, driven by multimillion pound investments aimed at elevating the visitor experience. St Andrews, the crown jewel of Scottish golf, has seen an influx of luxury accommodation options, each contributing to the town’s upscale appeal.
Recent renovations at iconic properties such as Seaton House (formerly The Scores), Rusacks, and The Old Course Hotel have set new standards in hospitality, offering world-class amenities with a distinct Scottish charm.
These investments are complemented by high-end self-catering options, such as those offered by St Andrean Links and The Scotsman Group, catering to visitors seeking privacy and exclusivity. However, it is not just about luxury; accessibility is also key.
St Andrews University has diversified the market by providing budget-friendly yet high quality refurbished halls of residence.
A blend of luxury and value-driven options ensures that St Andrews can cater to a diverse range of travellers, further boosting the local economy. Beyond St Andrews, other parts of Fife are also witnessing a renaissance in hospitality.
The Balcomie Links Hotel and iconic establishments like The Crusoe and Ship Inn, owned by The Pub Company, have benefited from recent investments that have revitalised these historic properties.
This regional accommodation boom is an essential part of Fife’s strategy to capture the growing golf tourism market and attract year-round visitors.
However, Fife’s reputation as a golfing powerhouse extends beyond the Old Course.
The region boasts an impressive 50 golf courses, ranging from championship links to scenic parkland and heathland courses, each offering a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels. But far from resting on its laurels, Fife is actively expanding its golfing infrastructure with significant investments in new courses that add to its allure.
Dumbarnie Links, which opened in 2020, has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s must-play links courses, blending stunning coastal views with challenging design.
The Dukes Course, part of the Kohler owned Old Course Hotel, invested significantly during the past off-season in new drainage to ensure the course plays its very best regardless of weather or season.
Investments put Fife on course to capitalise on region’s scenic glory alternative that caters to those looking for a different style of play, while the planned Feddinch course promises to add yet another dimension to Fife’s already rich golfing portfolio.
These developments are not just about adding holes; they are about enhancing Fife’s appeal to a global audience, creating experiences that attract repeat visits and, crucially, increased spending.
Golf tourism is more than just a pastime in Fife—it is a significant economic driver that shapes the region’s fortunes.
Visiting golfers, particularly those from overseas, contribute more spend per head than any other group of travellers, often opting for premium accommodation, dining, and bespoke experiences.
This high level of expenditure has helped position golf as a cornerstone of Fife’s tourism strategy, directly supporting jobs and businesses across the region. The economic ripple effects of golf tourism extend far beyond the fairways.
Local restaurants, pubs, and retailers benefit from the influx of visitors, with businesses like the high-end restaurant 18 at Rusacks offering premium dining experiences that capitalise on the scenic backdrop of the Old Course.
Other notable establishments, such as The Wee Restaurant in North Queensferry and Boat Brae in Newport on Tay, provide exceptional food and hospitality, further enhancing Fife’s reputation as a culinary as well as a golfing destination. As Fife continues to invest in its golf and hospitality sectors, the region’s future looks bright.
The £116 million Levenmouth Rail Link and other infrastructure improvements have enhanced connectivity, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore all that Fife has to offer.
With new courses, upgraded accommodation, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of golf, Fife is not just a destination; it is a dynamic business ecosystem poised for continued growth.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here