Fife to Aberdeenshire - Coastal Golf Adventure
Dumbarnie Golf Links
Scotland’s east coast is a paradise for golfers, stretching from the historic fairways of Fife to the dramatic dunes of Aberdeenshire. This region blends ancient links, modern masterpieces, and spectacular coastal landscapes – all waiting to be explored.
FIFE
The Old Course in St Andrews is the spiritual home of golf. Dating back over six centuries, it’s a place every golfer dreams of playing. The wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and enormous double greens offer a unique test – one shaped as much by nature as design. The closing stretch, including the iconic Road Hole and 18th, never fails to thrill. Walking across the Swilcan Bridge is a rite of passage, and finishing on the same turf as champions past and present is unforgettable. The lottery ballot system gives everyday golfers a chance to experience this bucket list round.
Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns Golf Links quickly established itself among the world’s elite. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course hugs nearly 2km of rugged North Sea coastline, with sea views from almost every hole. What sets Kingsbarns apart is its natural feel – it plays like a course centuries old, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Holes such as the par-5 12th and the stunning par-3 15th are as photogenic as they are strategic. It’s a thinking golfer’s course – generous off the tee but requiring precision into its undulating greens. As a regular co-host of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Kingsbarns offers tournament pedigree with five-star hospitality. The service is impeccable, the views unforgettable, and the experience among the best in Scotland.
Founded in 1786, Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world. The standout course is Balcomie Links, laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1895. It's a short, quirky, but thoroughly joyful course, full of character and charm. Perched on a clifftop above the North Sea, Balcomie is exposed to the elements – wind is always a factor – and the small greens and deep bunkers demand accuracy. Signature holes include the challenging 5th over the rocky shoreline and the downhill par-3 14th with its large two-tier seaside green. Crail also boasts the Craighead Links, a newer Gil Hanse design offering a tougher test with no less coastal beauty. Together, they make Crail a must-visit for lovers of traditional, unspoilt links golf.
One of Scotland’s newest courses, Dumbarnie Golf Links opened in 2020 and quickly earned acclaim for its bold design and dramatic setting. Just a short drive from St Andrews, this Clive Clark creation is a modern links with a difference – built on a site with panoramic sea views on every hole and sandy ridges allowing for elevated tees and greens. Dumbarnie is fun, challenging, and endlessly photogenic. With wide fairways and options off the tee, it suits a range of abilities, while firm fescue turf and creative green complexes provide a true links feel. One of the standout holes is the stunning 17th, a short drivable par 4 with a risk and reward strategy to consider, including n original stone wall running across the hole. The course hosted the Women’s Scottish Open in 2021, showcasing its tournament potential. A warm welcome and superb facilities round off the experience.
Other Fife gems include:
The Golf Club House, Elie is a historic links with blind drives, sea breezes and a periscope in the starter’s hut – charming, quirky, and pure Fife.
Aberdour is a scenic parkland course on the Forth, ideal for relaxed holiday golf with stunning coastal views.
Anstruther may be short, but it's full of character – the 5th hole, “The Rockies,” is famously tough and unforgettable.
ANGUS
Carnoustie Golf Links is the toughest test in championship golf. The Championship Course has hosted The Open eight times, most recently in 2018, and is known for its unforgiving layout, deep bunkers, and the Barry Burn that snakes through its closing holes. While it lacks the coastal beauty of some peers, it more than compensates with strategic brilliance. The last four holes are among the hardest finishing stretches in golf – just ask Jean van de Velde. Despite its fearsome reputation, it remains fair: hit good shots and you’ll be rewarded. The course is part of a wider links complex, including the Burnside and Buddon courses, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. The visitor experience has improved dramatically in recent years, with first-class facilities and service. Carnoustie is a must-play for serious golfers who want to measure their game against the best.
Monifieth Links offers a traditional links experience just a few miles from Carnoustie. The Medal Course is the star – fast-running fairways, undulating greens, and classic links terrain make for a stern but enjoyable challenge. The opening tee shot is particularly memorable as it plays alongside the railway line to the right – a slightly nerve-wracking start. The layout quickly opens up to natural linksland, with holes that reward course management and accuracy. It’s a regular qualifying venue for The Open, and its reputation among locals and visiting golfers alike is strong. The Ashludie Course, a shorter but equally interesting layout, makes Monifieth a great venue for a 36-hole day. Affordable green fees and a friendly welcome round out the experience.
Panmure Golf Club combines links and heathland characteristics to offer a unique and historic round. It’s famously where Ben Hogan practised before winning the 1953 Open, and his favourite hole – the 6th – remains a classic. Expect pine-lined fairways, tricky bunkering, and subtle challenges that reward patience and precision.
Others worth a visit include:
Montrose offers windswept links golf with dramatic dunes and ocean views – it’s the fifth oldest course in the world.
Forfar is one of Scotland’s finest inland courses, a James Braid design with charming variety.
Downfield, set in mature parkland, is a championship test tucked away near Dundee.
ABERDEENSHIRE
Cruden Bay is one of Scotland’s most loved and unique links. Ranked among the world’s top 100 courses, it’s a place where old-world charm meets dramatic coastal terrain. Designed by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Archie Simpson, it’s full of blind shots, towering dunes, elevated tees, and thrilling doglegs. The course’s quirks are what make it memorable – holes like the par-3 4th and the par-4 14th are unlike anything else in Scotland. You’ll be tested by uneven lies, crosswinds and imaginative shot-making, but the fun factor is immense. The panoramic views over the North Sea, Slains Castle ruins, and crashing waves only enhance the atmosphere. It’s a must-play for any golfer who enjoys character over conformity – and the warm welcome in the clubhouse is the cherry on top.
Fraserburgh is Scotland’s oldest club still playing on its original site, founded in 1777. It’s a true links course in the raw – exposed, traditional, and deeply underrated. Located on the far northeast coast, it delivers an unfiltered links experience where the golf is dictated by the wind, the contours, and the turf. The Corbiehill Course was shaped by James Braid and features dramatic elevation changes, blind shots, and sea views. There’s a rugged charm to Fraserburgh – it’s golf as it once was. The opening stretch is a gentle introduction, but the back nine ramps up in both challenge and drama. For those willing to travel off the beaten path, Fraserburgh rewards with pure links joy, stunning scenery, and exceptional value.
Duff House Royal is a rare inland treat in Aberdeenshire, nestled in the charming town of Banff along the River Deveron. Designed in part by Dr Alister MacKenzie, who later co-designed Augusta National, the course is a flat and scenic parkland layout with wide fairways and subtly sloping greens. Its riverside location makes for a tranquil round, while mature trees and well-placed bunkers add to the test. The signature 7th, with the river running beside the fairway, is a standout. The club’s Royal status, awarded in 1925, adds to the sense of heritage. Duff House Royal is not as well-known as the region’s coastal giants, but it offers a very different kind of beauty – manicured, historic, and highly enjoyable.
Aberdeen’s municipal courses are among the best in Scotland. Balnagask, perched on a peninsula by a lighthouse, offers dramatic views and a rugged links experience. Hazlehead MacKenzie Championship Course, a mature inland layout designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, is a challenging parkland course full of variety. Kings Links, close to Royal Aberdeen, provides fast-running turf and a traditional seaside feel. All three are affordable, accessible, and a testament to the quality of public golf in the northeast.
Additional notable Aberdeenshire courses:
Royal Aberdeen is a world-class championship links, famous for its front nine and hosting the 2014 Scottish Open.
Murcar Links is its equally impressive neighbour – tough, tight, and visually spectacular.
Inverallochy is a friendly, scenic seaside course with dramatic sea views and plenty of charm.
WHERE TO STAY
Overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course, Rusacks St Andrews blends luxury with location. Recently refurbished, it offers elegant rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and award-winning dining at 18, led by a Michelin-trained chef. Golfers can soak up the heritage from every window, with memorabilia and design touches throughout. It’s the ultimate base for a St Andrews golf trip – steps from the first tee, with top-tier service and style to match the surroundings. A stay at Rusacks is as close as it gets to living the dream.
Tucked away in the Fife countryside just outside St Andrews, Hawkswood Country Estate is a luxurious rural escape perfect for groups or families. Offering exclusive-use accommodation in a beautifully restored Georgian mansion, it blends traditional charm with modern comforts. With spacious lounges, a private chef option, and landscaped gardens, it’s a peaceful counterpoint to the buzz of the links. Ideal for extended stays or special occasions, Hawkwood offers privacy, style, and proximity to Fife’s finest golf. Concierge services and tailored golf itineraries complete the experience.
Overlooking the world-famous Championship Course, Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa offers unbeatable proximity to one of golf’s most iconic venues. Many rooms enjoy panoramic views across the 1st and 18th holes, while the hotel’s bar and restaurant provide a front-row seat to the action. It’s an ideal base for golfers playing Carnoustie’s three courses, with secure club storage and tailored packages available. The spa, pool, and fitness centre offer welcome relaxation after a day on the links.
Set in the heart of the Granite City, Sandman Signature Aberdeen offers contemporary luxury in a historic building. Its stylish rooms, relaxed public areas, and on-site Chop Grill & Bar make it a popular choice for golfers exploring Royal Aberdeen, Murcar, and Cruden Bay. The hotel is within walking distance of city sights, shops and nightlife, making it ideal for combining golf with urban exploration. It’s also a convenient hub for travelling further along the Aberdeenshire coast.
Steeped in history, Maryculter House dates back to the 13th century and once served as a Knights Templar base. Overlooking the River Dee, it blends heritage and luxury with characterful rooms, open fires, and traditional Scottish hospitality. The restaurant serves locally sourced dishes with flair, while the riverside setting provides a peaceful retreat. Ideally located for playing Royal Aberdeen, Deeside and Banchory, it offers a memorable stay where old-world charm meets modern comfort.
Right beside Cruden Bay Golf Club, The Dunes is a boutique-style base for golfers. Stylish, modern, and ultra-convenient, it offers comfortable rooms, hearty breakfasts, and a warm welcome. The hotel is just a short walk to the first tee, making early starts a breeze. With a cosy bar, excellent food, and friendly staff, it’s a firm favourite for those playing in the northeast. The surrounding area offers stunning coastal walks, castles, and distilleries – ideal for rest days.
BEYOND GOLF
Immerse yourself in golf’s golden age with a visit to the Hickory Golf Workshop in Fife. Here, traditional clubmaking comes alive, from steaming hickory shafts to whipping on leather grips, you’ll see (and even try) how clubs were made in the early days. It’s a rare chance to handle vintage gear and understand the craftsmanship behind the game’s roots.
Stretching over 100 miles from Kincardine to Newburgh, the Fife Coastal Path weaves through charming fishing villages, golden beaches, and craggy sea cliffs. Highlights include the colourful harbours of Crail and Anstruther, the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Castle, and the serene beaches near Elie. It’s a perfect way to soak in the region’s natural beauty – either as a relaxing stroll or a full-day adventure.
Perched high on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic historic sites. Its dramatic location near Stonehaven makes for jaw-dropping photos and an unforgettable day out. Steeped in history, it has hosted William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots and once safeguarded the Scottish Crown Jewels. Combine a visit with a walk along the coastal path to truly appreciate the setting.
While Speyside is best known for its whisky, many of its famed distilleries are within reach of northern golf courses. Tours at Cardhu, The Glenlivet, The Macallan, or Cragganmore offer a chance to learn about traditional whisky-making and enjoy tastings straight from the cask. It’s a superb way to unwind after a round and bring home a bottle with a story.
USEFUL LINKS
GOLF
ACCOMMODATION
BEYOND GOLF
Speyside Whisky Distilleries (Visit Moray Speyside)