One of the world's oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786 and initially comprised membership of just 11 local golfers. The club's original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris, that they relocated to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links.
With the hardships of the First World War, the local town council had to come to the rescue of the club when they took over the lease of the links, which they eventually purchased in 1924. And as with many Scottish courses, the links was requisitioned for military use during the Second World War but by 1946, golf at Balcomie Links was restored. Jointly run by both the council and the club for a time, in 1973 Crail Golf Club purchased the entire facility for the sum of ?30,000.
Crail boasts two links golf courses - the Craighead Links and the Balcomie Links. And while both are excellent tests, it is the Balcomie Links that is recognised as the slightly better layout. Even with a par of 69, the Balcomie Links at Crail is not particularly long but it is a truly beautiful venue with superb views of the sea from every tee. The course is always in immaculate condition and boasts crisp links turf and greens, which can become dangerously fast during the summer months. Far removed from the bustle of everyday life, many fairways climb and tumble alongside the water's edge and the rocky outcrops of the Forth shore.
As befits a classic links, each hole has its own character - a feature that always ensures a fascinating round of golf. The successive par fours at the 4th and 5th offer tempting shortcuts across the shoreline, with the latter aptly called "Hell's Hole", representing a fearsome 459-yard par four, where it's make your mind up time as to whether you try to carry the beach or take the sensible way around. Measuring less than 3,000 yards, the homeward journey offers some of the finest short holes anywhere and the memory of the back-to-back 13th and 14th will linger for a long time. Like many top courses, the last few holes will test the most accomplished golfer but no matter how well or badly you fare, you will remember Crail as a stunning golfing experience.
Situated on the outskirts of the village of Crail, just off the A917 coastal route and about ten miles southeast of St. Andrews.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Cellar Restaurant, 24 East Green, Anstruther KY10 3AA
Tel: + 44 1333 310378. Fax: + 44 1333 312544.
Situated south of St. Andrews, this renowned seafood restaurant is accessed by a cobbled courtyard. The low ceiling and exposed beams of the main dining room add to the ambience.
The Seafood Restaurant, 16 West End, St Monans KY10 2BX
The proximity to two fishing harbours explains the freshness of the seafood, which nearly monopolises the menu, while the cooking style is fashionably modern.
Enjoy some fine dining at this traditional grill serving elegant British combinations from an open plan kitchen. The beautiful views over the golf course and bay add to the occasion.
The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews KY9 1JE
Full of character, this cosy restaurant boasts a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. Diners can select from one of three menus, all of which offer modern Scottish and European cuisine.
In a restaurant, which would not be out of place in a French village, the menu reflects the best of local Scottish produce at any given time. The wine-list, by the way, is a real treat.
One of the world's oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786 and initially comprised membership of just 11 local golfers. The club's original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris, that they relocated to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links.
