Situated on the East Neuk of Fife, overlooking the Firth of Forth and lying about ten miles south of St. Andrews, Lundin Golf Club was founded in 1868 and initially shared a common 18 hole course with the Leven Links. This original course ran close to the sea, with nine holes being played in each direction and a starting point at both ends, and was set on a magnificent stretch of natural links land but as the popularity of the game increased, it was decided to establish 18-hole courses for both Lundin and Leven. A natural division between the two was effected at the halfway point, while further land was obtained north of the railway line and in 1908; the legendary James Braid was consulted on the design of a new course, which opened in 1909.
The new course was born from the original seaside holes and the area acquired from the neighbouring Montrave Estate and although a few modifications have been made through the years, the course remains largely the same today. The aforementioned railway tracks may have been removed since the physical split between the two golf courses, but the embankments and fencing associated with the railway remain and the original route is still out of bounds, adding a considerable extra element of risk at no fewer than seven holes. Today, Lundin is an excellent golf course and plays host to final qualifying for the British Open when held at St. Andrews and also the East of Scotland Amateur Championship, which is held annually.
And what of the specifics of the course? The original holes are pure links in character and the tough 424-yard opening hole plays from an elevated tee to a narrow valley and up again to a boldly contoured green. The long par four, 4th hole, is another gem and requires your approach to carry a burn just short of the green, which falls away on both sides. The par four, 6th hole marks the beginning of a three-hole stretch, playing alongside the disused railway, while the long par five, 9th hole, measures a thumping 555 yards and is rated as the most difficult hole on the course. With out of bounds on both the left and right, you should treat this hole with the utmost respect.
Following an easy enough introduction to the back nine, normal service is resumed with the 466-yard, par four, 11th hole. The next two holes are straight out of a classic parkland layout. An uphill par three, played to a large plateau green, the 12th requires a mid to short iron, while the par five, 13th, with a big drop from the plateau fairway on the left and heavy woods to the right, must be played well to get the correct angle of approach to a green cut back into the trees. After the tough par three, 14th, which is played downhill over gorse and more bunkers that you can see, the course comes to a conclusion with a stretch of four consecutive par fours of varying lengths. With out of bounds to the left, the 18th is a tremendous finishing hole and usually demands a long-iron approach to a narrow green, flanked by a road on the left and bunkers to the right.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Like its near neighbour, the Leven Links, Lundin Golf Club offers a wonderful links challenge and though not one of the world-renowned courses that everyone wants to play, it would be a shame not to play here when you're in the area.
Situated less than a mile south of Lundin Links, off the A915 route from St. Andrews and about ten miles northeast of Kirkcaldy.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Old Manor Hotel, Leven Road, Lundin Links, Near St Andrews, KY8 6AJ
Tel: + 44 1333 320368. Email: enquiries@oldmanorhotel.co.uk.
Overlooking the golf course and Largo Bay, the elegant Aithernie Restaurant offers a top-notch menu, featuring the likes of roast venison and poached fillet of turbot.
Balbirnie House, Balbirnie Park, Markinch KY7 6NE (Near Leven)
Tel: + 44 1592 610066. Email: info@balbirnie.co.uk.
Mother Nature herself provides some really first class ingredients at the Orangery Restaurant, where the beef, lamb, fish and shellfish are particularly excellent.
The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews KY9 1JE
Tel: + 44 1334 840494. Email: lathones@theinn.co.uk.
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.
The Peat Inn, Peat Inn, Cupar, KY15 5LH
Tel: + 44 1334 840206. Email: reception@thepeatinn.co.uk.
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.
Situated on the East Neuk of Fife, overlooking the Firth of Forth and lying about ten miles south of St. Andrews, Lundin Golf Club was founded in 1868 and initially shared a common 18 hole course with the Leven Links. This original course ran close to the sea, with nine holes being played in each direction and a starting point at both ends, and was set on a magnificent stretch of natural links land but as the popularity of the game increased, it was decided to establish 18-hole courses for both Lundin and Leven. A natural division between the two was effected at the halfway point, while further land was obtained north of the railway line and in 1908; the legendary James Braid was consulted on the design of a new course, which opened in 1909.
