The Balcomie Links will have you exposed to the elements on the shores of the ‘Firth of Forth’ and it can turn even the shortest golf holes into card wreckers. As a result, the Balcomie Links is a fun course that you’ll want to play again and again. If you're a fan of Scottish links golf, you won't want to miss Balcomie Links at Crail Golf Society. It's a true gem, full of history and character, and a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
The Craighead Links is a beautiful addition to Crail. The Craighead layout is brilliant because it offers players of all skill levels a thrilling experience from the front tees. If you're willing to put yourself to the test, start from the tips. The obstacles, options, and shots that must be played from the back tees are radically different. A round at Craighead is always remembered.
A Brief History of Balcomie Links
Golf in Crail dates back to the late 1700s and is acclaimed as one of the oldest clubs in the world. In 1898 the famous ‘Old Tom Morris' re-designed his original 9-hole layout into 18 holes, which has remained mostly untouched even until today. Old Tom Morris was responsible for designing many of the classic Scottish links courses, and Balcomie Links is considered one of his masterpieces.
A Brief History of Craighead Links
Craighead Links opened in 1998 and was designed by the 2009 Golf Course Architect of the year, American Gil Hanse. Built in the style of a traditional links course, with no trees, Craighead, like Balcomie also provides panoramic views of up to 100 miles.
Course Design at Crail Golfing Society - Balcomie Links
The course design itself is a testament to Morris' ingenuity. He took advantage of the natural terrain, weaving the course in and around the coastline, which provides stunning views of the North Sea. Balcomie Links is a traditional links course, featuring challenging pot bunkers, fast and undulating greens, and unpredictable winds that can change the course conditions in an instant. Measuring under 6000 yards from competition tees, Balcomie Links is certainly not the longest golf course you will play in Fife. However, what it lacks in distance it makes up for in character.
Course Design at Crail Golfing Society - Craighead Links
This elegant Par 72 course stretches 6,728 yards over 18 holes.No two consecutive holes at Craighead Links face the same way, providing a challenge for players. Legally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest flank the 13th and 14th holes and there is also a World War I pill box that sits behind the 7th green. There is ample demand for a variety of strokes to challenge golfers of all skill levels due to the continually shifting environmental factors. The outcome is a course that matches the amount of personality, charm, and grace found in the earliest golf course designs.
Facilities and Amenities
For help with your game there is a 9-bay driving range, 2 putting greens and a short game area which was recently opened in 2018.
Everything a golfer might possibly need for a day on the course is available in the pro shop. Choose from a variety of crested apparel produced by Adidas, Glenmuir, Under Armour, and Sunderland to commemorate your time with the club.
The Crail Golf Society has one of Scotland's most breathtaking clubhouse settings. The restaurant, lounge, and bar are positioned high on a rocky ledge with a vista of coastal views, overlooking the 18th green of the Balcomie Links. The Balcomie Restaurant and Bar is a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy a drink and fantastic local food with other players, family, and friends. It is open to members, guests, and visiting golfers.
Fees at Crail Golfing Society 2024
2023 Green Fees
Month | Category | Price |
1 Jan – 31 Mar 2023 | Single Round | £60 |
Day Ticket (Balcomie/Craighead) | £104 | |
1 Apr – 30 Apr 2023 | Single Round | £86 |
Day Ticket (Balcomie/Craighead) | £124 | |
1 May – 30 Sep 2023 | Single Round – Balcomie | £135 |
Single Round – Craighead | £98 | |
Day Ticket (Balcomie/Craighead) | £184 |
1 Oct – 31 Oct 2023 | Single Round | £60 |
Day Ticket (Balcomie/Craighead) | £104 | |
1 Nov – 31 Dec 2023 | Single Round | £60 |
Juniors (Per Round) | £25 | |
Scottish Club Member | £68Weekdays Only |
PGA Professionals & BIGGA Members per Round
Equipment & Caddies
Golf Cart (Buggy) Hire | £45 |
Power Trolleys | £18 |
Push Trolleys | £6 |
Golf Clubs (Titleist, renewed annually) | £40 |
Caddies (Gratuity Not Included) | £60 |
Membership at Crail Golfing Society
You only need to fill in an application form and get two current members with at least two years of service to sign it. It is safe to assume you are familiar with the Society and its rules if two members endorse your application.
If you don’t know any current members, get in touch with our membership secretary, and a casual meeting with the captain and another committee member will be scheduled.
This is available to British citizens over 30 who live in the UK
The entry fee is £750.00 and this can be paid all at once or in 3 instalments of £250.00.
Where is Crail Golfing Society?
Crail Golf Society is located just a short drive from St Andrews, making it a convenient stop on any golfing tour of Scotland. From Edinburgh, take the A90 north to Cupar, then follow signs to St Andrews. From there, follow signs to Crail and the golf course will be on your left.