Balcomie Links, Crail Golfing Society
Par 69, 5,861 yards
Website: www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk/balcomie-links
The Course: Don’t be fooled by the lack of yards – this terrific little course, perched on a small pocket of land jutting out into the North Sea, is no pushover.
The lack of length can be explained in part by the number of par three holes. Balcomie has six of them and they’re all tricky, particularly if any kind of breeze is blowing.
In the right conditions, big hitters who flirt with the shoreline can drive the short par four 4th, and another carry over the beach is required at the long, tough 5th.
The 13th and 14th are back to back par threes which are terrifying and enchanting in turn, while the closing loop of four holes offer a chance to finish with a flourish.
Signature hole: At the par three 14th, you’ll tee off from high ground to a small, tiered green surrounded by bunkers and beach.
What makes it special? A round at Balcomie Links is simply tremendous fun. It’s always in wonderful condition, the views along the Fife coast are superb and the variety of holes means there is never a dull moment.