Crail Golfing Society – Craighead Links

Fife, Scotland

About

Course Architect: Gill Hanse
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 71
Distances: 5688m
Course Type: Links
Club Type: Golf Club
Address: Balcomie Clubhouse, Crail, Anstruther KY10 3XN, United Kingdom
Contact Us: [email protected]

Location

Start Planning Your Journey Today

Discover

Formed in 1786, the Crail Golfing Society is the 7th oldest golf club in the world. The two courses, Balcomie Links and Craighead Links, combine spectacular views and extraordinary holes to provide challenging and enjoyable golf. The society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world. The Craighead Golf Course was designed by Gil Hanse as a much younger sibling to the Balcomie Links; it has hosted various international championships and tournaments.

The courses are 3.2km northeast of the fishing town of Crail, and the land upon which golf is played straddles the easternmost promontory of Fife, known as Fife Ness. The East Coast of Fife is particularly dense in links courses and is popular for golf tourism. Crail is 16km south of St Andrews and 6.4km from Kingsbarns. Within an hour to the north are Scotscraig, Carnoustie and Panmure.

Golf Course Information

With spectacular views, the sea is visible from every hole on the Links golf course. Craighead Links achieved fame in the 2001 Guiness Book of Records for the most nationalities playing in an international tournament. The challenging, cliff-top course was designed by world-renowned, golf course architect Gil Hanse to provide golfing aficionados with a true test of their shot-making skills in a links environment. Built in the style of a traditional links course, with no trees protecting golf shots from the wind, Craighead provides panoramic views of up to 100 miles, legally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest flanking the 13th and 14th holes, and a World War I pillbox behind the 7th green, all in addition to serious golf.

The Craighead Links golf course is not dissimilar to St Andrews’ New Course, Lothian’s Muirfield or Kingsbarns golf course with its open fairways and fairway undulations. Much of the 18-hole golf course straddles the coast with errant shots falling into the sea. The golf course is longer than its sibling and therefore able to host more championship tournaments. Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead golf course provides a wonderful day out from St Andrews.

Venue Information

Perched high on a rock overlooking the 18th green on the Balcomie Course with 270-degree views of the sea, the clubhouse of Crail Golfing Society arguably affords one of the most spectacular locations for any clubhouse in Scotland. As you look out at sea, beach and rocks and can just discern the Stevenson built “Bell Rock Lighthouse” on the distant horizon, you know that you are in a very special place.

Virtually rebuilt, extended and refurbished in 2009, the Crail Clubhouse offers members and guests state of the art facilities. With two bars and three separate eating areas to cater for all requirements, it provides the perfect prelude to an enjoyable round or a fine setting to dissect the completed round. There can be few better experiences than standing on the deck, drink in hand, with friends on a balmy summer evening watching golfers below you try to par the challenging par 3 18th hole. Crail Golfing Society has a fully stocked Pro Shop with a wide range of Crail Golfing Society branded merchandise. In addition, the Pro Shop stocks all major golf brands for clubs, clothing and golf accessories.