Lundin Links

Basing your Scottish golf vacation in St Andrews opens up the possibilities to play a host of Fife's great links courses. With history dating back to 1868, Lundin Golf Club is one of the finest.

This James Braid designed golf course is situated within a half hour drive of The Home of Golf. Although it only measures 6400 yards, the R&A's Championship committee have selected it as a Final Qualifying venue for the Open on several occasions. It's an intelligent player's course, and one which rewards course management over length from the tee. Just like the links at Elie down the road, it contains a wealth of ingenious short par 4's. These holes are usually defined with strategically-placed bunkers, and even a burn that meanders through the course. Take the 10th for example - a mere 272 yards. But in order to drive the burn a carry of 250 yards is required from the tee. A small green with punishing bunkers awaits an errant approach.

However, patience around this layout is often rewarded with birdies. There are probably half a dozen holes where it's possible to pick up shots, but the par 4 11th most definitely does not fall in this category. 464 yards through a narrow fairway to a small green. Thick rough on the left and gorse to the right.

Lundin has many famous admirers, but perhaps none more vocal than Brad Faxon, who treats the seaside course as one of his favourites. He once shot 63 here in Open qualifying, and stated "Lundin Links will always have a special place in my heart".

Sitting in the quaint little clubhouse with a wholesome meal and nip of whisky gives you a strong feeling of Fife's golfing tradition. It's a nice break from the crowded fairways at St Andrews, and a quiet relaxing day on a fun golf course. If you're not one of golf's new breed who demand to play from the back tee's at every course, and you simply enjoy a leisurely walk around a beautiful old style links then Lundin is not to be overlooked.