An ancient establishment founded by eleven good gentlemen in 1786, Crail Golfing Society is the home of Balcomie and Craighead Links. Designed by the Grand Old Man of Golf Tom Morris himself, Balcomie links were originally opened as a nine-hole course in 1985, before being extended in 1900. Steeped in rich heritage and history, the society has been gifted many a cup, plate, bowl or trophy which has gone on to attain worldwide acclaim, such as the Ranken-Todd Bowl and the Lindesay Medal. In 1998, Craighead links designed by course architect Gil Hanse were opened, providing a longer and contrasting challenge to its sister course of Balcomie. Hanse went on to play a pivotal role in the design of Rio’s 2016 Olympics course and is responsible for Pinehurst’s Cradle Short Course and Streamsong Black in Florida.

Recently hosting the Scottish Amateur and Ladies’ Senior British Open Championship, the society is known for its spectacular sea views and traditional clubhouse. History buffs can marvel over the listed military buildings nearby, peruse the World War I relic sitting behind Craighead’s 7th green or even follow in the footsteps of Vikings along Danes Dike, a 1200-year-old defensive wall that extends across four holes.