Having played a large part in the history and development of golf, Elie is firmly established as one of the game’s most prestigious institutes. While the club was established in 1875, the 1589 royal charter granting permission for golf to be played on the Elie links even predates the Old Course’s. Therefore, a round of golf at Elie is more than a pleasure — it’s a privilege for any golf aficionado.

The course is set on a dramatic headland along the southern coast of Fife where its architect James Braid was born and raised. Much of the course inches toward the beaches and craggy cliffs of Kincraig Point where James learned to play. It begins with a blind tee shot over a hill which can be observed from a 30ft viewing platform on the periscope of the retired HMS Excalibur. From there, expect fast-running wide links consisting of 16 short, medium, and long par-4s and two par-3s.

While most of the holes promise breathtaking views, the best can be seen between the 10th and 13th, which also happen to be the most challenging of the course. While the course itself has many classic characteristics, it makes for one of the more unusual yet enjoyable games of golf in St Andrews and Fife.