Balcomie Links in Fife

Fantastic and friendly great staff and great value great choice of equipment and good value for money

Balcomie Links est un parcours relativement plat en bord de mer. Sympa à jouer sans grandes difficultés mis à part les longueurs. Les gourmands finiront dans la mer à certains endroits. Un des nombreux parcours que nous avons fait en Ecosse. Belle journée entre amis comme d'habitude.

Golf as it was meant to be (Sorry Mike). Old Tom laid it out and you can see everything in front of you, no hidden tricks. It cant be much different than it was 100 years ago. Fantastic place experience and course. It is a seaside links of the finest order. If this were in the States it would be triple the cost and clogged with Selfie Seekers all day long. The experience was so authentic and honest. Hit the ball and try to get it in the hole. The greens are the finest I have ever seen, and I saw a lot of them (three putted more often that not). Who knew a golf course could be so unique, so much fun and so many different shots would be required. One of a kind, not to be missed. History comes alive.

This course is an absolute treasure. A very good test of golf. Play the white tees not the yellows for the best experience. The club house is wonderful with good food and great views of the course and coast. Facilities very good.

Been playing here for 25 years. At my best I was playing +1 and I have several caps for Scotland schools. I've played many golf courses around the world and this remains one of my favourites. Yes it is not the longest course but there are many holes that make you think... 1st, 7th, 9th - lay up to leave a full shot or go for a green surrounded by danger 2nd, 4th, 5th - how aggressive a line to take 10th - carry the bunker off the tee to a narrower landing area or play safe 13th, 14th, 16th, 18th - tough holes you'll be happy to take a par 3 at If the wind blows this course challenges any golfer. If you want a traditional and lengthy links course play Craighead. I'd personally reccomend Craighead in the morning after a good breakfast and then Balcomie in the afternoon. I currently live in Dubai so my trips are limited but when I played last week it was as amazing as ever!

Non loin de St Andrews, ce parcours et son petit frère le Craighead sont à jouer absolument. Très belles vues sur la mer

This is a historic place where golf was in its infancy. The land has plenty of challenges due to the wind but it has plenty of room if you choose to not play from the fairway. The last four holes are built close to the water and provide a unique finish to your round.

Stopped here at the golf clubhouse for a welcome liquid refreshment while walking the coastal path. We were met with a warm welcome from the barman before having our drinks outside in the sunshine. We have eaten and golfed here several times in the past and the food and service have been good by golf clubhouse standards. It's worth mentioning the terrible and poor reviews are reviewing a nearby Hotel with a similar name, by mistake. I will definitely return, a glorious corner, full of golfing tradition and history.

The Balcomie Links is a great old links course and should be part of any trip to Fife/St.Andrews.The club is very welcoming to visitors and the course is quirky and fun to play.

Balcomie Links is in the middle of so many golf courses that it is difficult to stand out. Even saying that, I'd include it in my list of courses to play in the area. Am I glad I played here instead of another round on Saint Andrews New or Jubilee courses (which I like), I'd say yes. The price was fine, but it's a great deal if you combine it for a 36 hole day with the other Crail course, Craighead, which I didn't like nearly as much.

Der Balcomie Platz ist landschaftlich einfach ein Traum! Nur ein Paar Minuten von St. Andrews mit dem Auto entfernt direkt an der Küste. Von so ziemlich jeder Bahn aus hat man eine tolle Aussicht auf das Wasser. Die Bahnen wechseln sich zwischen sehr hügelig und absolut flach ab und ergänzen sich somit bestens. Spielerisch ist dieser Platz eine großartige Herausforderung. Abwechslungsreiche Fairways, teils kann man auch über das Wasser abkürzen, sofern man Sicher mit langen Drives ist. Der Wind und die tiefen Bunker sind durchaus eine Herausforderung! Ich war spontan vor Ort und so ergab es sich, dass ich alleine im Flight war. Ich empfehle diesen Platz mit jemanden zu spielen, der bereits vor Ort gespielt hat, denn mir ist es versehentlich passiert, dass ich am 2. Loch auf dem falschen Fairway weitergespielt hatte, da ich nicht gesehen habe wo es längsgeht. Enttäuscht war ich darüber, dass die Range an manchen Tagen gesperrt ist und es generell ein sehr kleines Übungsareal gibt. Dafür haben mich die Leihschläger (Taylormade M2) sehr beeindruckt, sodass es diese nun auch in meinen Golfbag zuhause geschafft haben. Das Clubhaus wirkte, sowohl von der Atmosphäre als auch von der Einrichtung, leider eher wie ein Altenheim, sodass ich nach dem Spiel direkt wieder gefahren bin. Alles in allem ein wirklich schöner und aufregender Platz mit leichten Schwächen. Ich würde aber auf jeden Fall nochmals dort spielen wollen.

When it comes to Balcomie Links, Crail then it's quite a work of fiction as regards the history of the golf course. The club will tell you it dates from 1786 but in actual fact the course didn't exist before 1856 and back then it was a modest 9 holes being extended to 18 in 1900 so it's far from being a historically relevant place in the annals of golf. However, if you look beyond the tall stories and their self-spun propaganda you'll find it a reasonable but very short course. Ideal for those whose game isn't up to the rigours of the New, Jubilee or even the Old course at St Andrews. It's holiday golf but don't expect it to test your game if you're a genuine low-handicap player. Greens were very slow when I played it last week. As for the clubhouse, well it has nice views of the sea and the food was wholesome, cooked well-enough but nothing exceptional.

Balcomie was a Tom Morris design course and his personal favorite. Every hole is on the ocean and nice elevation changes give amazing views. Not as famous as St Andrews but Crail considers itself The Home of Golf also. About a 15 minute cab ride it is well worth it - 50 GBP Green fees. Caddie's are amazing and better golfer than the players. Ian and Kevin made our round memorable. Do not miss playing a great course on the ocean.

Crail has always been my favorite stop on the old golf course trails of Scotland. The staff is always way beyond friendly, and the golf always remarkable. I love the fact that it is an Ocean course, and that the layout is fair and playable. I must stop for any golfer… The Balcomie links is the best.

This is a superbly challenging and beautiful links course. It is great fun to play. We were fortunate with the weather but in windy conditions this would be much much more difficult.

As part of a group of 16 golfers this really is a must play golf course. We were treated extremely well by all staff. From the pro in the shop and the staff in the clubhouse. The food was very good. The course was in extremely good condition and was challenging . Do not be put off by all the par threes as these holes proved a very tough challenge for all our group. The holes by the sea were tough and we played with a gentle breeze and if the wind blew these would test the best of golfers Overall a great course and very welcoming staff

A great test of golf for any golfer on a traditional Links golf course. Fantastic sea views from every hole. Superbly well kept greens which are very slick and testing. If you can stay out the bunkers and out of the sea you can score well, if the wind blows you will need you're "A" Game.

Crail Golfing Society have a beautiful course nestling at the very corner of the East Neuk. There are two course. The Balcomie Links is the shorter of the two courses, but for me provides the more interesting golfing holes for the average club golfer. I play this one by choice, unless it is closed. The Craighead course is longer, but certainly not a slog. Beautiful vistas stretching across the Firth of Forth will give you a different reward, if the your score is rubbish. When the round is over the first class clubhouse is perched on top of the coast and the finishing holes of the Balcomie course. It is immaculate and you won't be disappointed with the menu on offer. In all, there is everything here for a great day.

Excellent choice of menu - really enjoyed our meal & malt of the month was a wee beauty too. Very pleasant young man serving made it a lovely evening

Sólo en una copa en el bar público así no podemos comentar en restaurante o salón. Probamos Este bar hace un par de años y era horrible. Decidí darle una segunda oportunidad, pero desafortunadamente aún estaba tan mal. El barman era distante y antipático. No hay ambiente. Las bebidas estaban bien.

Hubby was playing a round of golf and I met up with him for lunch. Had a good choice of freshly cooked food and the waitresses were very helpful. Fresh fish to die for and my Greek salad was enormous but delicious. Just what was needed after an energetic round of golf for my husband. Friendly club and will definitely be back.

How this course isn't used for major competitions is a mystery. The course is simply stunning and one of the must do courses in Scotland!!!!!

I have played most of the "Big Name" ones in and near St. Andrews but my two favorite courses in all of Fife are Balcomie Links and its sister course Craighead. Both are beautiful, challenging, and satisfying. If you play more than one course, or more than once at either course, you get a BIG discount on your 2nd and all subsequent rounds.

Although this is a members club , they will allow you too signed in by a member providing you have a good dress code . The purse is also reattach play tough but air if you are a reasonable golfer play many times over the years always return for golf views and of course the lovely clubhouse

meals we have had here are very good, atmosphere is lovely and owners help in any way that they can and nothing is any bother to them

Crail golf club is very fortunate to have such a terrific catering team looking after their members. Great food and friendly service led by club steward, Alan Henderson

Club House du complexe de Crail. Spécialités de posions et crustacés + carte de "pub" plus classique.

Enjoyed a great round of golf here. Clear blue skies and a howling gale made it interesting. Some of the holes edged by the beach are a real challenge. Cant wait to play it again Good clubhouse with lots of food options.

The view of the sea from every hole; The challenge of the sloping greens, and the quality of the greens. Also, the food in the club house, - reasonably priced, top class food and hospitality.

Balcomie is my favourite of the 2 Crail courses.Great fun holiday course, lovely views and always well maintained.I always come off it , looking forward to my next visit.I personaly find Craighead the other course a real slog and not keen if I'm asked to play it.Crails GC restaurant and bar are superb...a Balcomie day including lunch 9/10.Craighead 7/10.try them and decide for yourself

Short in length but long on history. Old Tom Morris designed much of this course in 1895. Blind shots. One double green. Into the teeth of the wind and you'll be lucky to chip for your birdie. At your back and you may be putting for eagle. Tough greens. Lots of hills. Fun pot bunkers.

After a game on the Balcomie course my playing partner and I had a great Thai Chicken Curry & a Steak Pie with Chips - absolutely excellent. Friendly staff - manager (didn't get his name), and Rachel who served us were attentive, well attired and welcoming. Great views from clubhouse. My only disappointment was there's no Peroni on draught but the alternatives were sound. Will have another lunch as playing at the Craighead course this Thursday. Thank you for looking after us so well.

We had the pleasure of playing Balcomie Links and would recommend it to any golfer visiting Fife. The pro was welcoming and helpful (his advice got us on to the Old Course) and the clubhouse crew were most friendly and accommodating. The course itself was a masterpiece of links golf and the views and wildlife (from seals to falcons) amazing. Thanks for the memories.

Have been to the Balcomie quite a few times and have always been made very welcome by staff and the regulars. When we have visitors we always take them to the Balcomie for a meal as it is good home cooked food and very reasonably priced. The Balcomie also do different Special Theme nights for a week which is excellent value, 3 courses on offer! We really liked the Italian and also the Mexican, however, we have tried more and they are all delicious! If you come to Crail visit the Balcomie Links Hotel!

Seen a few boards around frail advertising food served daily from 11am until 8:45pm popped in about 5 pm to be told they don't serve food until 6 pm although there was 4 or 5 tables with people eating stayed in the area for a few days but never went back.

We stayed at a local caravan site and found this hotel to be the nearest to the park. We visited for food and drinks which we found to be simple and freshly prepared. Good honest food.

Excellent course, great staff. Played several times here and it is always wonderful even when the weather is not! Always well looked after by Graham Lennie the PGA professional and David his assistant, if you are coming to Fife then this is a must play.

the owner Mike was very friendly the lounge was full people eating,the steak and ale pie was excellent as was my partners chicken tikka massala with fresh herbs,enjoyed dinner would visit again.

Crail is a classic links course. It is a pleasure to play the Balcomie course. Especially with a lot of wind, you have to master all facets of the game of golf.

We were beaten up after a very windy morning at Kingsbarns. So we decided to try Balcomie in the afternoon. Although it was extremely windy (the locals agreed), we had a great time around this classic course. It is mostly wide open, first following the coastline, then up and down the big hill that the club house sits upon. A little dicey where fairways run beside each other- watch out for balls from other groups. However, great fun with some terrific par 3's- one blind, 2 up big hills, and 1 down a big hill. Interesting all the way around. Then finish with a beer or a meal in the clubhouse overlooking the par 3 18th hole with a big sloping green and the sea.Great fun. Not the highest level of golf, but a nice break from the Carnoustie/Old Course/Kingsbarns/Castle hard course schedule.

We had the Turkish three course which was generous, tasty and had added value of starters and turkish tea. Well worth giving a shot at these prices.

Having been to the hotel for food for 3+ years, always top quality, reasonable prices and will be going there again next year.

Our round was slated for July 5th, 2013. We had arrived on the 4th and driven up to Anstruther from Edinburgh. This was the inaugural round for our trip around Scotland! We arrived about 1 hour early to a nearly full parking lot. The weather was brilliant blue sunny sky with very heavy winds. Imagine, wind on the North Sea, in Scotland!The pro shop is set apart from the club house, pub, and locker rooms, and overlooks the first tee. The staff was welcoming and we were excited to get going. We chose the trolleys (pull carts) over caddies this round. The course is FUN! It winds it's way out along the shore with some testy holes and then back inside along the ridge line. Every hole views the water. Do not let the short length fool you, with the wind and the lay of the land the course plays much longer than what you see on the card.The last four holes are around the hillside on the other side of the Club house, they play a little calmer it seemed as far as the wind goes. Two holes played very tough for the ladies tees. They were both par 3s and really the red tees afforded no option to go for the green as the greens were highly elevated and at such length that my wife simply hit a mid iron off the tee to lay up, then had to hit blind up and over the gorse at the green. The modernized Caslte Balcomie stands watch over a number of holes as well. All in all it was a fun course, and a good start to our trip. The clubhouse is very nice, the pub serves good ales, which we had on the deck overlooking the last four holes.Great scenery, fun course, good time.

On the outskirts of Crail within easy walking distance this Hotel/ Pub/ Restaurant served us reasonable food, service was slow and we wern't able to order drinks with our food despite the table next to us doing so! Had to wait to get the bill and when we did we were mis billed for our order and they wern't willing to correct the error - now there's a fine example of how not to manage customer service!Not exactly so special that it's worth the detour, I shall find somewhere else to eat next time round.