Leven
XXXX Links
Letham Grange (Old)
There are two courses at Letham Grange: the Old and the Glens.
The Old is not actually that old, being designed by Donald Steel
and opened in 1987. It is a parkland course with a strong and
interesting mix of holes. There are heavily tree-lined fairways,
where the height and density of trees add a peacefulness to
proceedings, there are water features providing charm and
danger in equal measure, and there are open holes where
fairways glide across the landscape using the undulating terrain
to maximum effect. The course is also of good length so with
greens that are best targeted through the air you will need a
good day with your driver. The Glens course is a par 68.
Kingsbarns
Kyle Philips worked his magic to create this spectacular course
in the late 1990s. It is fluid, it is velvet and it is unforgettable. The
course embraces the subtlety of links golf while lavishing it with
charm and elegance. Set on Kingsbarns Bay, golfers will play over
wide and rhythmic fairways to sweetly undulating greens. It is as
hypnotic as it sounds and the course stretches for almost two miles
along the coast, embracing three separate coves. The views of sea
and coastline are only the turn of a head away and such beauty is
reflected on the course with the wispy rough adding a golden hue,
the series of slopes presenting holes on different levels and the
variety of greens promising huge amounts of fun.
48
Monifieth (Medal)
This course is well known for its narrow fairways, deep revetted
bunkers and fast greens. It is strong links golf by any standard and
there’s a second course here, too. The links eases you in gently
with the opening (and closing) holes running calmly parallel to
the railway line. You feel the momentum growing as you head
out to the heart of the course and the Index 1, par four 4th is
all the introduction you need as the fairway narrows quickly to
a green lost in a nest of dunes. For the next two hours you’ll
encounter serious swagger as holes rumble over and through
good sized dunes, creating plenty of blind spots and daunting
shots. Sharp approach play required. The stands of pine trees add
hugely to the setting. An Open Championship qualifying venue.
Leven Links
A links course through and through, and of that low-lying,
deceptive and mischievous variety that makes you think holes
look straightforward. Even the scorecard suggests you’ll have an
easy day of it… until you look closely. From the forward Yellow
tees there are three par fours of over 450 yards (two of these are
par fives from the back tees). The wind will taunt you all day and
this is a course that requires accuracy to find the fairways tucked
between rough strewn dunes. Bump and run isn’t always on (the
memorable 456 yard 18th has the Scoonie Burn in front of the
green) but when it is, it’s a delicious opportunity to attack flags
on the large greens. And mind the bunkers: slopes and hollows
can steer your ball unerringly into the sand. That’s a links for you!