Dumbarnie Golf Links in Scotland opened in 2020 and is the newest addition to the world’s great links courses. More than a decade in the planning, Dumbarnie Golf Course was named “2021 Development of the Year” by Golf Inc., “2021 Best New Golf Course Worldwide” by World Golf Awards, and “Scotland’s Best Golf Experience 2021” by Scottish Golf Tourism Association.
A must-play on any St. Andrews golf trip, Dumbarnie Golf Course was created by former DP World Tour professional and European Ryder Cup team member, Clive Clark. The course sits along 1.5 miles of pristine coastline, with players enjoying magnificent sea views across Largo Bay and the famous Firth of Forth.
Clark designed the course to inspire rather than intimidate players. With a variety of tees stretching from 5,300 to 7,600 from the “pro” tees, there is plenty of challenge and enjoyment in every weather condition and for any level of golfer. The fairways are generous and bordered by rough that isn’t too punishing for wayward drives affected by the constant wind. There is enough variety to ensure the course is memorable from the first outing and still fun to play on the 100th time.
The natural topography of the land and its dual elevation allowed for elevated tees with stunning views down to the Firth, especially at holes 6, 8 and 9. Three potential drivable par 4s at holes 3,11 and 17. The drivable par 4s are especially key in giving players the option of “going for it” as a risk/reward, especially in a tight match.
The bunkering, as well as the dune separation, are all manmade and rather than a singular style found on many designs, the bunkers at Dumbarnie come in all shapes and sizes. From penalizing small revetted pot bunkers to large waste areas. The green complexes feature large runoff areas allowing for creativity in shotmaking.
Dumbarnie golf was created as a welcoming facility to all golfers and as such is operated as a daily fee course and open to visitors on the weekends. Located less than 12 miles from St Andrews, this Fife golf course is in high demand and it is recommended to make advance bookings. As the Kingdom of Fife endures a cold, dry winter adverse to grass growing conditions, Dumbarnie closes from late fall to mid-April. This ensures the highest quality maintenance standards when it is available for play.
Set along Fife’s dramatic coastline with sweeping views across the Firth of Forth, Dumbarnie Links is one of Scotland’s most exciting modern additions to the game’s ancient landscape. Designed by renowned architect Clive Clark, this world-class layout spans 345 acres of genuine links land, with more than a mile of pristine sea frontage creating a setting of rare beauty.
Already earning recognition among Scotland’s premier golf destinations, Dumbarnie Links has quickly established itself as a must-play course for discerning golfers. Its strategic location just minutes from St Andrews – the Home of Golf – positions it perfectly within Scotland’s legendary golf coast, creating an unparalleled golfing corridor that includes the Old Course, Kingsbarns, and the other celebrated links of Fife.
The story of Dumbarnie golf links is inseparable from the ancient Balcarres Estate, which has remained in the Crawford family for more than four centuries. The Earl of Crawford’s 5,000-acre estate carries echoes of Scotland’s rich heritage, with the magnificent Balcarres House standing as testament to the land’s noble past.
Built in 1595 by John Lindsay, the second son of David, the 9th Earl of Crawford, this historic mansion and its formal gardens have been preserved as buildings of special historic interest, creating an unparalleled setting for championship golf.
The distinctive character of this coastal terrain dates back to the 16th century, when the dual elevations connected by flowing escarpments first captured the imagination of those who understood the potential of links land. For generations, this spectacular stretch of Fife coastline remained largely untouched, its natural contours and sea views awaiting the vision of someone who could transform it into a golfing masterpiece.
St Andrews has several amazing accommodations, but one of my favorites has to be the Ruscaks St Andrews Hotel which overlooks the infamous Old Course. The 18 at Rusacks is found on the rooftop of the hotel as well as two other restaurants.
You also cannot beat the views or location at the Rufflets Hotel. Everywhere you look is breathtaking and it truly feels like you are in your own little village, including a 5-minute stroll to the coast.
The Birthplace of Golf
Stay and Play at the home of golf, from the Old Course to the modern icons of Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links.
7 nights 5* accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $7,958 per golfer
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The slope rating of a golf course is a measure of its difficulty. The higher the slope rating, the more difficult the course. Dumbarnie Links has a slope rating of 135, which means that it is a challenging course for players of all skill levels.
You are not required to show a handicap certificate to play Dumbarnie Links, but it is recommended if you are a beginner or have not played the course before. A handicap certificate will give you an idea of how difficult the course will be for you, help you set realistic expectations and provide a guide on which tee box to use.
Dumbarnie Links is located in Fife, Scotland, about 50 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The course is open year-round, but the best time to play is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild but the course is less busy.
Premier Golf offers St Andrews golf tours that can include a round at Dumbarnie Links. These tours are a great way to experience some of the best golf courses in the world, and Premier Golf can help you book tee times, arrange transportation, and book accommodations.
