Kirkcaldy Golf Club
Designed in 1904 by former Open Champion and renowned golf course architect Tom Morris; Kirkcaldy Golf Club is an attractive 18-hole, Par 71 that remains a beautifully preserved example of a traditional Scottish parkland course.
Set on the outskirts of the old Lang Toun of Kirkcaldy, ‘Balwearie’ as they know it locally, begins a stretch of historic courses that weave their way up the Fife coastline to the very cradle of the game in St.Andrews.
Even with such illustrious neighbours, Kirkcaldy is widely regarded as one of the best kept courses in the Kingdom; combining a distinctive layout with spectacular views across the Firth of Forth and a natural burn that meanders its way around the course to create a uniquely Scottish golfing experience.
The first nine holes cut deep into the Fife countryside, providing a contrasting challenge for golfers of all abilities. From the very first shot to carry the Tiel burn up 'hangover hill' to the 200-yard-plus Par-3 Second, through to the daunting Par-5 Fifth; the start can be a bruising encounter.
And then, just as you’re beginning to find your feet, Old Tom’s sense of devilment comes to the fore and the course changes its emphasis. The burn meanders its way back into play, the holes shorten but the fairways tighten, so that what the 7th, 8th and 9th sometimes lack in length; they more than make up for in mischief.
This is where many a promising scorecard has been laid to waste as golfers fail to appreciate the subtleties of a course designed by the eye. As the members will happily tell you; ‘If you’re going to score round Balwearie, you’ll need a guid burn’.
You’ll also need to be on the right side of the hole on one, three and 13 and the right side of the fairway when you finally get ‘up top’ to the 11th . But when you do, you can open your lungs as well as your shoulders and enjoy an expanse of Fife countryside and beautiful views across the Forth to Edinburgh.
No more so than on the homeward straight and the striking Par 5, 17th. 500-plus yards that dive back towards the Clubhouse; where a good drive will nestle on the top of the hill and leave the ultimate golfing conundrum: lay-up; or risk all and carry the burn for one last time to set up that elusive eagle opportunity!
And that about sums up Balwearie; at times a very unique golfing experience where great golf can be played and good scores can be had, but where you’re never far away from Old Tom Morris and a unique sense of Scottish golfing mischief!
