About the course
While golf has been played in Leven since 1820, some parts of the course have been played since 1846 and the current layout was created in 1909.
The history of Leven Links Golf Course is long and complex, but the most important thing is the nature of the terrain on which it is built. Local wind and tidal conditions in prehistoric times, when sea levels were falling, combined to create a series of parallel dune ridges that give Leven Links a truly unique character.
From the start of the round, the golfer is aware that the fairways run along the valleys between the ancient dunes, creating excellent definition and a true test of links golf as the slopes and bounces of these natural obstacles appear throughout the round.
They are most pronounced on the first (where the green lies on a plateau), second, thirteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth holes. Elsewhere they appear as obstacles to be played on holes five, seven and ten, and on the fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth holes they form the backdrop for steeply sloping greens. The strength of the course lies in the variety of quality “links” holes with undulating fairways, elevated bunkers, beautiful ramps and large greens with true fairways that are a stern test for even the most experienced players.
At the end of it all lies one of the best final holes in golf, where two well struck shots are required to reach a target of quite epic proportions and bow down to the yawning demonic Scoonie Burn that winds around the right and front of the green.
Leven Links has a rich history, not least because it is the archetypal links course. With its gentle bents and fescues, bumps, bumps, dips and “wise” roughe, it could well be used as the very definition of a true links. As such, it must be enjoyed by all who play here.”
Photo gallery
| Ranking Scotland | 50 |
| Architect | Old Tom Morris |
| Year of foundation | 1820 |
| Par Course | 72 |
| Number of holes | 18 |
