About the course
Leven Links runs along the shore of Largo Bay on the south coast of Fife, between the town of Leven and the neighbouring course at Lundin. It is pure links throughout, with rolling fairways, old dunes and pot bunkers, and the routing loops round the property in a pattern that has been likened to three horseshoes, so the wind comes from a different angle on almost every hole.
The Innerleven Golfing Society, the origin of today’s Leven Golfing Society, dates from 1820, and golf was being played on these links well before that. Old Tom Morris advised on the course in the 1860s, and in 1868 it was extended to eighteen holes, opened with a match between Old Tom and Young Tom Morris. For four decades the course was shared with Lundin, until in 1909 the ground was divided at the Mile Dyke into two separate eighteens. Leven also stages one of the oldest open amateur competitions in Scotland, played for a gold medal first presented in 1870.
The outward nine works round the edge of the property close to the sea, and the course keeps its links character from start to finish, with no parkland holes. The eighteenth is a long par 4 with the Scoonie Burn running in front of the green, so the approach has to carry the water to reach the putting surface, and many good rounds are decided there.
Why we recommend it
Leven is a traditional seaside links that shares its coastline with Lundin, and it is one of the best-value rounds in Fife. Rolling fairways, old dunes, burns and pot bunkers give it plenty of character, and the closing holes are a strong finish, especially into the wind. It has hosted Open final qualifying, yet the welcome from its two member clubs is relaxed. Less than an hour from St Andrews, it pairs naturally with Lundin for a contrasting day.
Photo gallery
| Ranking Scotland | 50 |
| Architect | Old Tom Morris |
| Year of foundation | 1820 |
| Par Course | 71 |
| Number of holes | 18 |