Golf House Club

I wanted to love Elie, and I did except for the traffic jam that happens in the middle of the routing. I love quirky links courses, but on busy days, a logjam develops near the beach, where the 7th, 10th and 16th tees converge with three greens (6, 9 and 15). Golfers teeing off on the uphill 10th also must contend with walkers heading to the beach. That hole is one of the wildest I've seen on a links. Most players can't reach the crest of the hill to see the blind green below. All you need to do those is hit the approach shot, and the ball will roll to the bottom to get on, near or over the green. It's good fun. Elie is so popular that it was recently announced that the club will close to outside play for most of the summer to cater to its members.

Greens and fairways in very good condition. Secondary rough had grown up and was brutal. Lost 2 balls only a few feet in which cost me a good score. A good variety of holes, with some beautiful views of the water. Wish they had some shorter tees for the ladies as some of the holes were simply too long for my wife even though she hits a good ball. Young man in the pro shop was very friendly and helpful. Priced a bit high especially adding in 20 pounds each for the power trolley, but still a fun day.

Awesome course, we’ll conditioned and great pace of play. Starter very friendly and helpful.

Course in fabulous condition tees fairways and greens all excellent, very welcoming staff. Great day all round and good value for a course in this condition

Even though the greens were being hollow-tined they were still very playable. Several holes are in sight of the Sea and, of course, no Par 5s.

We suffered a puncture en-route so phoned ahead to notify. The Pro was great and said that he'd change the tee time for us.

We arrived 2 hrs late and teed off an hour later (due to the members medal being on). So we had a bite to eat before using the driving range and short game practice area which is next to the clubhouse.

The course has a great old school links layout and the greens ran true and fast for the time of year. Overall the course was in great condition, pace of play was good, food was delicious and great value, and the Pro was knowledgeable, polite and friendly.

There's also some picturesque holes with views over to Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's seat and beyond.

Excellent course, amazing conditions for January, no mats or winter greens, quirky holes, excellent views with holes around the Fife coastal path

Being so close to Saint Andrews, 10 miles, this course is somewhat unknown to people outside of Scotland. It shouldn't be. I only have about 40 rounds of Scottish golf under my belt, but that includes 12 of the best courses in Scotland. Without doubt, Elie ranks among them.

Not only is it one of the oldest golf courses on the planet, the views are among the best in all of Scotland. (You will want your camera ready for #3 tee box and the top of the hill on # 11 fairway.)

I have no issues with blind tee shots, of which there are a couple, and the layout is impeccable.

Make sure you take enough club to get to the top of the hill on #11. It was pouring rain and chilly the day I played, but is there any other way to play a classic links golf course for the first time?