Elie (Golf House Club)

The Golf House Club at Elie sits in one of the prettiest fishing villages in Fife, with its course running along the shore of the Firth of Forth. The club was founded in 1875, but golf has been played on this land since the 1500s. James Braid grew up in the village — his birthplace, a small cottage on the high street, still has a plaque — and he revised the course in the 1920s.

The course is short (par 70 over 6,300 yards) and unusual: there are no par 5s on the card, just sixteen par 4s and two par 3s. The 1st tee is famous for its periscope, salvaged from a WWII submarine, used by the starter to check the fairway is clear before letting players hit a blind tee shot over a hill. The 13th and 17th are the holes regulars cite — both played with the firth in view, both rewarding precision over length.

Visitor green fee is £125 weekday, £150 weekend in 2026. Booking via golfhouseclub.co.uk. Caddies available by prior arrangement. The clubhouse is small, friendly, and serves a properly good lunch. Pair Elie with Crail (15 minutes east) and Lundin Links (15 minutes west) for a three-course East Neuk day — three Morris-influenced links within thirty miles, total green fees around £290. Among the best Scottish golfing days you can put together.