Ladybank: A wonderfully tranquil experience in the heart of Fife

A heathland course in Scotland seems to be a rarity nowadays, but Ladybank really does make up for this with its own unique flavour.

Tree lined and free draining, the course often behaves similar to that you would expect of a typical links course.

Nevertheless, it is a course to tease into submission rather than overpower; if you stray off the mainly flat fairways, expect to be punished for your sins. The greens are compact and your approach shot requires precision to find the usually pristine putting surfaces.

Ladybank provides valuable wildlife habitat for a range of flora and fauna; red squirrels, in decline in the UK, are resident in the swathes of Scots pines. Their larger brethren, the grey squirrel, can be found in the broad-leaved species of beech tree in the avenue leading to the clubhouse.

History

Tom Morris designed in 1879, the Club started off as a nine hole course and in 1962 the layout was doubled by Laurie Auchterlonie Jnr., son of the 1893 Open Champion, Willie Auchterlonie – the former later becoming Ladybank’s honorary club professional.

It has hosted Local Final Qualifying for the Open on seven occasions since 1978 and offers a wonderfully tranquil experience.