In the short term, there could hardly have been a worse time to be opening a new golf course like Dumbarnie Links designed to entice international tourists than in the summer of 2020.
Five years on, though, and Dumbarnie Links has become part of the Fife furniture. This is a highly popular stop with visitors and the kind of course where a good time comes all but guaranteed.
Under the expert eye of David Scott, the vastly experienced general manager who is also the captain of the PGA this year, Dumbarnie Links gets it right from the moment guests arrive on the property.
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The short par-4 4th is an exciting risk-and-reward hole that tempts you into an aggressive tee shot
The Kingsbarns connection
Scott was part of the team who established Kingsbarns as the United Kingdom’s first golfing destination that truly combined an outstanding seaside course with excellence off it in a way that resonated with their clientele.
It is not difficult to see the many ways in which that experience and knowhow has been put to use down the road at Dumbarnie Links. It is located 15 miles or so round the coast, travelling away from St Andrews, just outside Leven.
A view down the 18th fairway, snaking back towards the tee of this challenging par 4
While Kingsbarns looks out to the North Sea, Dumbarnie overlooks the Firth of Forth. It offers views south, across to Edinburgh and the East Lothian coast.
Both courses are angled towards the water and feature sporty designs that always entertain.
Dumbarnie Links has at least three drivable par 4s, most of the par 5s are within reach on any given day and the par 3s generally play towards the ocean.
Split fairways are a recurring theme. You are asked to make the choice between a longer but safer route to the green and a more direct line with bunkers to carry and a smaller landing area.
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It all makes for a course where your next opportunity to make a birdie is never too far away.
Watch our 48 Hours In Fife video – starring Dumbarnie Links
A tournament venue too
Which is not to say that the course isn’t challenging. From the back tees it is nearer 7,500 yards than 7,000. Dumbarnie Links is surely a future venue for professional events.
There is arguably no better or more demanding hole than the 18th – a long par 4 that doglegs from left to right at driving distance, with bunkers awaiting the drive that is too straight.
The reward for executing the first part well is a kick down the slope. That results in a clear, inviting view of the huge green that has a higher right-hand tier and rewards a bold shot. It is a satisfying feeling to walk up to this final green with your ball safely aboard and in view.
Still, the emphasis throughout is on fun. People come here for a good time and that is exactly what they have, to judge by the happy faces in the glass-fronted bar and restaurant in the clubhouse. No wonder – it is quite the view across the links towards the water.
The off-course vibe at Dumbarnie Links
Inside, it is an American-sports-bar vibe where the service is warm, hyper-efficient and friendly.
Within two minutes, you can be on either the pristine practice range or the 1st tee. When you arrive at the latter, golfers enjoy a wee dram before setting forth.
It’s warm, everything is where you need it and a staff member is never far away to help.
It all makes for a memorable and seamless golfing experience on and off the course, which is very much the way of things at Dumbarnie.
Further improvements planned for winter
Dumbarnie closes between the months of November and March and by the time the gates open for the 2026 season, work will be concluded on two winter course-improvement projects.
At the par-4 5th, mounds on the left will be lowered to make the approach shot to a back-left flag more appealing.
And at the 18th, work will be done to make the view from the tee more visually appealing.
The changes are important as we are always looking to improve the experience for visitors and take on board feedback that we hear,” said Scott.
“The change on the 5th will really enhance the playability. We will be working on these changes as soon as we close so we will all be ready for next spring.”
NOW HAVE YOUR SAY ON DUMBARNIE
Have you played Dumbarnie Links before? If so, how was it? Which golf courses in Fife have you played? Let me know your experiences of golfing in Fife and Scotland by leaving a comment on X.
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