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.
What makes it special
Everything in Fife is links base, but Ladybank stands out from the rest.
The uniqueness of the Club being a heathland course amongst the many nearby links courses in this part of Scotland is delightfully surprising.
Where is it?
The Club sits between Dundee and Edinburgh, just off the A92.
Where does it rank?
141st in GB&I, 8th in Fife, 88th in Value
Get in touch with Ladybank
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01337 830814
Have you played Ladybank before? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Register to play Ladybank now!
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Ladybank Golf Club review
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Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
