Leven Links: A first of its kind with one of the finest finishing holes in all of golf
As one of the oldest links courses in Scotland, Leven Links is thought to be the very first course in the world to feature 18 tees and 18 separate greens.
From the start of the round the golfer will be conscious of the fairways running along the valleys between these old dunes; it makes for superb definition and a true test of links golf as the slopes and bounces of these natural obstacles come into play throughout the round.
Leven offers the ultimate test of links golf in all its glory. There are blind tee shots, outcrops of spiky gorse and undulating greens. A tricky test of course management awaits and a strong day with the driver from the tee is a must.
History
Whilst golf has been played at Leven since 1820, the game dates back to 1846 on parts of these links with the current configuration coming into being in 1909. One of the very oldest pieces of golfing land anywhere in the world., the links has stood the test of time and continues to host leading amateur and professional tournaments to this day.
But what is most important is the nature of the ground upon which it is built.
Local conditions of winds and tides during prehistoric times, when sea levels were falling combined to produce a series of parallel dune ridges which give Leven Links a truly unique signature.
What makes it special
At the end of it all lies one of the finest finishing holes in golf where two well struck shots are required to reach a target of quite epic proportions.
Now known as “Scoonie”, which prior to 1893 was small and square but is now a large putting surface fronted by the “demonic” Scoonie burn. This wide natural water hazard haa been described in the past as “yellow as Pactolus; as black as Styx, the colour of ketchup and the density of pea soup all accompanied with the smell of Gaol fever”. Not quite as challenging today it will still take two superlatively struck shots to reach the putting surface in regulation.
Where does it rank?
167th in GB&I, 10th in Fife, 78th in Scotland.
Where is it?
Leven Links sits along the coast of Fife, just over 20 miles due south of Dundee, a short drive off the A915.
Get in touch with Leven Links
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01333 421390.
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Leven Links Golf Club review
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Register to play Leven Links now!
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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.
