Played by NCG: Ladybank
Reason for a Ladybank Golf Club review
I was on a short golfing holiday in Fife with a couple of friends. We were lucky enough to also visit Monifieth, Crail, Scotscraig and Archerfield.
Where is Ladybank?
Ladybank can be found in the picturesque Scottish county of Fife, around 16 miles inland from St Andrews.
What to expect
A tremendous inland course offering a welcome touch of variety to the predominately links-style courses found in this golf-rich part of Scotland.
Designed by Old Tom Morris, Ladybank looks to test every type of shot a player has in their locker.
The course feels like it is both parkland and heathland in character. Holes give the appearance that they have been dropped into middle of a tranquil forest; hit the ball offline left or right and you are likely to be plodding your way through the colossal trees.
However, there is also the presence of long, links-style rough in places. It’s a course that constantly keeps you on your toes.
Favourite hole
The 4th hole is a pretty par 3 and a welcome relief following a tough opening three holes.
Typical of the greens at Ladybank, the putting surface is small and contoured. The three bunkers protecting the green gave extra food for thought.
Throughout our round we had to contend with heavy rain and wind which meant that club selection on 4th was tricky.
I went for a club with extra length and just found the putting surface. I frustratingly (yet typically) three-putted my way to a bogey from there.
My best bit
Whenever I found the middle of the fairway on any of the intimidating long par 4s and par 5s where the imposing trees taunt you from both sides.
Ladybank is a course that rewards precision and smart shot selection, and punishes anyone whose game is not fully on song.
I was hitting the ball cleanly and managed to play sensible golf which resulted in a decent Stableford score.
When I go back
I will keep my driver, which I have a tendency to leak extremely right, in my bag.
There is very little margin for error off the tee on several holes and I don’t fancy wandering through the woods as often as I did on this trip.
I’ll stick to my trusty 4-iron next time…and hope the Scottish weather is more forgiving.
Chris Hanson tips: Driving the ball
Gary Nicol’s short game secrets: Uphill lie in a bunker
