When you think about golf in the Kingdom of Fife, you probably imagine St Andrews, Elie, Crail or Leven. Right? Well no, not really! There is another side to golf in the Kingdom, with renowned designers like James Braid bestowing their gifts on almost every nook and cranny of Fife - Braid was a native of the area. There are a cluster of golf clubs and courses surrounding the ancient capital of Scotland; some steeped in history, one an example of modern golf architecture and equipment, one in its infancy, aspiring and ambitious. And the best way to explore them is with a First in Fife Golfpass. Spoiled for choice, let us begin at Dunfermline. Course architect JR Strutt has given us five three shotters and five par threes to tackle on his 5800 yards design and the choice of the par fours must be the aptly named Abbey - one of several dog-legs on the wooded course that call for extra caution against the out of bounds on the right. Move on to Canmore Golf Club, named after Malcolm, King of Scotland in 1058. Like many of the courses available to First in Fife Golfpass holders where two, or even three rounds if you are up to it, can so easily be fitted into one day, Canmore is a leisurely stroll at just under 5400 yards but take care at the 11th, 12th and 13th holes that the locals have dubbed Amen Corner. Having gorged on the past let us pause to consider the present and the fledgling Forrester Park Resort and golf course. This is the brainchild of landowner Robert Forrester and despite the fact that its age can be counted on the fingers of one hand it has already caught the attention of the Scottish Golf Union for a Scottish Boys Area Team Championships. The greens, laid down to USGA specification, are already excellent. The layout is enjoyable yet not too demanding, and as it matures it will reinforce the sublime indoor facilities. Enjoy the outside architecture of the clubhouse at your peril from the 18th green for its two levels will test your putting skills. Balbirnie Park is quite different. The imposing driveway leads to an almost-American type scenario, with 18 holes sculpted from a landscape of trees and open spaces. The instant impression is of a golf course of championship quality on which expense has been of secondary consideration. The bunkering is adequate but fair, the greens generous but the surrounding areas contoured to ask the questions. A regular venue for professional events, Balbirnie Park is well worth the green fee supplement for its two loops of nine. On then to Thornton, a golfing tranquillity, a rest and be thankful. The long and narrow winding approach means it is better to arrive than to travel hopefully. Exiting from under the railway bridge the golf course unfolds in front of your eyes. Sedate may be an apt description of its charms and lady golfers and senior citizens may find it ideal For those requiring a relaxing afternoon to follow a demanding morning head for Thornton Golf Club. The River Ore meanders alongside the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes and over this picturesque finishing stretch you could go in search of birdies. But beware, you will need to be accurate from the tee, indeed an iron might not be a bad selection, for with the river on the left and numerous bunkers on the right there is no room for error. Back then to the coast, to the shores of the Firth of Forth, to Aberdour and Burntisland via Kirkcaldy, which is a golf club for serious locals and visitors alike and under the guidance of its enthusiastic Director of Golf, Anthony Caira the club is thriving and progressive. Another of Fife's legendary sons, Tom Morris, designed the Kirkcaldy course in 1904 and brought into play the traditional Scottish burn that meanders through the mature parkland. No-one who has stood on the elevated first tee at Aberdour - and golfers have teed up there since 1896 - will ever forget the scene. The green is barely over one hundred yards away but almost straight down, in the foreground sea stacks of sandstone, the background Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, across the Firth of Forth. Having navigated that, easier said than done with a deceiving sea breeze, or one off the land over the right shoulder, proceed to the second tee to decide whether to play safe with an iron short of the green, or to 'go for it' across the bay, with a full tide and the wind from the west. The Burntisland Golf House Club is, as the name implies, one of the oldest clubs in the home of golf. The game has been played there since 1797. Over the centuries both Willie Park and Braid have carved out 18 holes - at one and the same time adventurous and exciting. To master them requires the skill to put the golf ball in the correct position from which to attack the green. The golf is complemented by the quality of accommodation available. There are now 17 accommodation partners linked with the Golfpass, all ready and willing to arrange your golf break in Fife for you. They can also have your Golfpass waiting for you, and arrange tee times on your chosen courses. The accommodation on offer ranges from three and four star hotels to cosy B&Bs, and even a luxury caravan park where visiting golfers are a growing part of the business. FactfileYou will find all the details you need, and lots more information on the golf courses, on www.firstinfifegolf.com. The 2006 First in Fife Golfpass costs from £55 for three rounds or from £85 for five rounds. Supplements apply at some courses. The Golfpass consists of a book of vouchers that can be used any time between April and October 2006 - they don't all have to be used on the one trip. First in Fife golf courses: Aberdour, tel: 01383 860080, email: aberdourgc@aol.com Balbirnie Park, tel: 01592 752006, email: craigfdonnelly@aol.com Burntisland, tel: 01592 872116, email: wktbghc@aol.com Canmore, tel: 01383 728416, email: canmoregolfclub@aol.com Dunfermline, tel: 01383 723534, email: secretary@dunfermlinegolfclub.com Forrester Park, tel: 01383 880505, email: forresterpark@aol.com Kirkcaldy, tel: 01592 203258, email: enquiries@kirkcaldygolfclub.sol.co.uk Thornton, tel: 01592 771111, email: thorntongolf@btconnect.com | 
Golfing Destinations
