Leven Links

Our survey of the courses in the Kindom of Fife continues and we come to Leven Links (pronounced like even, not seven). It’s next to Lundin Links, separated only by the Mile Dyke, a prominent stone wall. Leven is considerably older, dating to the early 1800s. It’s interesting in that the links are public land but golf is governed jointly by the two separate golf club; the Leven Golfing Society and the Leven Thistle Golf Club. During our 2008 trip it was our first round, played on the day we arrived in Scotland. We were a little late arriving from Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) and had some minor difficulties finding the clubhouse. We were about to miss our tee time. The starter was very accommodating and suggested we have some lunch and then tee off in about an hour. The Leven Golfing Society is housed in a stunning Victorian era clubhouse. We ordered our lunch at the lounge bar and sat at a table near the large windows that overlook the course. Immediately we were engaged by some friendly members. They told us that the two clubs have a somewhat adversarial relationship each having different priorities. Rules changes are frequent and spending priorities change depending on which club holds a majority on the governing council. For example, the budget for course maintenance oscillates between a high and low amounts depending on who is in charge. In any case the food was great and we were rested and ready to begin our round.

The course shares many attributes with Lundin Links. It’s first few holes play to the East but not immediately along the coast as it is separated from the water by a caravan park, some recreational facilities and a car park (parking lot). Nonetheless great views of the Firth of Forth, with Bass Rock in the distance, were afforded at every turn. My journal from 2008 says that it is true links golf with large, firm greens. Nearer the ocean the holes play in valleys between low, grass covered dunes. The grass was long but wispy. Farther from the ocean gorse bushes line the fairways. Like all links courses, it is virtually devoid of trees so long rough, gorse and bunkers constitute the hazards. The lack of trees might sound good but there is a significant drawback. There are few targets at which to aim and shelter from the wind. Only when we turned back to the West with the backdrop of the town on the horizon could we pick out church steeples, smokestacks and ‘tall’ buildings to aid us with our aim. As the links are public land we saw many people walking on the links, often with their dogs. After an enjoyable round we returned to the lounge bar in the clubhouse for a pint and more companionship with the members before we headed to St Andrews.

ODL


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