Tag: The Golf House Club – Elie

Winter Golf Deals in the Angus & Fife regions

Winter Golf Deals in the Angus & Fife regions

This week, in the second of three blogs on Scottish Winter Golf, I pick out some of the courses in the Angus and Fife regions that are offering great deals on green fees.

Over the coming months, there are great opportunities to play two Open Championship venues and a number of Open Championship qualifier courses in Angus and Fife.  Not only are the courses are a bit quieter at this time of year but there’s also 50% off green fees in many cases!

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Views from Montrose Golf Links out to Scurdie Ness Lighthouse

Now, unless the ‘Beast from the East’ returns, most of these links/coastal courses should be fully open throughout the colder months.

We are fortunate to have so many top quality courses offering such great winter golf deals at this time of year.  But, let’s not kid ourselves, apart from the obvious ‘Supply & Demand’ issues, there are other reasons for the discounted rates, such as:

  1. It can get cold, wet & windy out there – waterproofs, woolly beanies & mitts are frequently required!
  2. There may be winter greens in use, in the first few hours, if there is frost about.
  3. There may be winter maintenance works being carried out and the course may have a different layout.
  4. The clubhouse may not be open / available.

These are just a few of the reasons why golf clubs discount their green fees in the winter.  For that reason, I put together a ‘Golfing in the Winter’ checklist last month which you may want to have a quick glance at before booking your next winter round of golf – click HERE.

Next week, I will be highlighting the winter golf deals on the links/coastal courses of East Lothian, Borders, South West Scotland & Ayrshire.  For the time being, here are my course selections from the Angus & Fife regions:

 

Angus Region – Winter Golf Deals

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf

 

Montrose Golf Links – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.montrosegolflinks.com

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Montrose Links

In terms of hidden gems in Scotland, Montrose links is right up there with the best.  Golf was first played here, 456 years ago, in 1562 – with history like that, it’s no wonder the main course has been recently rebranded as ‘The 1562 Course’. It’s not a long track but it is an Open qualifier links course that you have to manage your way around – beware of those pot bunkers!

The 1562 Course
Round:   £34 from 1 November to 21 March 2019

Broomfield Course
Round:   £15 from 1 November to 21 March 2019

Winter Membership: £230 from October to 31 March 2019
(includes access to both courses above)

 

Arbroath Golf Links
www.arbroathgolfcourse.co.uk

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Arbroath Links

On a strip of links land, wedged between Angus farmland and the East Coast railway line, lies Arbroath Links.  You’ll be tested by well placed bunkers and the ever present sea breeze. Additionally, you’ll have to plot your way over the burns that cross the fairways, on no fewer than nine occasions.

Round:   £12 from 1 November to 31 March 2019

 

Carnoustie Golf Links
www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Carnoustie

There are three courses at Carnoustie – the Championship Course, The Burnside & the Buddon.  Don’t let the green fees fool you into believing that the Championship Course is 4 times better than the Burnside Course! I am a fan of the Burnside and I believe that if this course was not overshadowed by its Open Championship neighbour, it would gain more recognition as a top Scottish course.  Give it a try, if you’ve not done so before. Winter rates for all courses have been reduced by 50%.

Championship Course
Round:   £100 from 5 November to 31 March 2019

Burnside Course
Round:   £25 from 5 November to 31 March 2019

Buddon Course
Round:   £25 from 5 November to 31 March 2019

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Burnside Course, Carnoustie

Panmure Golf Club – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.panmuregolfclub.co.uk

The links course at Panmure Golf Club is definitely worth adding to your agenda, if you are golfing anywhere near this area!  It is an Open qualifier course and has held numerous regional and national events over the years. It is a fair course but bunkers lurk at most holes to catch overzealous drives. The odd burn and out of bounds will also grab your attention, so accuracy off the tee is key.

Round:   £45 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Panmure Clubhouse - The Home of Golf
Panmure Clubhouse

Monifieth Golf Links – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.monifiethgolf.co.uk

Only a few miles from Carnoustie lie the Medal & Ashludie courses at Monifieth.  The Medal course is an Open qualifier course – its fairways are undulating, with gorse and heather never far away – accuracy is always better than length on this classic links course.

Medal Course
Round:   £25 from 1 December to 28 February 2019

Ashludie Course
Round:   £15 from 1 December to 28 February 2019

Winter Membership:  £125 from 1 November to 31 March 2019
(Winter Ticket – 5 day Medal / 7 day Ashludie)

 

Fife Region – Winter Golf Deals

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf


Scotscraig Golf Club – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.scotscraiggolfclub.com

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Scotscraig Golf Club

Scotscraig is the most northerly course in Fife and is virtually equidistant from St Andrews and Carnoustie. The course is a mix of links and heathland terrain.  There is a lot of gorse which looks great in full bloom…. however, you’re unlikely to find your ball if it goes anywhere near it!  Scotscraig is the 13th oldest club in the world and celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. It has also been an Open qualifying course on a number of occasions over the last 35+ years.

Round:   £30 from 1 November to 31 March 2019

5 Day Winter Membership (M-F) – £160 from 15 October to 28 February 2019

 

St. Andrews
www.standrews.com

The courses at St. Andrews need no introduction from the likes of me – all I will say is that whilst you can book tee times online, the only exception is the Old Course where a ballot system is in use.  Check their website for details – www.standrews.com

Old Course
Round: £90 from 1 November to 31 March 2019

New Course
Round: £40 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Jubilee Course
Round: £40 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Eden Course
Round: £25 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Strathtyrum Course
Round: £15 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Balgove Course – 9 hole
Round: £8 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Castle Course – closes from 4 November until 1 March 2019
Round: £60 from 1-4 November & 1- 31 March 2019

 

Fairmont St. Andrews
www.fairmont.com

The Fairmont St. Andrews resort sits a few miles south east of St Andrews on a cliff-top spot. The two courses at the resort are new comers to Scottish Golf, only having been open for around 20 years but they both present a good challenge with great views.

The Torrance Course
Round:   £50 from 1 November to 17 March 2019

The Kittocks Course
Round:   £50 from 1 November to 17 March 2019

 

Crail Golfing Society
www.crailgolfingsociety.co.ukThe Home of Golf - Winter Golf

Don’t let the 5800 yardage fool you on Balcomie Links, this course can feel like 7800+ yards in a stiff breeze, where the difficultly, not only lies in playing against or across the wind, but also trying to stop your ball down wind.

Two good tests of golf on both courses, in a beautiful part of Scotland.

Balcomie Links
Round:   £35 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

Craighead Links
Round:   £35 from 1 November to 28 February 2019

 

Golf House Club, Elie
www.golfhouseclub.co.uk

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
18th Hole, Golf House Club, Elie

Golf has been played over these links since the sixteenth century, by all accounts! Old Tom Morris and James Braid were both involved in the design of the current course layout. A submarine periscope, salvaged from the Royal Navy’s HMS Excalibur, is used to ensure the fairway ahead is clear at the first hole – an intriguing start to your round!

Round:   £47-£49 from 22 October to 22 March 2019
(includes soup or coffee & hot roll)

 

Lundin Links – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.lundingolfclub.co.uk

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
Lundin Links

Lundin Links sits side by side with Leven Links, separated by the Mile Dyke.  You are tested on this Open qualifying course with deep bunkers, tight fairways, out of bounds, burns, the ever present wind but rewarded with excellent greens and an award winning clubhouse at the 19th.

Round: £30 from 5 November to 31 March 2019 (not available on Saturdays)

 

Leven Links – (Open Qualifier Course)
www.leven-links.com

The Home of Golf - Winter Golf
18th green, Leven Links

Leven Links has been an Open qualifying course on many occasions, in addition to hosting numerous prestigious national, international, professional and amateur events over the years.

Leven is a classic Scottish links course, full of natural dunes, valleys and slopes that will throw or collect your ball in true links style. When the wind gets up it can cause havoc, as your ball appears to take on a mind of its own, on the firm fairways and fast rolling greens. Possibly the toughest par 4 finishing hole in Scotland!

Round: £35 from 1 December to 28 February 2019


I do hope you are able to take advantage of these great green fee rates being offered by some of our top courses.  Please check the course website or facebook page for any updates before your round.


NEXT BLOG POST: Thursday 8 November 2018 – Next week, is the third & final blog post on Scottish Winter Golf Deals.  I’ll be looking at what winter green fee deals are available in East Lothian, Borders, South West Scotland & Ayrshire.

PREVIOUS BLOG POST: from 23 October 2018 – focuses on the Winter Green Fee deals in the Scottish Highlands & the North East – click HERE to read the post from last week.


Tom Kelly the home of golf

Forget Black Friday – up to 70% off Scottish Green Fees

Forget Black Friday – up to 70% off Scottish Green Fees


It would be safe to say winter has arrived!  We’ve had snow, frost, rain, Black Friday has been and gone, Cyber Monday went in a flash and it’s December tomorrow!

The Home Of GolfNext thing on the ‘to do’ list is Christmas Shopping!

So you’ve put together your wish list of what you’d like for Christmas from your pro’s shop but there is always the issue of what to get the golfing partner/wife/husband/brother/sister/mother/father in your life?

Well, one popular idea is to send them off on a short golf trip at the start of 2018 – better still, you could go with them!

Up to 70% discount off Scottish Green Fees – you won’t find that on Amazon!

If you’re prepared to play before the start of the warmer months (April/May) then you’ll beat most Black Friday or Cyber Monday discount deals, that’s for sure!

I’ve listed some links/coastal courses that are likely to be in better condition in the first quarter of 2018 than most of the inland /parkland courses.

All these courses are offering big discounts for playing in the first three months of next year, making them an ideal golfing Christmas gift.

Please read through our ‘Winter Golf Checklist’ before booking.

Highlands

Brora Golf Club
www.broragolfclub.co.uk

The scenery & seabird life on this links course will do its utmost to distract you from concentrating on your golf! This beautiful course hugs the North Sea coastline on the front 9, so wrap up well when the wind blows!

Winter green fee – £40 from now until 31 March 2018
(40%+ discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £68 from 1 April 2018

Golspie Golf Club
www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk

Golf has been play here for over 125 years! The course is a mix of links and parkland/heathland and will test your golfing strategy.

Winter green fee – £20 from now until 31 March 2018
(66% discount off April’s standard green fee)   

Standard green fee – £60 from 1 April 2018

Tain Golf Club
www.tain-golfclub.co.ukTain Golf Club

Tain is another course with over 125 years of golfing history behind it.  However, it is somewhat over shadowed by its illustrious neighbour, Royal Dornoch. This 6,400-yard course is a mix of links and heathland and is a ‘must play’ if you are in the area.

Winter green fee – £22 from now until 31 March 2018
(63% discount off June’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £45 from 1 April – 31 May 2018
Standard green fee – £60 from 1 June 2018

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club
www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk

Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club sits on a peninsula called Chanonry Point on the Moray Firth, diagonally across the water from Castle Stuart Golf Links. The course isn’t long but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in the bunkering, gorse, small greens and the Moray Firth looming on many holes – a great challenge!

Winter green fee – £25 from now until 9 March 2018
(54% discount off the 10th March standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £55 from 10 March 2018

Nairn Golf Club
www.nairngolfclub.co.uk

This is a true championship links course and it has held numerous national and international championships over the years. The undulating fairways are guarded by plenty of gorse and heather, so accuracy will win over length. Views of the Moray Firth, on all the holes, make this former Walker Cup course one of the most scenic in the Highlands.

Winter green fee – £50 from now until 31 March 2018
(66% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £100 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £150 from 1 May 2018

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
www.nairndunbar.comNairn Dunbar Golf Club

Sitting towards the east side of Nairn, you will find this challenging 6,700+ yard, par 72 course a lot of fun to play. It has held a number of national championships and it will host many more in the future, on account of a lot of work going into the course in recent years.

Winter green fee – £25 from now until 31 March 2018
(70%+ discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £65 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £85 from 1 May 2018

North East

Moray Golf Club – Old
www.moraygolf.co.uk
Moray Golf Club
Moray Golf Club

In terms of hidden gems in Scotland, the Old Course at Moray Golf Club must be close to the top of the list. Many golfers visiting the area simply aim for Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart & Nairn. What they don’t realise is that they are missing out of some of the best ‘value for money’ golf on excellent courses, stretching from Nairn to Fraserburgh – the Old Course links at Moray Golf Club is no exception.

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 31 March 2018
(70% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £70 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £100 from 1 May 2018

Moray Golf Club – New
www.moraygolf.co.uk

I haven’t played the New Course however it does share the same highly regarded turf and terrain as the Old Course, as they sit side by side. The greens are smaller, less bunkering and 700 yards shorter than the Old Course. Sounds ideal for playing 36 holes on the Old & the New in the same day!

Winter green fee – £15 from now until 31 March 2018
(70% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £30 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £50 from 1 May 2018

Peterhead Golf Club
www.peterheadgolfclub.co.uk

As you arrive at Peterhead Golf Club, you’ll be forgiven if you thought your SatNav has taken you to a remote car park instead of a golf course! You are in the right place and access to the course is by the bridge over the River Ugie – it gives the course a secluded feeling. The Craigewan Links at Peterhead has got some great holes once you reach the dunes area and when you add in the views, you’ll be well satisfied at the end of 18 holes.

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 30 April 2018
(53% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £65 from 1 May 2018

Cruden Bay Golf Club
www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk
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Cruden Bay Golf Club

I first played Cruden Bay 30+ years ago, late on a summer’s evening. My lasting memories of that round were the shadows cast by the undulating fairways in the setting sun. It not only created a dramatic effect but also created doubt in my mind, making me question the severity of each shot on the closing holes. This is indeed one of our finest true links courses – it pretty much has it all in terms of links golf.

Winter green fee – £50 from now until 15 April 2018
(56% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £115 from 16 April 2018

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club
www.newburghgolfclub.co.uk

Newburgh-on-Ythan is definitely a hidden Scottish gem. Over the years it has been overshadowed by Cruden Bay to the north and Murcar & Royal Aberdeen to the south. With the addition of Trump International, 2-3 miles south of the course, my concern is that this course remains over shadowed. Go and play it and then tell everyone about it.

We’ve listed the winter rates at £30 as their official rate but I know you can play the course next week, for example, for £18 – the winter course is on the normal greens (weather permitting) but the course has been shortened by 800 yards (yellow tees). Even if you wait until the full course is in operation in April, at £40 it’s still a bargain!

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 31 March 2018
(25% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £40 from 1 April 2018

Fife

Leven Golf Club
www.leven-links.com

As a former qualifying course for the Open Championship, you know you are playing on a top track! When the wind blows here, you can throw your yardage book out of your bag and unstrap your GPS watch  and try and managed your way round without the gadgets. It’s a truly great links course, with a final hole that is in my top 5 finishing holes of all time. Get the woolly hats on – for £27.50 it’s a steal!

Winter green fee – £27.50 from now until 31 March 2018
(60% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £70 from 1 April 2018

Lundin Golf Club
www.lundingolfclub.co.uk

Lundin Links sits side by side with Leven Links, separated by the Mile Dyke – their history is even closer! You will be tested on this Open qualifying course with deep bunkers, tight fairways, out of bounds, burns, the ever present wind but rewarded with excellent greens and an award winning clubhouse at the 19th.

Winter green fee – £35 from now until 1 April 2018
(53% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £45 from 2-29 April 2018
Standard green fee – £75 from 30 April 2018

The Golf House Club – Elie Links
www.golfhouseclub.co.uk

If someone suggested I play a course made up of 2x par 3s and 16x par 4s, my first thoughts would be that it sounds unusual and perhaps a bit monotonous. However, nothing could be further from the truth at The Golf House Club at Elie Links.

Golf has been played over these links since the sixteenth century, by all accounts! Old Tom Morris and James Braid have both been involved in the design of the current course layout. A submarine periscope, salvaged from the Royal Navy’s HMS Excalibur, is used to ensure the fairway ahead is clear at the first hole – unusual? Yes! And with no two holes the same, this course is a pleasure to play and anything but monotonous!

This course is highly regarded in Fife and further afield, and if you can get along to it before 25 March, you’ll save yourself 43% on green fees!

Winter green fee – £45 from now until 25 March 2018
(43% discount on standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £80 from 26 March 2018

And finally……

Please read through our ‘Winter Golf Checklist’ before booking any of the above courses.

 

NEXT WEEK:

I’ll be looking at courses in East Lothian, Angus, Dumfries & Galloway & Ayrshire next week for the final blog post of 2017!

Thanks for reading!

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