Dumbarnie Links Golf Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Dumbarnie Links Key Information

Dumbarnie Links is one of the very best modern links in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings.

The UK’s portfolio of premier-league courses grew by one in 2020 when Dumbarnie Links, on The Balcarres Estate midway between Elie and Leven on the south coast of Fife, opened its doors for play in May just two week later than planned once the first lockdown was lifted.

It has understandably created more than a frisson of excitement among golf lovers.

The brainchild of former Ryder Cup player, Clive Clark, Dumbarnie serves up a truly exceptional golfing experience, playing from an elevated clubhouse right down to the shore at times via a series of remarkable holes, many of which stand out visually.

Among them is a trio playing downhill towards the Firth of Forth - the appetite-whetting 1st, the simply gorgeous short par-3 8th and the attractively bunkered 9th.

At times it is the vistas beyond the course that are breath-taking; at others it is the holes themselves and the tantalising glimpses of holes yet to come that give it that wow factor.

Think Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart, for it certainly has shades of both those modern Scottish classics about it in places.

Factoring in the layout’s exposure to the often significant breezes off the Firth, fairways are often sensibly generous (just as at Castle Stuart), and although many greens are sizable, they are often accommodatingly contoured to feed the ball back in.

This is a course that can certainly defend itself but is not out to get you unfairly. I enjoyed my round there thoroughly.

Add in a wonderfully generous helping of risk-reward - the 3rd, 5th, 11th, 15th and 17th all present different strategic choices depending on power, skill level and wind direction - and it all adds up to a visually stunning and beautifully laid-out links that is destined to become a surefire addition to any trophy course collector’s wish-list.

Dumbarnie has wasted no time hitting the tour schedules, either. It played host to the 2021 Women's Scottish Open, an event co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET and won by Ryann O'Toole of the USA.

The offering at Dumbarnie has been further enhanced by the addition of an excellent and architecturally sympathetic clubhouse.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

Chris Dobson

A seaside adventure through those fantastic manmade dunes. No weak holes, other than perhaps the 17^th, where I feel the wall further up the hole nearer the green. I think it will improve even further as it matures in years to come.

Gordon Ross

A very warm welcome from the moment you arrive at the clubhouse and pro shop. A course that is destined to become a classic makes this a must play experience. I feel this course is just going to move up the rankings and join the very top echelon of GB&I links courses. Superb design, great facilities and setting, what’s not to like!

Russ Groombridge

The condition of the course was sublime, particularly the tees, fairways, fringes, bunkers. I took some pics as I really couldn’t believe how immaculate it was. Stunning visual appeal and loads of sea views and beautiful vistas from pretty much every hole.

Dumbarnie Links Location

Dumbarnie Links Golf Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Dumbarnie Links

KINGSBARNS

A creation of Mark Parsinen and Kyle Phillips, Kingsbarns was opened in 2000 and swiftly earned a reputation as a modern classic. Perhaps no other contemporary links has managed to blend the old with the new so effectively.

The course features several highly memorable holes. A standout is the par-5 12th, hugging the rocky coastline as it curves left to fit the shape of the bay. Then there’s the par-3 15th where the tee shot must carry rocks and sea to reach the green.

ST ANDREWS: THE OLD COURSE

Is there anything that can be said about the Old Course that has not been said before? Almost certainly not. In which case there can be no shame in repeating that it is quite simply the spiritual home of golf. It is at the very heart of the sport, it is the most famous course in the world, and on any serious list of Must Play, Bucket List courses, this really should be top.

Best places to stay nearby Dumbarnie Links

Rusacks St Andrews - Book now at Booking.com
Recently refurbished, the Rusacks is one of the iconic golfing hotels, set halfway up the 18th of the famous Old Course in St Andrews. It may be a short drive across to Dumbarnie, but St Andrews is a great base from which to explore Fife's golfing treats.

The Inn at Kingsbarns - Book now at Booking.com(opens in new tab)
Super cosy accommodation in this excellent little pub in the village of Kingsbarns. It's very convenient for Dumbarnie (and for Kingsbarns of course), but also not far to drive back into St Andrews or around the East Neuk of Fife towards Elie, Crail, Lundin and Leven. It's dog friendly.

Dumbarnie Links Golf Course Gallery

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Dumbarnie Links Golf Course HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2025/26 - 37
• 2023/24 - 40
• 2021/22 - 40 (New Entry)

Frequently Asked Questions