Dumbarnie

Dumbarnie, Scotland's newest golf course, opened for play in May 2020 and has already won numerous awards, including Scotland’s best golf experience and best new clubhouse. It is not surprising that this disruptor of the Scottish golf scene is becoming a must play course. Its setting on the north shore of Largo Bay, occupies a beautiful and secluded corner of Fife's East Neuk, and affords glorious views across Fife and The Firth of Forth.

Dumbarnie Links Golf Course: Designed by Clive Clark, a former Ryder Cup player, with the philosophy of delivering a total golf experience, rather than just another golf course, Dumbarnie oozes quality. With the clubhouse set almost a 100-feet above sea level, it affords commanding and sweeping views. The rewards for such innovation - Dumbarnie hosted the 2021 Trust Golf Women's Scottish Open, won by Ryan O’Toole in 17 under par. To host such a competition, at such an early point in its life, clearly points towards Bumbarnie's long term aspirations. The course distance can range from 5,300 to 6,900 yards for regular golf, which makes it very accessible and attractive for all abilities. The fairways are very generous too, with the average fairway width sitting at 45 yards, which is 17 yards wider than the average landing area for courses on The Open roster. Easy right? Well, not entirely, as the course has an additional set of twelve tournament tees, which means it can measure up to 7,600 yards in length. Then, throw in roughly six hundred sand dunes, water, pot bunkers and the wind coming in from The Firth of Forth and the challenge increases dramatically.

SGB Signature Hole: There are many stand out holes at Dumbarnie, including the quirky 17th, measuring 316 yards. On first viewing, this hole can be disorientating as the fairway is dissected by an historic farming wall. Stay left of the wall for a relatively straightforward second shot in to the green or aim right, take a deep breath, and give it all you’ve got to get there in one. However, at Scottish Golf Breaks our favourite hole is the 6th. The first par 3 on the course measures 165 yards from the Blue tees. Set against the beautiful backdrop of The Firth of Forth, a great tee shot is required to a generous, but undulating green. The hole is protected by the wind, deep bunkers and dunes for very wayward shots. At one of our outings to Dumbarnie, during Covid-Times, the controversy started here. Our fourball competition was just heating up, when one of the players on the opposing team hit a great tee shot. This was followed by a magnificent putt, which sped across the green like a bullet train towards the hole. The ball was only stopped resting at the bottom of the cup by the smart Covid contactless golf ball extractor device, attached to the bottom of the flagpole. Our playing partner on the opposing team claimed it should have been a two, due to the negative influence of the unnatural device. Our view, the hole isn’t finished until the ball rests at the bottom of the cup. The end result, an honourable draw. The controversy abounds to this day and we’ve affectionately named the hole Millar’s Mire …What’s your view fellow golfers?

Practice Facilities: The practice facilities at Dumbarnie are first class. The driving range is wide, has premium balls and includes a grass tee off. In addition, there is a very large, undulating putting green, and bunker and short game areas, all designed to set you up for success before playing the course.

Accommodation: We partner with a number of hotels across Fife, such as the Fairmont in St Andrews and The Bank in Anstruther. Our letting agency partner in the region is Premier Stays Fife. With accommodation options situated across St Andrews & Fife, we have access to their range of luxury lodges and holiday cottages. All of their properties can be rented for holidays or used as a short stay base, whilst you visit and enjoy the golf in St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife. Whether you want to stay on a country estate, in a hotel, a luxury lodge with a hot tub, an apartment or a signature villa, Scottish Golf Breaks can arrange it for you.

Featured deal: Dumbarnie & The Fairmont

Typical packages include:

Golf at Dumbarnie & other venues of your choice
Accommodation in the 5-star Fairmont St Andrews
Complimentary use of the Dumbarnie’s facilities and Clubhouse

Packages can be designed to your specification and group size, and can include additional courses in St Andrews, Fife, and or other regions within Scotland.

Additional service: