Aberdour is situated just six miles southeast of Dunfermline in the delightful region of Fife; lies some 30 miles south of St. Andrews and on the shores of the River Forth. St. Andrews is known throughout the world as the ‘Home of Golf’ and where the origins and rules of the game of golf were developed. From a golfing perspective St. Andrews may arguably be the golfing centerpiece for golf in the Kingdom of Fife but throughout the Kingdom there are a number of golfing ‘Jewels in the Crown’. One of these is Aberdour.

Aberdour Golf Club, although founded in 1896, did not begin developing a course at its present location until 1905. Like most courses established at that time, Aberdour was a nine hole course, with a further nine being added in 1914. Today, its 18 holes cover 5460 yards and have been laid out on land made up of ancient sea cliffs and raised beaches. The unusual result is a parkland course set close by the sea.

It is a wonderful course that lengthens out allowing some room for a slice but with reward to those straight and long. A number of holes run along the shore of the River Forth with views across the Forth to Edinburgh and beyond. From every point on the course the golfer can never fail to be inspired by the nearby picturesque Inchcolm Island and its historic Priory; the panoramic view across the Forth to Edinburgh and the River Forth itself as it stretches out into the North Sea.

Particularly unusual is the start of two par ‘3’s. They may be short but they are far from straightforward. The first is from an elevated tee down to a green set on a rocky promontory. The second is at least as daunting. Teeing off from the rocky platform by the first green, the shot required is across a bay to an elevated green set into a steep hillside.

From the 3rd. tee the course takes on its parkland character as it rolls and undulates across the raised beach. Take care to savour the greens – all are beautifully sculptured with some very attractive bunkering, the 12th being a fine example.

With the fine views and a series of testing holes, Aberdour is a popular course with visitors coming from many parts of the world and is proud to be a ‘Jewel in the Crown’.

Railway Station The railway station is less than 10 minutes walk from the golf club.