Elie Sports Club Golf Course

Sometimes good things come in small, err, layouts. Such is the case with Elie Sports Club Golf Course in Elie. The nine hole links course - located close to its big brother, Elie Golf Club - features fun play with great views overlooking the Firth of Forth.

The golf course is soft and undulating, and the seaside links-type turf and wide green are in good condition year round. It's only 2,080 yards, but a good range of shots is required.

The first hole, nicknamed Plantation, is a great driving hole. It's a par-3 340-yarder, the longest on the course. No. 6 is the shortest, at a paltry 103 yards. You might struggle to find an equally short hole in all of Scotland.

Brevity is also the friend of No. 8, nicknamed "Kincraig," a 202-yard par 4. However, don't let the length fool you. While Elie Sports Club Golf Course is short, the rough is severe in places. Stay on the fairway or the makable lengths won't matter.

The golf course is part of the Elie Sports Club, which opened in 1899 under the name Elie Recreation Park. It also features tennis courts and a lawn bowling green. The Pavilion features food, live music and an afternoon and Sunday tea service. There's also a golf shop, a driving range and a junior golf program.

Location: 10 miles south of St Andrews on A917