Course Review
History
Ladybank GC started out as a 6 hole course in 1879.
It was designed by Old Tom Morris. It was extended to 9 holes in 1910, and then to 18 holes in 1962 with the expansion overseen by Laurie Auchterlonie Jr.
A major renovation of the course bunkering was undertaken in 2019.
Course
Ladybank is an inland treelined course a short distance from St Andrews. In season I can see it would be quite picturesque. I understand it is a popular alternative to the many links courses in Fife when the weather comes in.
It occupies a relatively flat tract of land, and is an easy walking course. The mature tracts of Scots Pine and Silver Birch offer protection from wind & rain but the trade off is that the fairways are tighter - framed by trees, and scattered patches of heather.
In places it has the look of the famous heathland courses, but a good number of holes don’t have the ground cover and are very much parkland in appearance.
Ladybank is a course that demands accuracy first and foremost, especially off the tee. The bunkering was recently upgraded, and complements the trees and heather in offering a significant defence to par. Land your tee shot on the short grass or pay the penalty!
Unfortunately we played as a two on a windy day where the field ahead was struggling to keep their balls in play. So it was a very slow round. No doubt that influenced my assessment of the course somewhat. Although it was all very pleasant, I thought there was a certain sameness to the holes.
Ladybank is a pretty inland alternative to the grand old links around St Andrews and The Kingdom of Fife.
Notable Holes
Hole 1 (Ridge), par 4 - a gentle dogleg opening hole which sets the scene. The tee shot must be left to give vision to the approach.
Ladybank GC- hole 1 approach
Hole 4 (Birch), par 3 - a pretty, teasing hole with two bunkers squeezing the front of a green which opens up at the back.
Ladybank GC- hole 4
Hole 8 (Strick it Fir), par 3 - a pretty mid- length hole with the green angled left to right
Hole 10 (Cherry), par 3 - bunkers protect the front of the green.
Ladybank GC- hole 10
Golf Tours
Kingdom of Fife
We can put together a fabulous tour in the Kingdom of Fife for you.
Ladybank is close to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. There are many interesting and historic courses in the area including Elie, Lundin Links, Leven Links, Eden, Julbilee and of course The Old and New at St Andrews. Plus there are the newer courses such as Dumbarnie and the Castle Course.
Let us put together a tour to the Kingdom of Fife just for you and your golfing friends.
Or we can arrange a game for you at Ladybank when next you travel to Scotland.
The Travelling Golfer specialises in small group tours and customised self-led tours. We are based in Melbourne Australia and have over 35 years experience organising golf tours to places throughout the world.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
