
Leven Links Course
Leven Links



About this course
Leven Links occupies a narrow strip of linksland along the Firth of Forth in the East Neuk of Fife, directly adjacent to Lundin Links with which it shares the shoreline. The course was laid out by Old Tom Morris in the 1860s, making it one of the older documented links designs in Scotland. The routing runs out and back along the coast in traditional fashion, with the outward nine playing generally eastward and the inward nine returning westward, exposing golfers to shifting wind conditions throughout the round. The terrain is classic duneland, relatively flat compared to some Scottish links but featuring enough undulation and natural contours to create interesting stances and approaches. Several holes play directly along the beach, while others move slightly inland among the dunes. The greens are typically firm and fast, and the bunkering retains much of the character associated with Morris's design philosophy—strategically placed rather than overly penal, though still demanding accurate play. Leven has hosted regional qualifying for The Open Championship on multiple occasions, serving as one of the venues when the championship is held at nearby St Andrews or other Fife courses. The club maintains a traditional members' club atmosphere, and the course remains relatively accessible to visitors compared to some of its more famous neighbors. The proximity to St Andrews, Lundin, Elie, and Crail places Leven within one of Scotland's most concentrated stretches of historic links golf, offering a quieter but authentic alternative to the busier championship venues along the same coastline.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in UK
Best in Scotland
Quick facts
- Location
- Leven, Fife, Scotland
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1846
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Old Tom Morris
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,506 yards
- Difficulty
- 78.1/143
- Course Vaults score
- 8.4
Getting there
Leven Links welcomes visitors primarily through Edinburgh Airport (EDI), situated roughly an hour's drive south across the Firth of Forth, or alternatively through Glasgow Airport (GLA), a ninety-minute journey to the southwest. The route north from Edinburgh traces the M90 motorway before descending into Fife, where the landscape gradually softens from urban sprawl into the gentle, windswept terrain of the East Neuk - that distinctive corner of Scotland where golf courses have flourished for centuries. The final approach to Leven Links unfolds along quiet coastal roads that reveal the North Sea in increments, the air growing noticeably salter and the turf more resilient, until the modest but storied clubhouse emerges against the grey-blue horizon, a humble gateway to one of Scotland's most authentic links experiences.

FAQ
Common questions about Leven Links
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Leven Links has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 20 logged golfers.
Leven Links was designed by Old Tom Morris.
Yes. Leven Links is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Leven Links is 71.
Leven Links plays 6,506 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Leven Links is 143.



