Balbirnie Park Golf Course

My first visit to Balbirnie in many years was memorable not for the rotten weather, but for the challenging layout and the superb course conditions. This is a big course with tree lined fairways that often narrow to create the illusion of cramped landing areas. I’m not a huge fan of the many blind shots encountered, but a peek over the hills gave enough of a hint to avoid disaster. Definitely a course to visit and, although I haven’t stayed there, the Balbirnie House Hotel is iconic.

This course was close to our accommodations in Markinch, so we gave it a try. The staff did not offer much in the way of conversation or assistance, but did at least sell us some trolleys for the bags, although the trolleys needed some TLC (the brake on mine did not work - didn't realize that until the second hole...!). The course was in very good shape and offered a variety of hole designs. At the turn, a member chastised us for playing the back tees, saying those were only used for championships (!?!), so we moved up a tee box for the back nine. Tee boxes, fairways and greens were all in good shape. A good value course.

A lovely course with interesting and varied topography and hazards. Keeps you on your toes. Some lovely views. Very friendly and tremulous value at £20 !!!

I did not play well but that is no reflection of how good this course is.

I've played this course regularly over the years because it is a fine layout, with a good mix of holes. It was very windy and the ground was hard so I was caught out with a number of shots going further than normal, but it is a cracking layout - lots of character.

Used the catering beforehand and it was excellent value, nicely presented and the staff in general were very friendly.

I always sing Balbirnie's praises to my fellow golfers and undoubtedly will be back. It's a pity they dropped some of the Seniors competitions this year.

Visit the course every year. Never fails. Great course, great value. Staff friendly.

Already looking forward to next year's visit

Well kept course, the front 9 is what kind of put me off a bit because it was hilly and a lot of blind shots. The back 9 was more flat and better. Good course conditions for sure.

Great golf course a pleasure to play beautiful scenery great greens and you can play ALL WEEK for the same price as one round at the old course st andrews

I’m not a fan of link courses. I find them boring and over priced. Balbirnie is the complete opposite. Plenty of interesting dog legged holes with bush and heavy rough. I’ve played this course 3 times now over the last couple of months and with the warmer and drier weather it has improved significantly. Greens are now fast and hard and running true. A great course at a great price winding through scenic woodlands.

Absolutely fabulous course in championship condition.

Weather and course condition sublime.

Round ruined by 3 sets of 3 players that started 1hour to 15 mins before me, refusing to allow me to pass them.

Round took 4.5 hours!!!!

Course number 313 of 591 in my Scottish Kidney Golf Challenge to play every course in scotland

On Sunday I took advantage of the dry weather that was forecast and headed up to Fife to play Balbirnie.

On arrival I had a lengthy chat with Scott Gillespie the pro about my challenge and why I'm playing every course in Scotland before heading up the hill to the first tee.

Considering the rain we've had over this winter and the heavy down pour the night before the course was in brilliant condition. A mat was required from fairway and rough and all 18 greens were open and rolling true and at a good pace.

There is plenty of great golf holes on this course but my 2 favourite holes have to be:

Hole 3, 345y par 4 downhill dogleg right. The green is protected by a bunker on both sides, an elevation change and a small pond front right.

Hole 18, 503y par 5. A fantastic finishing hole and one that sticks in the memory. A great risk reward hole for the bigger hitters. The green is protected by a burn that runs across the front of the green and 2 bunkers to the right. The clubhouse sits behind the 18th green which makes for a back drop as you walk down the hill.

I thoroughly enjoyed my morning round here and if you haven't played here yet I'd recommend you get up for a game.

Pro shop was well stocked with everything you'd need and Scott was friendly and welcoming. The staff in the clubhouse were friendly and the food was good.

The journey to play them all continues

Played this course based on recent reviews. The course was in good condition and the greens were in excellent condition. Front 9 very hilly but ok with electric trolleys. Pace of play was good, 2 ball in front of our 2 ball and 2 ball behind. Reasonably easy to find our way around the course. Our round took us about 3 hrs 20 mins. Pro in club shop was very welcoming as was the lady serving in the clubhouse. We had sandwiches before our round and 2 meals when we finished about 5pm and both were good value. Easy to find the golf course. Would recommend *

Played Balbirnie for the first time in a Seniors Open this week.

Great layout; all the holes different and every one in fantastic condition. Not too long and apart from finding the first tee, the next holes were easy to find.

Staff and members were really friendly and were keen to hear what I thought.

Nice clubhouse with a great view of the 18th green.

All in all great course in lovely nick - a credit to the greens staff.

Fantastic course with the greens back to their former best. Good value. Greens were slow but true.

Nice course and challenge for mid to high handicap. Most greens were perfect apart from a few hairy patches on some but couldn't complain. Be prepared for a tough walk on the front 9

Fantastic course with one of the best finishing holes.