How old is Leven Links?

Leven Golf Club began playing nine holes there in 1846, and the course became 18 holes in 1868.

Has Leven hosted Open qualifying?

Yes, local Final Qualifying for The Open in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005.

Who won the first competition at Leven?

Young Tom Morris won the inaugural 36-hole competition on 2 October 1868.

Leven Links

Leven Links is a traditional links on the Fife coast at Leven, about 30 minutes from St Andrews, with golf here since the mid-1800s. It has hosted Final Qualifying for The Open six times, is shared by two historic clubs and takes visitor tee times online.

Photo: Stephen McKay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped to fit

The course and its character

Leven Golf Club began playing nine holes on the links in 1846, and the course was extended to 18 holes in 1868, when Young Tom Morris won the inaugural 36-hole competition. The present layout dates from 1909. The fairways run along valleys between ancient dune ridges, with humps, hollows, revetted bunkers and large greens. The finish is strong: the 18th needs two good shots to reach a green guarded by the Scoonie Burn. Leven hosted Open Final Qualifying in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005, and the Standard Life Gold Medal has been played here since 1870.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Tee times can be booked online through the Leven Links website, and green fee enquiries go to the golf office by email or phone. Two clubs play over the links, Leven Golfing Society and Leven Thistle Golf Club, both formed in 1867. Check the website for current course status and any weekend restrictions.

Getting there and nearby

The course is on the Promenade at Leven, next to the beach, with Lundin Golf Club continuing along the same coast to the east. Leven is roughly 30 minutes' drive south-west of St Andrews.