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By David Brice
Golf International, Inc.

Scotland's Kingdom of Fife is synonymous with the game of golf and St. Andrews, located at the hub of the county, the Mecca that draws golfers from around the globe on their pilgrimage to play golf's home. The meandering Fife coastline, never more than 30 miles away from St. Andrews, offers several dozen quality seaside links courses. Fife is saturated with golf, perhaps even more so than you suspect.

Good looking but so demanding, this is classic heathland golf at its best.

Turn away from the coast and it may come as a surprise to learn that Fife has as many inland layouts as it does links courses. It may have been the links that attracted you to Scotland, but for those unaccustomed to playing these windblown challenges, 4 or 5 days of being teased, chided and when the wind blows hard, even beaten up by links, can be more than exhausting. Don't forget this is a vacation and shouldn't become hard work.

Seasoned golfers know a week of links golf needs to be broken up with one or two inland rounds played somewhere in the middle of the trip. The change of pace can do wonders for soothing the soul and providing renewed inspiration to attack those last few links. It's not that these courses located away from the sea are any less of a challenge, but with the sea winds removed from the equation, it's a chance to regain some self-confidence.

There is no better inland course in Fife and perhaps all of Scotland, than the impressive heathland layout at Ladybank, located a short 20-minute drive from St. Andrews.

This is a course with a solid pedigree and for many years, considered good enough to be used as a qualifier for The British Open whenever it is played at St. Andrews. This honor will be repeated in 2010 when The Open next returns to St. Andrews.

A final British Open Qualifying Course, Ladybank is one of Scotland's best inland layouts.

Founded in 1879, the original 6-hole layout was designed by none other than the grand master of links architecture and four-times British Open Champion, Old Tom Morris. It wasn't until 1910 that a further 3 holes were added and the members at Ladybank satisfied themselves with their 9 hole course for more than a half century.

Only in 1961 was the course expanded to a full 18 holes and it became immediately apparent to members and visitors alike, this was not only the best inland course in Fife, but also one of the premiere inland layouts in all Scotland.

Tucked away in a splendidly isolated location amidst a forest of pine trees, the setting is idyllic, belying the test of golf that awaits the unsuspecting visitor. Be forewarned, Ladybank is anything but a walk in the park.

Always maintained in immaculate condition, this is a lengthy (6,724 yard) test of precision golf, where any errant tee shot leaving the tight fairways, will be severely punished. Find yourself among the Scots Pines, dense heather or abundant gorse and you may be wishing you had stuck with the links courses. Intimidating is the word that immediately comes to mind when describing the challenge presented by this outstanding layout.

The back 9 has been lauded as one of he best consecutive stretches of holes to be found in Scottish golf, a point that would be hard for anyone to argue.

Ladybank -- the impressive close calls for length and pinpoint accuracy.

Yet as beguiling a test of golf as Ladybank offers, a round played here can be a wonderfully relaxing experiencing, made all the more so by one of Scotland's most friendly Clubhouses, where Americans seem to be especially welcome.

Why then are so few visitors introduced to this true gem? Perhaps it's the infatuation most have with links layouts and the incorrect notion that Scotland's inland tracks are similar to layouts at home. Nothing could be further from the truth. Scottish courses, whether seaside, parkland or heathland, all have a character uniquely theirs and all are distinctly Scottish. Experience a jewel like Ladybank just once and even the most ardent links addict can be converted.

This was discovered by two of the best when in 1983; Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros were schedule to play an exhibition game on St. Andrews Old Course. The Old Course mysteriously withdrew permission for the game at the last minute and Ladybank stepped in as the substitute venue.

At the end of the game, which Ballesteros won, both agreed that in retrospect they were happy and indeed grateful for the opportunity to experience the very special challenge of this tough lady. If two of golf's icons feel this way, no more need be said. Ladybank is certainly one of those hidden gems calling out to be included on the itineraries of far more visitors.

For a few ideas on how to incorporate Ladybank into your golf trip to Scotland, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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