Scotland's new Dumbarnie Links opens following COVID-19 delay

12 Jul 2020

Media Release:

Dumbarnie Links, Scotland’s newest true links golf course, opened for play on May 29^th. The stunning Clive Clark design, located in the “Home of Golf,” just eleven miles from St Andrews, was previously scheduled to open on May 16^th. The course’s opening was delayed due to the Covid-19 recreation and travel restrictions in place throughout the United Kingdom at the time.

With travel restrictions for exercise limiting residents of Scotland to a five mile radius around their homes, many local Fife golfers have been enjoying rounds at Dumbarnie Links. In fact, golf journalist and Fife local Malcolm Campbell had the honor of hitting the first shot on the 29^th of May.

“You could play The Open Championship on this course right now,” said Campbell, who had the original vision for the course. “It is just first-class as this piece of land was just made for a golf links course.”

Playing as a 6,905-yard Par 72, Dumbarnie Links is built upon land that is part of the historic Balcarres Estate. Its 345 acres of genuine sandy links land offers unobstructed views over Largo Bay, a 10-mile wide stretch of water, with views of Muirfield, North Berwick and Edinburgh. The routing is a departure from the usual. Instead of the traditional out-and-back layout, Clark incorporated a mix of two big loops with elevated tees facing into the Firth of Forth.

“While it wasn’t the opening gala we had hoped for, we’re thrilled to have Dumbarnie Links open for play,” said David Scott, PGA, general manager, Dumbarnie Links. “As the world eventually returns to ‘normal’ and travel restrictions are lifted, we look forward to welcoming international golfers to experience this special place.”

Construction on the Dumbarnie Links clubhouse, halted during the pandemic, has recently re-started and completion is scheduled for later this year. Golf, food and beverage and management operations are currently functioning out of a temporary clubhouse.

“Dumbarnie Links was an ambitious undertaking by many individuals and organizations,” said Matt Molloy, PGA, Senior Vice President of Operations for OB Sports, Dumbarnie Links’ management company. “Thank you to Clive Clark for an incredible vision and routing; Lord Anthony Balniel and his family for allowing this incredible golf course on their land; the agronomy team lead by Grahame Taylor for their tireless efforts; government officials, and the residents of Fife for their unwavering support.”

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