Designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1895, Crail (Balcomie Links) is one of my favorite links courses. The course is located a few minutes from St. Andrews, and therefor might not make it on every golf trips itinerary, which is a shame. The course layout is unique due to its combination of three par 5 and six par 3 holes. The clubhouse, refurbished in 2009, sit on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Balcomie 18th. It offers spectacular 270 degree views of North Sea.
The 1st tee is situated high on the cliff overlooking the front 9 and directly adjacent the starter hut. After the elevated tee shot, the next 5 holes run along the North Sea. The par 4 5th hole, name Hell’s Hole, is the gem of this stretch. The view from the tee box, seen below, is quite intimidating. The correct combination of club and direction are key here, a time I was really glad to have a caddy!
Hole 6, 7 and 8 turn back towards the clubhouse, and then holes 9, 10, 11 and 12 zig-zag up and down the slight hill just off the sea. The 200 yard 13th hole, named Craighead, takes you abruptly to the top of the cliff.
View from 13th tee.
The 13th green
The 14th hole, the 4th par 3, goes back down off the cliff, directly towards the boat house in the distance. The bunker protecting the front of the green is huge and lined with railroad ties. It has a Pete Dye feeling to it, reminding of Harbor Town. 
The walk from 14th green to 15th tee around the cliff at sea level. The final four holes are played on the opposite side of the clubhouse and adjacent to the newer Craighead Links course.
The Balcomie Links was my favorite combination of history and playability. For a hacker like us, the course offered plenty of scoring opportunity. It is a perfect location for a 36 hole day since both courses are a relatively easy walk. When and if I am ever back in the St. Andrews area, this course will definitely be on the itinerary!
Course Rating
History: 3 / 5
Course: 3 / 5
Experience: 4 / 5
Total: 10 / 15