Crail Golfing Society

Craighead Links is Crail Golfing Society’s modern course, a par 72 of about 6,146 metres designed by Gil Hanse and opened in 1998. Set on a coastal plateau above Balcomie, it provides broad North Sea views, dry-stone walls, large greens and a longer, more expansive examination.

Growing membership and visitor demand led Crail to add a second eighteen holes in the 1990s. Gil Hanse, then early in his international career, received the commission for his first course outside the United States. Craighead opened in 1998. Maintenance maturity and later bunker and vegetation adjustments have strengthened the course while retaining Hanse’s original vision. The routing occupies high ground above Balcomie between fields, cliffs and the North Sea. Historic agricultural walls cross or border several holes and act as strategic markers. It is farther from the beaches than Balcomie but more exposed to wind and panoramic views. Isle of May, Bass Rock and East Lothian can be seen in clear weather.

Hanse works at a broader scale with generous fairways, extensive greens and large landforms. Width is strategic because the preferred side opens a particular section of the surface. Stone walls, especially around thirteen and fourteen, create strong visual decisions. Irregular bunkers and run-offs support varied recoveries. The card reaches about 6,722 yards, or 6,146 metres, at par 72. Firm exposed ground adds distance downwind, while large greens make final position important. Fairways are wider than Balcomie, but rough, walls and slopes punish major errors. The walk is longer and more physical.

Craighead shares clubhouse, visitor services, practice and dining with Balcomie. Contrasting styles create an excellent thirty-six-hole day: old coastal links followed by modern plateau golf. Multiple tee sets improve accessibility, although length and exposure require an appropriate choice.

Play it to observe the early work of an architect who became one of his generation’s most influential figures. Craighead does not imitate Old Tom Morris; it answers the same landscape through modern width, scale and options. Walls, large greens and panoramas make a remarkable counterpart to Balcomie. 18 holes; par 72; about 6,722 yards or 6,146 metres; designed by Gil Hanse; opened 1998; Hanse’s first course outside the United States; 2018 Ladies Senior British Open Amateur; 2019 Scottish Amateur with Balcomie.

Ladies Senior British Open Amateur; Scottish Amateur; national and society championships — 2018; 2019; annual calendar Opened in 1998 as Gil Hanse’s first course outside the United States