Elie Golf House Club is one of Fife's most charming links courses, tucked into the East Neuk coastline 20 minutes south of St Andrews. Founded in 1875, it is best known for the submarine periscope on the first tee — used to check the beach is clear before driving over a blind rise. We provide private golf transfers to Elie from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Scottish airports.
About the course
The Golf House Club at Elie sits between the villages of Elie and Earlsferry on a narrow strip of links land above the Firth of Forth. James Braid learned to play golf here, and the course retains the kind of quirky, natural character that modern design struggles to replicate. Holes weave along the shoreline, across rocky headlands, and through natural depressions — some blind, some semi-blind, all interesting.
At under 6,300 yards, Elie is not long, but it rewards imagination and feel. The greens are small and well-defended, the turf is firm, and the wind off the Forth makes club selection a constant puzzle. The outward holes play along the coast with wide sea views; the inward holes turn back through more sheltered ground with the lighthouse and harbour as a backdrop. It is the kind of course that makes you smile.
The drive from Edinburgh
Edinburgh to Elie takes around 90 minutes via the M90 and the Forth Road Bridge, then south through the Fife villages of Leven and Largo. The final approach along the East Neuk coast is beautiful, with harbour villages and sea views. Your driver will collect you from your Edinburgh hotel or the airport and deliver you to the club, with equipment handled throughout.
East Neuk & Fife golf itineraries
- Elie + Lundin Links — Two East Neuk classics in one day, 10 minutes apart
- Elie + Dumbarnie Links — Historic links then Scotland's newest course, 10 minutes between
- Fife Coast Tour (3 days) — Elie, Lundin Links, Kingsbarns and St Andrews with one driver throughout
Travel times to Elie
Nearby East Coast golf courses
Lundin Links
10 minutes north
St Andrews (Old Course)
20 minutes north
Kingsbarns Golf Links
25 minutes north
Dumbarnie Links
10 minutes north
Request an Elie golf transfer
Share your tee time, starting location, and group size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the periscope on the first tee at Elie?
Elie's first tee famously features a submarine-style periscope that players use to check the beach is clear before driving over a blind rise. It is one of Scottish golf's most beloved oddities and captures the character of this charming Fife links perfectly.
How does Elie compare to St Andrews?
Elie is shorter and quieter than St Andrews, with a more intimate coastal setting along the East Neuk. It lacks the grandeur of the Old Course but offers tremendous character, firm links turf, and views across the Firth of Forth. Many golfers prefer it as a more relaxed complement to the St Andrews courses.
Can you combine Elie with other Fife courses?
Yes. Elie pairs naturally with Lundin Links (10 minutes), Dumbarnie Links (10 minutes), or the St Andrews courses (20 minutes). We plan timing around your tee bookings so you can play two courses in a day without any rushing.