The West Links was originally six holes and a seventh was added before it was extended to 18 holes in 1877. By 1895 the course was lengthened, and today measures 6464 yards S.S.S 71 - not the longest, but the trickery of the course requires a full repertoire of shot making. This is a true links course laid out on a raised-beach, laden with brown sand forming the undulating links land 10 to 30 feet above sea level.

The course has been described as from a 'Primitive Age' relating to a period from the beginning of the game to the invention of the gutta-percha in 1848. The West Links is of great antiquity and has it's place among a very special group of courses which evolved naturally and owe little to the hand of man.

This is a golfing experience not found anywhere else, with blind holes, drives over walls and burns, shots over the bay and bunkers deep enough for the golfer to disappear from view. Many of the holes have been copied by designers all over the world, including the 376 yard 14th, named 'Perfection', and the 192 yard 15th called 'Redan'. All the holes have fascinating names such as Mizzentop, Bos'ns Locker, the Pit and Linkhouse.

Like many of the great holes in golf, first impressions of the 15th named Redan (see picture right) are deceptive, and only by playing the hole several times does it reveal it's hidden subtleties

The mounds, ridges and depressions left after the sea receded gives the West Links it's natural contours and the 'Redan' was part of that evolution. The green is laid out on a diagonal sloping plateau with bunkers on the face of the ridge and under the shoulder of the green, on the left and right. The wind direction plays an integral part, as on every hole on the course, and the 192 yards of Redan can be covered with any club from an eight iron to a driver, depending on the conditions
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The Course is a truly wonderful test of golf, and situated on The Firth of Forth commands spectacular views of islands, beaches and across the Firth to the hills and coastline of Fife.