Round  £12.   Par 29.  Value (out of 5) – 3

Leitfie Links is a 9 hole course and part of the Strathmore Golf Centre which also has the 18-hole Rannaleroch Course.  The centre is in the Strathmore valley, sometimes referred as the River Isla valley, in eastern Perthshire, close to the town of Alyth.

4th hole at Leitfie Links – one of the 2 par 4s

As I was playing the “links”, I couldn’t help wondering if any foreign holiday maker had ever turned up for a taster of Scottish “Links” golf and come away wondering what all the fuss was about.  After all, this very open parkland layout of only 1666 yards is about as far removed from a test of Scottish Links than you could imagine.  Although much debate exists about what defines a “links” course, if any “links” copyright were ever developed Leitfie would definitely not qualify!

3rd green at Leitfie Links

Nonetheless, Leitfie (the name of the local hamlet and associated farm) is a great place if you were looking for either a taster of golf or a short 1 hour warm up before playing its challenging 18 hole neighbour.

4th green at Leitfie Links, which is in the heart of rural farmland

Although its a short course, the small greens, some sloping, and the couple of long pars 3s (2 and 8) make it a challenge especially for your scrambling game.  The 8th, in particular, is very tricky to hit with a hedge running very tight the whole 200 yards from tee to green.  The 2 tier 9th green is also very difficult to find on the right level.

The course was in quite good condition, with nice fairways, but no more than average tees and greens.  However, for the price and the fact you can go round as many times as you like in a day, it represents good value.

The 110 yard 9th at Leitfie Links – a tricky 2 level green requires precise distance control

I went round twice and was 39 versus the card of 29 the first time round;  this was to my new handicap (20) that was recently cut following an improvement in my game having had lessons from Ross Dixon of the Renaissance Club – Ross is highly recommended.