Founded in 1855, Cupar Golf Club is arguably the oldest surviving nine-hole golf club in the country. Its story began at a meeting in Cupar’s County Buildings on 7 November 1855. In its earliest days, members played a six-hole layout across farmland – complete with local boys wading into water hazards to retrieve lost balls. The original course was designed by Allan Robertson, the “King of Clubs” and widely regarded as one of the game’s first professionals. Interestingly, The Open Championship came about as a result of Robertson’s death as he was widely considered the best golfer during much of his lifetime. 

The club merged with Hill Tarvit Club in 1896 which meant members gained access to the current course site. In 1907 construction was completed on the present clubhouse at a cost of £600. Cupar’s legacy is cemented by historic trophies such as the Hutchison Medal (1856), the Victoria Medal (1864), and the Peripatetic Cup – now housed in the R&A World Golf Museum – all testament to the club’s deep-rooted place in golf’s heritage.

We recently had the pleasure of playing Cupar, and it lived up to every ounce of its charm and challenge. The standout feature is the dramatic slopes around the greens, demanding creativity and precision with every approach. Despite its compact nine-hole layout, varied tee positions and superbly maintained greens deliver an excellent challenge of golf.

When playing 18 holes, an alternate set of tees adds the variety needed to keep golfers engaged throughout the round. Certain holes – such as the 2nd and 11th – offer strikingly different challenges. The 2nd plays as a straightforward 260-yard hole, while the 11th, at the same distance, becomes a dogleg with a tree blocking the direct line to the green.

With green fees at just £25 for 18 holes, Cupar offers a rare blend of history, quality, and outstanding value. It’s a hidden gem that rewards both lovers of the game’s history and those simply seeking a great day’s golf.