Hole 1 – ALPHA – Par 4, 423 yards, stroke index 2

The fairway is a dog-leg left so you can’t see the green.  A drive down to around the middle marker leaves a long iron shot to the flag.  A few, ambitious (foolish?) golfers try a high-risk shot through a gap — no wider than a car park space — over the trees on the left. On the few occasions this pays off, the reward is a short, straight-forward approach to the green, presenting a better chance of starting your round with a birdie.  But for most members at Dunnikier, this is a tricky opening hole, with a par considered a great start.

Hole 2 – CARBERRY – Par 4, 385 yards, stroke index 11

After hitting uphill from the tee, the fairway dips into a copse around the 280 yard mark. Good players in a favourable wind can hit their drive to within a short distance of the hole.  Like every green at Dunnikier, it is protected by two bunkers (front and left).  If they can be avoided, this hole should offer one of the best chances of a safe par.

Hole 3 – JAWBANES – Par 3, 210 yards, stroke index 7

A middle iron shot on what is a lengthy par three should carry the distance.  Accuracy is key here with a sand trap on either front edge ready to accept a shot that comes up short.  Anything longer or right of the green runs the risk of your ball running down into light rough. A difficult hole to par for most golfers.

Hole 4 – GRANTSMUIR -  Par 4, 358 yards, stroke index 9

If hit, bunkers on both the left and right of this fairway will almost certainly end up in a dropped shot, but the 5^th fairway is a safe haven for wayward shots to the left.However, finding either the 4^th or 5^th fairway and hitting the green in two does not guarantee par.  At 41 yards long, this hole has the biggest green on the course, so a decent lay-up putt is required to avoid an annoying three-putt finish. 

Hole 5 – MITCHELSTON – Par 5, 501 yards, stroke index 18

The first par 5 on the course is the easiest of the four, except in an east-west wind. Similar to the previous hole, two fairway bunkers at 200 and 215 yards pose a risk to an average drive from the tee.  Should present a great chance of a birdie.

Hole 6 – THE WELL – Par 3, 157 yards, stroke index 15

The shortest hole on the course. Avoid the bunkers (left and right) and a par should be on the cards – otherwise it could be time for the hamlet cigars!

Hole 7 –THE DIP – Par 4, 371 yards, stroke index 8

Dunnikier’s signature hole.  It’s not hard to see why from the stunning view from the tee.  The fairway disappears into a dip then rises to the green.  Hitting a drive into the upslope is a good result.  If there was a prize for the best looking hole, the 7^th would win hands down.

Hole 8 – DECEPTION – Par 4, 383 yards, stroke index 5

Appropriately named.  Uphill all the way, the challenge here is to avoid the fairway bunkers with your drive then hit the distance required to carry the bunkers protecting the green.  A par is in the bag, if you get your club selection right.

Hole 9 – LANG WHANG – Par 5, 547 yards, stroke index 14

A more challenging par five than the 5^th.  An average tee shot leaves a second shot over the hill.  On the other side, the clubhouse and Dunnikier House Hotel form the backdrop to the hole.  You're now back among civilization after almost two hours amid the secluded woodland of the front nine.

One of the harder driving holes, a straight drive is required to avoid the trees lining the fairway.  A good drive as far as the bell leaves a short iron to the green.  Avoid the bunkers and you are well on your way to a par.

Hole 11 – BEECH TREE – Par 3, 163 yards, stroke index 10

The hardest par 3, with the most protected green on the course.  An uphill strike, with the need to carry three, large green-side bunkers.  A par is a great result here.

Hole 12 – LOMONDS – Par 5, 597 yards, stroke index 6

Playing an additional 49 yards off the Tiger Tee makes this a 650 yard hole and one of the longest in Fife.  When used, if your drive falls short it has the embarrassing result of not reaching the ladies tee  — a fate which befell more than one Dunnikier member.

One of the more straightforward holes.  A decent drive should carry the sole fairway bunker, leaving a short, but deceiving, shot to the green.  A good chance of a birdie if you hit the green.

Hole 14 – SPINNEY – Par 3, 198 yards, stroke index 13

The last par 3 requires an accurate tee shot.  The fairway slopes away to the right carrying any wayward shot away from the hole, leaving a difficult approach to the green.

A blind tee shot, a dogleg to the right, trees lining the fairway, a sand trap for drives and an elevated green make this the hardest hole on the course.  A par is a great result here.

A nervous hole for those with a good score.  Drives run the risk of going out-of-bounds on the right, destroying any chance of a win.  Finding the fairway should offer a good chance of a par.

Hole 17 – BIG MARKER – Par 4 - 397 yards, stroke index 3

An open fairway, with a group of bunkers hungry to attract drives up the right-hand side.  A blind second shot over the marker needs the right club to carry the distance to the elevated green.  A tricky hole for most golfers.

Hole 18 – THE PADDOCK – Par 5, 498 yards, stroke index 17

Being one of the easier par 5’s, there is a chance of a good finish and to redeem some pride.  An open fairway enables golfers to open their shoulders for their drives. A steady second shot down the middle will avoid the avenue of trees and bushes bordering the fairway.  A birdie chance awaits those that can chip to a few yards of the hole.