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Earlsferry Thistle Golf Club


A warm welcome to the Earlsferry Thistle Golf Club. We are a small club with a great and proud history. Two Open Champions were former members of the club, Jack Simpson who won the Open in 1884 and James Braid a five times winner of the Open.  We have been playing as a Club on the Elie Links in the scenic East Neuk of Fife since 1875. Neuk is the Scottish word for corner and here in this part of Fife we enjoy all year round golf on the Links. Closure of the course is a rarity, mats are unheard of and the playing on temporary greens is hardly ever. The setting of the course is by the sea and golfers on it enjoys panoramic views over the Firth of Forth and beyond.  The design of the course at Elie was influenced by none other than Old Tom Morris.


We have a legal agreement with Elie Golf House Club and pay a green fee to enjoy playing rights on the links. We have an all year round fixture list of competitions and play inter club matches. We are limited to a maximum of 70 male members and the Earlsferry Thistle Ladies Club who also use our Clubhouse are limited to 30 lady members.


At the Thistle we enjoy our golf and welcome all fellow golfers to play in our Open that is held in June each year. We currently have our compliment of 75 full members however our waiting list has has now reopened. Further information is available on our Membership Page. The Thistle Ladies Club also welcome new members.    



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Due to huge demand, booking for the J N Smith and James Braid Open 

(Saturday 14 June 2025) has now closed.  A waiting list has been set up.  To get your name on the waiting list please email earlsferrythistle@outlook.com



Latest News


1 April 2024


See Latest Updates below to WHS Guidance including New Handicap Index Tables for Elie.


World Handicapping System Guidance Links


View World Handicapping System Mens White Course Handicap Table for Elie 2024.


View World Handicapping System Mens Yellow Course Handicap Table for Elie 2024.


View World Handicapping System Mens Red Course Handicap Table for Elie 2024.


View World Handicapping System Player Reference Guide 2024


View WHS Rules of Handicapping 2024


View CONGU Guidance on WHS Rules 2024


View the Rules of Golf - Effective January 2023


Download the Rules of Golf - January 2023


View Elie Golf Course Video

(Courtesy of John Bowers)