The Periscope at Elie Golf Links By Brian Weis

The Periscope at Elie Golf Links

A submarine periscope towering 10m above the starter's hut at Elie was one of the more unusual spectacles in world golf

By Brian Weis

Elie Golf Links is a beautiful seaside golf course located in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. The course is known for its stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the Isle of May, as well as its challenging links-style layout. One unique feature of the course is the periscope located on the first tee.

The periscope at Elie Golf Links was first installed in 1948 as a way for golfers to see the first green, which is hidden from view by a large sand dune. Golfers would climb up a set of stairs and look through the periscope, which provided a view of the green and surrounding area. Over the years, the periscope became a beloved feature of the course, and many golfers would take their turn looking through it before starting their round.

In recent years, the periscope has undergone a renovation to ensure that it remains functional for generations to come. The original wooden structure was replaced with a sturdy metal one, and the periscope itself was upgraded with modern optics to provide a clearer view. Today, golfers can still climb the stairs and look through the periscope to see the first green, just as they have for over 70 years.

The periscope at Elie Golf Links is more than just a novelty, however. It serves an important purpose in helping golfers to navigate the course. The first hole is a challenging par-4 that requires precision from the tee, and the periscope allows golfers to get a better sense of the terrain and wind conditions. By taking a quick look through the periscope, golfers can make more informed decisions about their club selection and strategy for the hole.

Beyond its practical benefits, the periscope at Elie Golf Links is also a symbol of the course's rich history and tradition. For generations, golfers have climbed those stairs and looked through the periscope, marveling at the view and feeling a connection to the past. In a world where so much is changing, it's comforting to know that some things remain the same, and that the periscope at Elie Golf Links will continue to be a fixture of the course for years to come.

In conclusion, the periscope on the first tee at Elie Golf Links is more than just a quirky feature of the course - it's a valuable tool for golfers and a cherished part of the course's heritage. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time visitor, taking a moment to look through the periscope is a must-do experience that will help you to appreciate the beauty and history of this wonderful Scottish links course.

More Information »

Revised: 03/13/2023 - Article Viewed 3,536 Times - View Course Profile

About: Brian Weis

Brian Weis is the mastermind behind GolfTrips.com, a vast network of golf travel and directory sites covering everything from the rolling fairways of Wisconsin to the sunbaked desert layouts of Arizona. If there’s a golf destination worth visiting, chances are, Brian has written about it, played it, or at the very least, found a way to justify a "business trip" there.

As a card-carrying member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA), International Network of Golf (ING), Golf Travel Writers of America (GTWA), International Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA), and The Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG), Brian has the credentials to prove that talking about golf is his full-time job. In 2016, his peers even handed him The Shaheen Cup, a prestigious award in golf travel writing—essentially the Masters green jacket for guys who don’t hit the range but still know where the best 19th holes are.

Brian’s love for golf goes way back. As a kid, he competed in junior and high school golf, only to realize that his dreams of a college golf scholarship had about the same odds as a 30-handicap making a hole-in-one. Instead, he took the more practical route—working on the West Bend Country Club grounds crew to fund his University of Wisconsin education. Little did he know that mowing greens and fixing divots would one day lead to a career writing about the best courses on the planet.

In 2004, Brian turned his golf passion into a business, launching GolfWisconsin.com. Three years later, he expanded his vision, and GolfTrips.com was born—a one-stop shop for golf travel junkies looking for their next tee time. Today, his empire spans all 50 states, and 20+ international destinations.

On the course, Brian is a weekend warrior who oscillates between a 5 and 9 handicap, depending on how much he's been traveling (or how generous he’s feeling with his scorecard). His signature move" A high, soft fade that his playing partners affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) call "The Weis Slice." But when he catches one clean, his 300+ yard drives remind everyone that while he may write about golf for a living, he can still send a ball into the next zip code with the best of them.

Whether he’s hunting down the best public courses, digging up hidden gems, or simply outdriving his buddies, Brian Weis is living proof that golf is more than a game—it’s a way of life.