Golf in St Andrews
The greatest players in every golfing era dreamt of playing and winning in St Andrews. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods rated their Open wins here as their greatest achievements in golf. It is a truly magical place and the feeling of standing on the first tee of the Old Course is one to savour.
The St Andrews Links Trust manages six golf courses in town including the most celebrated course in golf, the Old Course and one on the periphery, the Castle Course. There are five more great courses nearby too.
Many golfers think that St Andrews is a closed book and that it is difficult to get a game here. This could not be further from the truth. St Andrews is open and available for every golfer, regardless of skill.
Here is a brief overview of the courses.
The Old Course
Refined by Old Tom from 22 holes to 18, The Old Course is probably the most enjoyable golf experience to be had in golf. To play you simply put your name in a ballot. Over any golfing trip, there is a good chance that your name will come up. Also local courses will reserve a tee time for you in case you are not successful in the ballot.
For more information click here...
The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa; photo courtesy of Kohler Co
The Castle Course
Designed by David Kidd, the Castle course opened in 2007. With stunning sea views and intricate greens, the Castle is a valuable addition to any golfing trip.
The New Course
Designed by Old Tom, this links course is easily the most popular course in town for local golfers. The greens are exquisite and the course is a joy to play.
Image courtesy of www.kaiameans.com
The Jubilee Course
Probably the most difficult course in town, this is the preferred choice of the lower handicapper. Simply a very beautiful links course.
The Strathtyrum
This is the second easiest course in town, but it is a lot of fun to play. With driveable Par 4's and intricate Par 3's, this is a great site to warm up your game before heading to the Old.
Kingsbarns
Consistently named as being in the Top 20 courses in the world, Kingsbarns is unusually all things to all people. From tour player to high handicapper, the course seems to leave every player exhilarated and bursting to go out again to play.
Image courtesy of www.kevinmurraygolfphotography.com
Crail
There are two courses here. Old Tom designed the Balcomie. It is a purely enjoyable golfing experience with some of the finest coastal holes in golf. From the smell of the fresh sea air to the views over the sea, Crail is a must for any golf traveller.
Image courtesy of www.kaiameans.com
The Dukes
A beautiful heath land course that has been re-modelled beautifully. It offers a refreshing chance for those who have been playing links golf.
The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa; photo courtesy of Kohler Co
Fairmont St Andrews
The Fairmont St Andrews hotel has two great courses Kittocks and The Torrance course. Kittocks plays down to the sea and is a joy to play, with panoramic views across to Carnoustie. The Torrance was designed by Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance and is home to the Cleveland Srixon Scottish Senior Open. In contrast to Kittocks, The Torrance has a links feel.
Image courtesy of www.fairmont.com/standrews
The Balgove Course
This short course is perfect for the beginner golfer but is also a well used spot by locals wishing to sharpen their Par 3 skills. No need to book on the Balgove, you can turn up and play.
The Eden Course
Designed by Harry Colt, the Eden is popular course for locals. Given that most of the other courses have a links feel, the Eden is very different. To book now, click here
Image at top of page credits: www.kaiameans.com
