Golf Courses in St Andrews
Golf Courses in St Andrews is a short golf blog post that looks at all of the courses located in the town of St Andrews.
The town of St Andrews is located on the east coast of Scotland in the Kingdom of Fife.
This area is rich with golf courses both old and new and there are even more in the stages of planning.
St Andrews is the so-called “Home of Golf”, which even to this day cannot be proven.
Having said that, I don’t know of any other town with 10 excellent golf courses within such a small area.
7 of the golf courses are run by the St Andrews Links Trust. The trust was formed in 1974 due to the demise of the town council to help run the courses.
The R&A Clubhouse & 1st Tee of The Old Course
The 7 St Andrews Links Trust Golf Courses.
Old Course
The oldest and the most famous golf course in the world. A course where every legend of the game has walked its fairways. Full of iconic spots like the Swilcan Bridge, Road Hole Bunker, Hell Bunker and The Valley of Sin.
Overlooked by the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, the first tee is well-known as a knee knocker. Even though the fairway is the widest fairway in golf, it is still intimidating for every gofer.
This is “The” Bucket List golf course that everyone wants to play. Although truth be told, not everyone will get to play it.
One of the few golf courses in the world where you cannot simply go online and book a tee time.
The only way to guarantee a tee time is to contact an “Authorised Provider of St Andrews Links” and book a golfing break.
The best two providers are “Premier Golf” for a luxury, elite-style break and “Your Golf Travel” which supplies golfers with more affordable breaks.
The Swilcan Bridge, 18th Hole, The Old Course
New Course
Don’t let the name fool you. The New Course was built in 1895 by Old Tom Morris as a second course in St Andrews. Famously tougher than the Old Course with undulating fairways and greens.
This is one of the toughest tests in town. With narrow driving holes and some very difficult holes. A great golf course that is often underestimated.
Castle Course
This is the newest course to the trust that opened in 2008. Located on the edge of St Andrews overlooking the town.
A real test of golf that partially runs parallel to the rugged coastline. A very dramatic course because of the stunning views and some testing holes.
A chilly start at The Castle Course, St Andrews
Jubilee Course
Established in 1897, it was originally designed to be the ladies and family course until it was converted into a championship course in 1988. This course is one of the best values for money in St Andrews due to greenfees being priced from £42.
Eden Course
Built in 1914 and designed by Harry Colt this course is full of character. Not as difficult as the other courses due to the wider tee shots, the Eden is a great Links for first-timers.
Strathtyrum Course
Opened in 1993 this is a much shorter course than most in St Andrews but it can still throw you off of your game if you are not careful. Fewer bunkers but many raised greens which makes some approach shots quite difficult.
Balgove Course
The best golf course in St Andrews for beginners and families because of the lack of bunkers and water. A very friendly atmosphere that isn’t going to break the bank. Greenfees are between £3 – £15 pounds per person. It still features a famous double green.
The other 3 Courses in St Andrews that are not run by the Trust.
Dukes Course
Designed by Peter Thomson, it was opened in 1995. The course and clubhouse are owned and run by Kohler who owns The Old Course Hotel.
The Dukes is a cracking golf course but at 7512 yards long it can be a beast to play. A true challenge of anyone’s game.
Fairmont, St Andrews
Kittocks Course
Based at the Fairmont Hotel the Kittocks is the sister course to the Torrance. Both courses are Links style and are perched upon the cliffs that overlook St Andrews.
Torrance Course
At 7,200 yards, Sam Torrance has designed a fantastic course. This course has undergone a multimillion pound makeover and it is now even better than it was before. For the last 2 years, it has hosted The Hero Open on the DP World Tour
What are your thoughts about Golf Courses in St Andrews?
Have I missed any courses?
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