Golf began in St Andrews and its coastline over 600 years ago – reputedly by fisherman playing a rudimentary stick game, using rabbit holes and round stones, then wooden golf balls.
The Golf Courses have evolved over the centuries and continue to evolve with opening of the Castle Course in June 2008. However, the style of golf has not changed over time, with hard links fairways, deep bunkers and fast greens – and, more often than not, winds and breezes that test even the best played stroke.
Your choices are
1. Old Course (600 years and beyond)
The links land that forms the Old Course is the unaltered ground on which it has been played by golfers for centuries. Changing winds produce a Course which rarely plays the same way on two consecutive days, with wide fairways and 7 double greens unique in the game today, It requires a calm mind, patience, and responds to respect more than to power.
In its early layout, the Old Course had 12 holes, 10 of which were played both out and in, making a total of 22 holes. As play increased, the first four holes (all of which were played twice) were combined in 1764 to make two holes, leaving a total of 18 holes. Over time, this became the standard number of holes for courses all over the world. Around 1863, Old Tom Morris had the 1st green separated from the 17th green, producing the current 18-hole layout with seven double greens.
2. New Course (opened in 1895)
This is a classic links which runs immediately adjacent to the Old Course and many locals consider it three or four shots harder. Whilst there a number of double fairways (and one double green), it provides a tough test to play to your handicap. In bygone days, it has been a British Amateur Championship venue.
3. Castle Course (opened in 2008)
The first new Course to be built by the Links since 1914.it sits some 60 to 80 feet above the sea which it runs along for a mile. Seaside and treeless, the Castle Course resembles a links-style course but isn't classified in the same standing as the other six St. Andrews courses. The newest layout isn't built on requisite sand-based links land, but rather on a clay-soil tract.
Visiting St. Andrews newest venue will be similar to other courses in Scotland and the course will have five tees measuring from 5300 to 7200 yards. The experience of playing the Castle Course will be a treat for the senses. The North Sea is a visible presence on every hole while the view toward St. Andrews is one of the finest possible.
4. Jubilee Course (opened in 1897 and re-set in 1992)
The Jubilee Course is the longest of the Links Courses in St Andrews. It was named after Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897.
Originally intended for Victorian dressed ladies, and other golf beginners, it has evolved also into one of the hardest Courses, especially the last six holes. Initially a 12 hole Course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1905. The course has seen considerable developments under the management of Willie Auchterlonie and Donald Steel.
5. Eden Course (opened in 1914 and improved in 1930)
By the year 1913 the pressure for play on the Old, New and Jubilee courses was such that a fourth course was required. Opened for play in 1914, the Eden course was designed by Harry S. Colt, internationally renowned for his course design skills.
His use of the natural features and of the partially buried field boundary walls the course has an entirely natural feel. Alterations completed in 1989, under the direction of the golf course architect, Donald Steel, do not fall short of the high standards set by Mr. Colt.
6. Strathtyrum Course (opened in 1993)
Shorter and less challenging that the other Courses, the Strathtyrum opened in 1993. It is ideal for high handicappers although the bunkers are cunningly placed and the greens undulating. It is open every day and there is no handicap limit. Buggies/carts are also available
7. Balgove Course (opened in 1972)
This 1520 yard nine-hole course has bunkers and a double green and offers an authentic golfing experience to children and beginners. The green fee is for 9 or 18 holes. Originally opened in 1972, the Balgove was remodelled by Donald Steel in 1993 and it is now a popular course for residents and visitors alike. Bunkers and a double green are just some of the features that offer a great golfing experience that has proved popular with both children and adults.
8. Duke’s Course (opened in 1995)
Perched on a hill, on the southern boundary of the Town, the Dukes Course’s parkland setting the course compliments St Andrews' famous links and is a true test for every golfer. The rolling fairways and undulating greens provides a Round full of interest and challenge. The Clubhouse both enjoy spectacular views of the Town and Bay of St Andrews towards the Firth of Tay and Carnoustie.
9. Fairmont St Andrews (opened in 2001)
Two Courses (the Torrance and the Devlin) were opened in 2001. The Torrance Course is currently under alteration and will be opening again in the Summer of 2009.
The Devlin follows its path around the cliff tops only a few miles from the Town. It does combine an absolute seaside setting (with stunning views of the Firth of Tay) with creative modern golf course architecture. It is one of the very local Courses where buggies or carts are standard.
10. Kingsbarns (first played in 1793 and re-opened in 1997)
Kingsbarns has been named Best New International Course (2000) by Golf Digest, 46th Best Course in the World (2002) by Golf Magazine, and served as co-host of the Dunhill Links Championship, along with The Old Course and Carnoustie.
The topography of Kingsbarns creates an amphitheatre effect. More than half of the holes border the sea, and the others offer majestic views of the surf and craggy shoreline.
11. Crail Golfing Society (first played in 1786 and reset in 1895)
Balcomie Links is home to the Crail Golfing Society and is the seventh-oldest golf club in the world. The Society has been around since 1786 and the course has limited play available to the public.
The original course was laid out in 1895 by the legendary Old Tom Morris. He once noted his Balcomie design was one of his all-time favourites. In 1998, a second course was built: Craighead Links.
12. Lundin Links (first played in 1868)
Lundin was voted one of the Kingdom's best links courses by Golf Monthly magazine, and has been the host of British Open qualifying and is host to the East of Scotland Amateur Championship annually.
Lundin Links also has a nine-hole golf course designed for ladies. The course is less difficult than the men's and is perfect for women and children before they head to the championship course.
Golf in St Andrews & The East Neuk of
Fife
