Where to Play in St Andrews, Perthshire & Angus

Blairgowrie Golf Club, Rosemount & Lansdowne (Blairgowrie, Perthshire),

Designed by James Braid with influences from Dr. Alistair McKenzie, the renowned architect of the Augusta National course, Rosemount has played host to a number of prestigious professional and amateur tournaments. It was the scene of Greg Norman’s first European Tour victory in the 1977 Martini event. The more forgiving fairways are compensated with larger and more undulating greens than its younger neighbour, giving the golfer a testing but rewarding challenge. The Rosemount Course has been described by Tom Morris as, “The most beautiful inland green I have ever seen”

Yardage 6630 Par 72

The Lansdowne is slightly longer than its older brother, the Rosemount, and, as some golf enthusiasts would suggest, provides a much tougher and demanding test of golf. It features tree-lined fairways and wonderful greens. Designed by Peter Allis, the Voice of Golf, and renowned course designer Dave Thomas, this course is the home of the Scottish Mid-Amateur Championship.

Yardage 7002 Par 72

Bruntsfield Edinburgh,

Founded in 1761, the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is the fourth oldest in the world and one of Scotland’s most prestigious clubs located only 3 miles from Edinburgh city centre and 1 hour from The Old Course, St Andrews.

The mature parkland style course was originally designed by Willie Park Jnr with later modifications by world renowned architects Dr Alister MacKenzie and James Braid. As a testament to the quality of the course The R&A since 2011 have selected Bruntsfield as a Qualifying Venue for the Open Championship.

Bruntsfield is famous for the quality of lunch, using the best local produce and is served daily in the upstairs Dining Room providing excellent views over the Firth of Forth.

Buddon Links, Carnoustie,

A relatively new golf course having been opened in 1979. It was designed by Peter Allis and Davis Thomas although there have been significant changes since. As would be expected given its location, it is an excellent example of links golf. Although shorter than the Burnside it still packs a pretty hefty punch around the turn with the 7th, 9th, 11th & 12th holes all testing your accuracy and control.

Burnside at Carnoustie,

Intertwined with the ‘sleeping giant’, of the Championship course, Burnside carries many of that course’s characteristics with far less of its length and intimidation.
A genuine links course that is both testing and fun to play.

Yardage. 6028 Par. 68

Carnoustie Golf Links,

Not surprisingly the Kingdom of Fife and the County of Angus are a magnet for golfers from all over the world for here is home to the Old Course, St Andrews and Carnoustie golf links arguably the toughest golf course in Championship golf. The range and depth of golf in this area is unrivalled and many Clients base their entire golfing holiday in this area. The County of Perthshire is located further inland and is home to some of our best non links course such as Gleneagles & Blairgowrie.

Par. 72 Yardage.6941

Crail Golf Course,

Instituted in 1786, Crail is only a short course at under 6000yds, however plenty of fun and yet another links course where exposure to the wind can make a mockery of the low handicapper. Commanding an inspiringly panoramic position, the sea features at almost every hole. The seventh oldest Golf Club in the world.

Yardage 5861 Par.69

Downfield Golf Course,

Set in beautiful parkland, Downfield is recognised as one of Scotland’s finest inland courses and has hosted many events such as the Scottish Amateur and Final Qualifying for the 1999 & 2007 Open Championship. Combining wonderful scenery with the natural wildlife of squirrels, water fowl, buzzards and deer, Downfield offers a truly challenging and enjoyable experience to all golfers regardless of their abilities. There are a wide variety of challenges with some water in play on no fewer than 7 holes.

Yardage 6817, Par 72

Eden Golf Course, St Andrews,

Only slightly more forgiving than its contemporaries on the seaward side of the Links, the Eden Course was built in 1914 by Harry S. Colt whose use of natural boundaries and severe bunkers provides a course full of character. Colt’s contoured greens provide good drainage and the putting surfaces of the Eden course said to be the most undulating of the St Andrews links. With generous fairways means the Eden is perhaps one of the few scoring courses at St Andrews. Saying that the courses natural undulations and strategic placed bunkers means that your game must still be at its best if you hope to break par.

Yardage. 6250 Par. 70

Elie Golf Course,

Right from the moment the Starter checks it is clear to tee off by using his periscope to view over the brow of a hill on the 1st tee, Elie proves to be a unique experience. The 4 holes running along side the coast are particularly memorable. Only 13 miles from St. Andrews situated in a charming seaside village, which is also noted for a great pub called ‘The Ship Inn.’

Yardage 6273 Par 70

Gullane no 3 Golf Course,

Of all the courses at Gullane, No. 3 enjoys some of the best views across Aberlady Bay to Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth beyond. Designed by Willie Park Jr, it boasts the same impeccable links turf as its older neighbours and it is maintained to the same high standards from tee to green.

Jubilee Course,

The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988. Perceived by local folk to be a tougher proposition to both other courses due to its tight angles and undulating contoured fairways. Accuracy is paramount throughout. The Jubilee co hosted the British amateur Championship in 2004.

Yardage 6742 Par 72

Kingsbarns Golf Links,

Kingsbarns is only 6 miles from St. Andrews. With its true links turf, contoured rolling fairways and majestic vistas of the sea this course is already considered to be a classic. The sea plays an integral role in the course design and the sandy dunes also feature prominently in enhancing the course landscape. As Sir Michael Bonallack (recently retired Secretary of the R&A) remarks – “Kingsbarns might well be one of the last true seaside links sites capable of development in Scotland. It is an extraordinary setting”.

Yardage 7210 Par 72 

Kittocks Course, St. Andrews,

Formerly the Devlin, this dramatic course underwent some subtle changes in 2008. Its dramatic location has helped to make it highly regarded in golfing circles and entry into the UK’s top 100 courses is viewed as imminent. An excellent challenge in breathtaking surroundings. Part of the Fairmont St Andrews Bay Resort.

Yardage 7039 Par 72

Ladybank Golf Club,

A heathland course of Championship status (Par 71) set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch. Always in immaculate condition, Ladybank provides a pleasant contrast from seaside links golf and has played host to the Open Championship final qualifying on a number of occasions.

Yardage 6581 Par 71

Lundin Links,

Located 10 miles south of St Andrews, this James Braid design, is a majestic links course. Today Lundin’s course has a bit of everything: burns, blind drives, out of bounds, the ever present wind and truly excellent greens. Lundin Links was one of the The Open Qualifying courses for the Open 2005 and is voted amongst the top links courses in Britain by the Golf Monthly magazine.

Yardage 6371 Par 71

Monifieth Medal Course,

The course is built over undulating links with some old dune ridges, often gorse covered between fairways and, unusually for a links many holes also have tree lined fairways. The medal has reputation as a hard uncompromising course, which is bound on one side by the railway to the North. The courses large, firm greens and clever bunkering are the hallmark of this Open Championship qualifying course.

Yardage 6655 Par 71

Montrose Golf Links,

Records of golf go back as far as 1567 at Montrose. This has been a Championship qualifier when Carnoustie has hosted the Open. Montrose certainly pleases the traditional links purists with its layout frequently changing direction and its golf holes set low between the town and the dunes. Like Carnoustie and St Andrews, Montrose is run by a Links Trust making it accessible to all.

Yardage 6564 Par 69

New Course, St Andrews,

The oldest ‘new’ course in the world, the second course at the Home of Golf was built by the Keeper of the Green Tom Morris in 1895 and it was imaginatively named to differentiate from its famous neighbour. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of Links golf.

Yardage 6625 Par 71

Old Course, St. Andrews Ballot,

It is essential for all keen golfers to make a pilgrimage to play this fine old links at least once in their life. To play the course you must possess handicap certification and a maximum handicap of 24 for Gents and 36 for Ladies. We can source these times, which would ensure you secured guaranteed tee times well in advance of your arrival, but please note that in November the course will be played off mats. The sooner you plan your tour the more likely that we can access such times.

We can base your quotation on the Old Course Ballot. This is where we enter your names in a ballot (lottery) the day before you plan to play and you discover whether you have been successful by 4pm. Many tee times are allocated in this way but there are no guarantees of success. If unlucky with the Ballot result there are numerous top class courses that we can arrange tee times at short notice in the vicinity to St Andrews. Any green fee savings would be refunded directly to the Golfers.

Please note that it can be extremely difficult to access guaranteed packages for certain months (August is by far the most popular month and accessibility in September is scarce due to course closure for two weeks).

As a single golfer, you will access the course by simply registering with the Starter early in the morning and then waiting for an incomplete 2 or 3 ball with which to get paired up. Please note that you will have to show your handicap certificate to the Starter. Green fees are also paid directly to the Starter.

Yardage. 6721 Par. 72

Panmure Golf Course (near Carnoustie),

The club was formed in 1845. Yet another Open Championship qualifying course. The initial flat 3 holes give way to some classic contoured terrain which makes for a memorable golf course. The par 4 sixth in particular is as testing a golf hole as you will play in Scotland. Hogan secretly practised here before proceeding to win the Open at Carnoustie in 1953. Beware of the gorse!

Yardage 6551 Par 70

PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles,

The three courses at Gleneagles are blessed with surroundings of awe-inspiring beauty reflecting a truly highland landscape. The Kings and Queens courses were both designed by James Braid (a five times Open winner). When Lee Trevino first played Gleneagles he memorably remarked “If heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left”. The PGA Centenary Course, designed by Jack Nicholas, was host to Europe’s memorable win in the 2014 Ryder Cup. It course offers fantastic views of the spectacular countryside within which Gleneagles is set.

Yardage 7296 Par 72

Pitlochry Golf Course,

Set above the town this memorable course has cross bunkers and elevated sloping greens which provide a fine test. The enjoyment of the round is further enhanced by some panoramic views of the Tay and Tummel valleys.

Yardage 5962 Par 69

Scotscraig Golf Club, Fife,

One of the oldest golf clubs in Scotland (1817). Located at the Tay estuary this course combines trees with gorse to ensure there is a constant threat to the stray golf ball The course has recently been greatly improved with new irrigation / drainage and a new greenkeeper. Scotscraig is also an Open championship qualifying venue when St. Andrews hosts the event.

Yardage 6624 Par 71

The Castle Golf Course, St Andrews,

St Andrews Links Trust’s seventh course opened in June 2008. Situated 2 miles outside the town, this course commands spectacular views over St Andrews Bay. Designed by the young Scottish architect, David McLay Kidd who is also responsible for the design of Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Although it cannot be defined as strictly a links course as it is built on farmland overlooking the town and not sandy soil linked to the sea, comparisons have already been made with Pebble Beach and certainly from a visual angle it is truly blessed.

Yardage 6759, Par 71

The Dukes Golf Course, St Andrews,

A beautifully conditioned heathland course which lies 2 miles inland from St. Andrews and enjoys panoramic views of the town and bay. The Duke’s is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a must-play course for any golfer. Originally designed by former Open Champion Peter Thomson, the course has been greatly enhanced by the design team, which created Whistling Straights. No caddies, but motorised carts available.

Yardage 6570, Par 71

The Kings Course, Gleneagles,

The three courses at Gleneagles are blessed with surroundings of awe-inspiring beauty reflecting a truly highland landscape. The Kings and Queens courses were both designed by James Braid (a five times Open winner). When Lee Trevino first played Gleneagles he memorably remarked “If heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left”. Jack Nicklaus designed the PGA Centenary Course, which is set to host the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Yardage. 6790 Par. 71

The Queens Course, Gleneagles,

The three courses at Gleneagles are blessed with surroundings of awe-inspiring beauty reflecting a truly highland landscape. The Kings and Queens courses were both designed by James Braid (a five times Open winner). When Lee Trevino first played Gleneagles he memorably remarked “If heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left”. Jack Nicklaus designed the PGA Centenary Course, which is set to host the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Yardage 5965 Par 68

Torrance Course,

Designed by Sam Torrance, this course has undergone extensive improvements in the last year few years and was a final qualifying course for the Open Championship in 2010. Set on a wonderfully panoramic coastal position which affords fantastic views over St Andrews, this course provides a good test for all level of golfer.

Yardage 7039 Par 72