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Where to Play in St Andrews
Main image: The 12th hole at Elie.
Old Course
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
The New Course
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
The Jubilee
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
Castle Course
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
http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/The-Castle-Course
Eden Course
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
Crail Golfing Society – Balcomie 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
http://www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk/
Elie House Golf Club
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
http://www.golfhouseclub.co.uk
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
