ST ANDREWS & THE KINGDOM OF FIFE
The dawn of the game of golf...The Old Course, The New Course, Carnoustie, Dumbarnie, Crail, Jubilee, Elie, Gleneagles, Scotscraig & Lundin Links
Golf developed along the east coast of Scotland in the 15th century, and the Rules of Golf were laid down in 1744. Check out the British Golf Museum to learn how the sport evolved and flourished despite opposition from a succession of Scottish kings. Getting a tee time across the street at the Old Course, the world’s most famous golf course, requires patience, luck and no more than a 24-handicap.
If a guaranteed Old Course tee time package is a bit to salty for your taste, your next best bet is to enter the Daily Ballot, the results of which are posted two days prior. Singles and two balls can also queue up in the morning to join groups of two or three, however, the lines often start the night before, so be prepared to camp out if it's on your bucketlist.
GREAT
VACATION IDEAS
5 Nights / 5 Rounds w/ Old Course Ballot
5 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $2,970 USD pp
Stay in the heart of St Andrews and play The Old Course (via Ballot), Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Crail & Lundin Links
Guaranteed Old Course Tee Time Package
5 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $7,490 USD pp
Play The Old Course (guaranteed) along with The New Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns & Crail Balcomie
Historic Links Trail in The Home of Golf
6 Nights / 6 Rounds / From $3,890 USD pp
Combine staying in the historic Rusacks Hotel with playing nothing but 19th century links courses and you've got a winning Bucket List vacation.
Gleneagles Resort Stay & Play
5 Nights / 5 Rounds / From $4,490 USD pp
Stay at the iconic 5 Star Gleneagles Resort and play a Bucket List selection of golf courses, including The Old Course (via Ballot), Carnoustie & Kingsbarns
These are just examples to give you a feel for courses, lodging & pricing. Nothing is pre-packaged, we build all client trips from scratch. Let us tailor your personal St Andrews golf vacation to perfectly match your style, pace and budget!
OLD COURSE
THE NEW COURSE
THE JUBILEE COURSE
THE CASTLE COURSE
CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS
GLENEAGLES RESORT
KINGSBARNS GOLF LINKS
DUMBARNIE LINKS
CRAIL BALCOMIE LINKS
CRAIL CRAIGHEAD LINKS
GOLF HOUSE CLUB ELIE
THE DUKES GOLF CLUB
LUNDIN LINKS GOLF CLUB
SCOTSCRAIG GOLF CLUB
PANMURE GOLF CLUB
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OLD COURSE
18 holes, 72 par, 6,721 yards
Simply put, the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognizable names across the globe, yet the greatest feature of the Old Course is that despite its grand status, it remains a public golf course, open to all.
Rarely is the Old course ranked outside the top ten in the world, it’s a very special links, designed by Mother Nature. It is probable that golf was played here back in the 12th century, what is certain is that the Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world.
It's unlikely that the Old Course will feel familiar when you play it for the first time (except perhaps the 1st, 17th and 18th). Television tend to make the ground look very flat, but the humps, hollows and ripples in the fairways are much deeper when you get out onto the course, as indeed are the pot bunkers.
Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is an exceptional and unrivaled experience and the course should be on your list every time you venture near the town of St Andrews. -
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THE NEW COURSE
18 holes, 71 par, 6,625 yards
Were it not for the proximity of its more illustrious and ancient neighbor, many experts feel that the Open Championships – as well as many other major golfing events – would have been fought out here, the world's oldest and most challenging 'new' course.
Designed by Old Tom Morris and opened for play in 1895, the layout was based on the traditional out and back routing, and among its most famous features are the shared fairways and a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes.
The New Course is known and loved for its well designed greenside and fairway bunkers, plus a series of genuinely difficult homeward holes. The undulating fairways and deep greens make the course a classic links and, just like the Old Course, it has a habit of looking deceptively simple, especially when the sun is high.
In reality, it's tougher than the Old Course. Low light at sunrise and sunset reveal the course's countless fiendish folds, wrinkles, and rolls. Add plenty of gorse and it's one of the trickiest courses around. -
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THE JUBILEE COURSE
18 holes, 72 par, 6,742 yards
In 1997, the Jubilee Course celebrated its centenary. In the space of 100 years, it had developed from a 12-hole basic layout into one of the toughest tests of golf at St Andrews.
Created on a narrow strip of land between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was originally a 12 hole course intended for ladies and beginners. It was the result of an initiative by the Town Council who had re-acquired the Links under the 1894 Links Act.
It was extended to 18 holes in 1946 and was now 6,020 yards long. In 1988 the re-design of the Jubilee to championship standards was carried out by Donald Steel of Cotton, Pennink, Steel & Partners, golf course architects. The teeing grounds were raised, not only providing wonderful views of the Links, but also exposing the golfers to the winds which sweep in from the bay. Mr. Steel's redesigned course was 6,805 yards and now a real test for all golfers.
The course was officially re-opened when Curtis Strange, the US Open champion at the time, drove a ball from the first tee in September 1989. -
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THE CASTLE COURSE
18 holes, 71 par, 6,759 yards
Also known as course No. 7 of the famed St. Andrews Links Trust, the Castle course adds to the brilliance of possibly the world's best collection of links golf courses. Opened in the summer of 2008, the Castle course was designed by David McLay Kidd, the designer of the heralded Bandon Dunes course in Oregon in the U.S.
The Castle course follows the coastline east of St. Andrews and is just two miles from the center of town. Kidd has worked wonders with the already brilliant landscape, making the Castle course a perfect fit to the Trust's other six golf courses, with outstanding scenery and a challenging level of play.
Playing more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, the Castle course has more than enough length to test todays professionals but with a variety of tees can be enjoyed by almost all golfers. -
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CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS
18 holes, 72 par, 6,948 yards
The Championship Course at Carnoustie has hosted The Open Championship no less than six times and is a superb example of traditional links golf. It is widely recognized as one of the best seaside links golf courses in the world and many professionals have declared it as one of the toughest.
The original 18 hole course was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1857, but was revisited by James Braid in 1926 and has been hardly altered since.
With sloping fairways, fast greens and a selection of the most formidable bunkers in links golf, the Championship Course at Carnoustie certainly guarantees visitors an enjoyable but testing round on a memorable golf course.
While there may be little dramatic background scenery, the beauty of Carnoustie is to be found in the golf course itself. The layout is such that no two consecutive holes face the same direction, a factor that makes club selection and even tempo extremely difficult. Carnoustie's famous burns that snake their way around the course, Jockie's Burn and the Barry Burn, represent two more obstacles to golfers and their final scorecard tally. -
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GLENEAGLES RESORT
36 holes (original) Kings Course - 18 holes, 71 par, 6,790 yards Queens Course - 18 holes, 70 par, 5,965 yards
Offering a welcome respite from the differing and sometime difficult demands of links golf, Gleneagles is truly a golfer's paradise. Set among ridges and hollows, copious quantities of heather, bracken and gorse enhance the challenge.
The King's Course has drawn nothing but high praise since its' completion in 1919. James Braid, the course architect, planned for the King's Course to test even the most accomplished golfers' shot making skills, a goal he achieved with admirable results. One of the most exhilarating venues at which to play golf, the King's Course offers a majestic layout, springy moorland turf and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
The Queens course was completed in 1917, also designed by James Braid. Meandering through the estates' many high ridges, the picturesque woodland setting offers true moorland characteristics. Though excellent holes abound, the par 4, eighth named "Auld Fauld" or "Sheep Pen" is of particular note. Aptly named, as one can imagine a sheep pen nestling in the sheltered hollow that houses the green, an array of bunkers will punish a timid approach, while an overzealous stroke will carry down the sloping green away from the hole.
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KINGSBARNS GOLF LINKS
18 holes, 72 par, 7,150 yards
Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it's fair to say that the links appears to have been in place for the past century.
Kingsbarn is a real one of a kind and contrasts with Scotland's other famous links courses in that it is a new, man-made development. The significance of the development was highlighted by Sir Michael Bonallack, winner of 5 British Amateur Titles and present captain of the R & A when he indicated that "Kingsbarns might well be one of the last true seaside links sites capable of development in Scotland".
The sea figures prominently on every hole and you continuously see, feel and hear the ocean. The links boasts spacious fairways, which roll and twist through majestic dune ridges and hollows, while it's large inviting greens present the golfer with subtle challenges.
With views of the ocean and the waves crashing over the rocks below, Kingsbarn is infinitely more scenic and is a worthy spiritual descendant of its historical neighbors to the north. There is talk of a major tournament on site, the venue is being discussed as an ideal host for the Scottish Open. -
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DUMBARNIE LINKS
Other than Pebble Beach, there are few world-class courses able to offer such an expanse of beach and water frontage as that we have been blessed with at Dumbarnie Links. This is a world-class, prestigious golf course on a site of genuine links land that is only minutes away from St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” This rare piece of land has a mile and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.
The expansive 345-acre site at Dumbarnie is particularly special. Its dual elevations, which are connected by a flowing escarpment, have provided the opportunity to create a number of elevated tees where holes play directly towards panoramic views of the expansive Firth of Forth. A further outstanding feature is that a number of tees and greens are in close proximity to the water. In fact, fourteen of the holes have views of the Bay and the Firth of Forth. -
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CRAIL BALCOMIE LINKS
18 holes, 69 par, 5,861 yards
One of the world's oldest golf clubs, Crail Golfing Society was founded in February 1786 and initially comprised membership of 11 local golfers.
The club's original home was located at Sauchope just outside the picturesque fishing village of Crail and it was not until 1895, with the help of Old Tom Morris did they relocate to their present home at Balcomie Golf Links.
As with many Scottish courses, the links was requisitioned for military use during the Second World War but by 1946, golf at Balcomie Links was restored. Crail was run jointly by both the town council and the club until 1973 when Crail Golf Club purchased the entire facility from the council for the sum of £30,000. Located 11 miles from its famous sister courses at St. Andrews, the Balcomie Links at Crail, though not particularly long, is a truly beautiful venue with superb views of the North Sea from every tee.
The course is always in immaculate condition and boasts crisp links turf and fast and true greens. Far removed from the bustle of everyday life, many holes climb and tumble alongside the water's edge and the rocky outcrops of the Forth shore. A truly memorable round and one not to miss. -
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CRAIL CRAIGHEAD LINKS
Ranked #70 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
This challenging, cliff-top course was designed by golf course architect Gil Hanse and was his first golf course outside of the US.
Built in the style of a traditional links course, with no trees protecting golf shots from the wind, Craighead provides panoramic views of upwards of 100 miles of the Scottish countryside.
Craighead Links was opened in 1998 and achieved immediate recognition when the R&A held the World Junior Open here in 2000.
With no two consecutive holes facing in the same direction, managing the wind is a significant factor in playing the course. A real puzzler arrives early in the shape of the 2nd hole, a right angle 364 yard dogleg, with a wickedly sloping green and deep bunkers. This hole played the hardest in the international tournaments held on the course. -
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GOLF HOUSE CLUB ELIE
Elie is one of the finest links courses in Fife and offers a warm welcome and an honest test of golf played over classic links terrain. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country and lies just 12 miles from the championship courses at St Andrews, the Home of Golf. It's unique and blind first hole requires the starter to peer through a submarine periscope in order to see if the way is clear.
The game has been played across the historic Elie links since the 15th Century and given the panoramic views and superb setting it is little wonder the course has established itself as a must play for visitors over the years.
Elie is not a course that gives up good scores easily and the patient player that crafts their way around these cultured links will always fare better than the thoughtless golfer who tries simply to overpower them. At 6,273 yards the course is not long, but its network of bunkers are beautifully placed to catch those that stray offline or misjudge their distances. This can be all too easy to do, especially as the prevailing south westerly breeze slackens or stiffens during the course of a round. Elie’s quick and contoured greens add a further layer of protection and the manicured putting surfaces rank comfortably alongside the best in the country.
Indeed, Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE, perhaps sums it up best when he says: “If you love links Golf, you will love Elie. Close cut running fairways with firm, fast, true greens. A memorable and enjoyable test for golfers of every ability.” -
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THE DUKES GOLF CLUB
Ranked #33 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship course at The Duke's gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside all the way to the sea.
The Duke's is regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges, demanding accuracy and inventive play over power golf.
The course was originally designed by Peter Thomson, the 5 time Open Championship winner. It has since been renovated with five new links-style holes being added to complement the classic links courses in the St Andrews area.
The Dukes was chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the four majors in the world of amateur golf. -
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LUNDIN LINKS GOLF CLUB
18 holes, 71 par, 6,371 yards
The Lundin Golf Club was founded on the 8th May, 1868. In that year the Leven Clubs course had extended their links from the Mile Dyke eastwards towards Lundin Links. This extended course occupied the narrow strip of land lying between the railway line and the Firth of Forth.
The shared links, with the Leven and Lundin golfers starting from their respective ends, inevitably became congested as the popularity of the game increased. Eventually, the course as we know it today was made up of nine holes on the existing links together with nine on ground formerly occupied by the Lundin Ladies Golf Club to the North of the railway line.
The course remains largely as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes are in classic links tradition playing from the Clubhouse to the Mile Dyke. Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the nine ‘new’ holes on what one might describe as a cross between links and parkland turf. Then back across the railway, the last four holes revert to the genuine links tradition.
Today Lundin Golf Club offers some of the finest examples of links holes in Scotland and for many years has been a worthy participant in the Final Qualifying stages of The Open prior to its staging at St. Andrews. -
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SCOTSCRAIG GOLF CLUB
Ranked #53 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
Scotscraig Golf Club was founded in 1817 by some members of the St. Andrews Society of Golfers (later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club) who wished to play more golf than the Society's occasional meetings afforded them.
It is the 13th oldest golf club in the world and was designed by two of the greatest Scottish course architects ever, Old Tom Morris and James Braid. It is a unique mix of heathland and links golf and is a 6 time Open Championship Qualifying Venue.
It has held the Scottish Seniors Championship, the Scottish Boys and Girls Amateur Championships and the Scottish Seniors Masters Championship.
Playing here gives you the unique opportunity to experience multiple styles of Scottish golf... the typical links style we love so much, as well as heathland, which is best described as an inland links course with gorse and heather and most likely with some trees dotted throughout the landscape. -
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PANMURE GOLF CLUB
Ranked #37 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
Panmure is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, dating back to 1845, and is one of the twenty six clubs that originally helped purchase the AmateurChampionship trophy first played for in 1885.
The course was designed by Old Tom Morris and later updated by James Braid. And famously, Ben Hogan spent two weeks here practicing in preparation for the 1953 Open Championship at Carnoustie, which he won by four shots.
The golf course combines the best elements of links golf and heathland golf, with tight fairways, challenging carries and compact, undulating greens. Old Scots pines and sandhills forged by nature give the terrain an enduring quality, in keeping with the Club’s long history. Hallmarks such as the ‘Hogan’ hole (the sixth) and the Buddon Burn (the twelfth) conspire to give you a round of golf to remember. -
GLENEAGLES RESORT & HOTEL
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL
THE OLD COURSE HOTEL
ARDGOWAN HOTEL
MACDONALD RUSACKS HOTEL
THE GOLF INN
THE SCORES HOTEL
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GLENEAGLES RESORT & HOTEL
When Gleneagles first opened its doors in 1924, this magnificent countryside estate in the heart of Scotland was described as a “riviera in the Highlands”. Known throughout the world as the host venue for the G8 summit of world leaders in 2005 and golf’s 2014 Ryder Cup, the 850-acre Gleneagles estate offers an unrivalled array of attractions that includes a five-star luxury hotel, three championship golf courses and an award-winning spa. This glorious playground of country pursuits lies within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, with direct trains from London arriving in five hours at the resorts very own station, just two minutes from the hotel.
Gleneagles guest rooms are as glorious as the landscape that frames them, which is why each offers the individuality of a boutique hotel – celebrating the hotel's rich heritage, it's beautiful setting and the charming traditions of the local area.
From the carefully curated antiques, paintings and books, to the locally-sourced Scottish textiles, paints and fabrics, all of the guest rooms and suites are completely unique. They all feature TVs, luxurious bathroom amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, heavenly mattresses, and beautiful furnishings and décor – all the things you’d expect in a five-star country house.
From their pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep, and tuck-boxes full of delicious Scottish treats like tablet and toffee, to the complimentary Nespresso coffee and the fresh milk delivered when you want it, Gleneagles never misses a beat as the top 5 Star Resort in all of Scotland. -
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THE FAIRMONT HOTEL
The 520 acre 5 Star Fairmont St Andrews resort encapsulates luxury, elegance and breathtaking surroundings in the ‘Home of Golf’. A truly unique and special venue with its peaceful setting and stunning cliff top views of St Andrews and the North Sea.
It boasts spectacular views across St Andrew’s rugged coastline and is a short 5-minute ride from the historic university town. The hotel runs on-demand shuttle services to and from St Andrews.
There are 209 elegant guestrooms which have been beautifully designed with luxurious fabrics and charming finishing touches which echo the beauty of the homeland. Rooms include Wi-Fi, coffee machines, fluffy bathrobes, satellite TV and coffee machines. Alternatively, the self-catering Manor Homes are spacious and perfect for large groups. They feature four en suite bedrooms, farmhouse kitchen, dining room and a large open plan living room.
There is a fantastic selection of dining options at the Fairmont St Andrews hotel which cater for all tastes. For brasserie style dining visit The Squire, for Italian finery look no further than La Cucina and for a light snack and refreshing beverages there is both the Kittocks Den and Rock & Spindle. -
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THE OLD COURSE HOTEL
Bordering the famous Road Hole of The Old Course, the Old Course Hotel overlooks these famous links, the West Sands Beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline.
This prestigious AA Five Star-awarded hotel has 144 rooms, including 35 suites, and is recognized as one of Europe’s leading hotels and resorts. The Old Course Hotel features a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors with famous French designer Jacques Garcia designed many of the hotel’s suites.
This is where most of the professional players stay when The Open is played in St Andrews. You can easily walk to The Old Course first tee, the practice center for all the St Andrews Links Trust courses and, of course, the center of St Andrews for restaurants, shopping and sight seeing. -
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ARDGOWAN HOTEL
A wonderful family owned hotel, restaurant and bar located less than a two minute walk from The Old Course 18th green.
A 3 star Scottish Tourist Board accommodation, the Ardgowan Hotel is also within walking distance of the University of St Andrews, the Castle, dozens of restaurants and all shopping in St Andrews.
The hotel was designed by the famous Scottish architect, George Rae, and was built in 1847. It comprises 29 comfortable en suite bedrooms across the two adjoining Georgian town houses. The Pilmour Hotel, located just next door, dates from 1820 and has an additional 7 en suite bedrooms.
The restaurant is set back from North Street by its' own stone terrace, where you can enjoy outdoor food and drink during the warmer months. -
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MACDONALD RUSACKS HOTEL
Macdonald Rusacks is a 4 star hotel siting squarely in the center of St Andrews and right next to the 18th fairway of The Old Course.
All the rooms have been styled to celebrate the greats of golf throughout time, so your experience doesn't stop when you leave the course. They feature large beds, tea and coffee making facilities, TVs, luxury toiletries and free Wi-Fi.
Rocca Bar & Grill is an award winning Italian restaurant offering full menu of mouth-watering dishes prepared by talented chefs using the finest local Scottish produce.
Alternatively, the ‘One Under’ Gastro Pub is the perfect 19th hole next to the 18th green, where you can sample quality dishes while watching golfers play the 18th hole on the most famous golf course in the world.
For the ultimate St Andrews experience, there is no other place to stay than the Rusacks. -
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THE GOLF INN
The Golf Inn is a stunning 4 story stone property located conveniently across the road from the Old Course 18th hole and within walking distance of all the main attractions that St Andrews has to offer.
Comprising 6 Double / Twin rooms, all en-suite, 1 Golf Place boasts crisp clean and comfortable rooms all complete with the following facilities: WiFi, Tea/Coffee, toiletries, high quality linen and towels and seating area.
For golfers who want a true St Andrews experience, The Golf Inn is the perfect choice. You can walk to the Old Course in minutes and walk anywhere in town for a bite to eat, a pint, sightseeing or shopping. -
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THE SCORES HOTEL
The renowned Scores Hotel opened in the 1930's. It combines a fine 1864 Victorian House (Seaton house) with an 1880's Boy's School (St Salvators School). The hotel has stunning views over the West Sands beach and their private landscaped gardens. It is the closest hotel to the Old Course and the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse. You can walk everywhere in and around the town of St Andrews, including right down to the first tee of the Old Course!
The hotel comprises of thirteen Junior Suites, ten Standard Twins, eleven Standard Doubles, one suite and one Family all with their own en-suites. The facilities include guest only car park, access to a private garden, elevator access to all floors, 24 hour reception, early check-in when possible, free Wi-Fi, restaurant & bar with local whiskies, gins & beers, outdoor seating front and rear of hotel and laundry service.
Room amenities include hot beverage & biscuit selection, TV with Free View , complementary toiletries, telephone and room service. -
Ready to build your dream golf vacation?
Ready to build your dream golf vacation?
Speak with one of our PGA Professionals or golf travel experts to build your custom golf trip today.
Speak with one of our PGA Professionals or golf travel experts to build your custom golf trip today.
THE AREA
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
St Andrews is a beautiful Scottish town on the coast of Fife and is almost as famous for it's golf as it is for The University of St Andrews, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate) attended college and first met. The University is the 3rd oldest in the English speaking world and is ranked right behind Oxford and Cambridge as the best in the UK. Oh, and then there's the golf... The St Andrews Links Trust oversees 7 courses in town, including The Old Course. And there are at least a dozen more courses within a 20 minute drive that are "must-plays" when you are vacationing here. So, don't just focus on The Old Course, enjoy your trip to St Andrews and what the entire Kingdom of Fife has to offer.
THE WEATHER
HOW TO PLAY THE OLD COURSE
HOW TO PLAY THE OLD COURSE
- Apply for a tee time each September in the Ballot drawing for the following year. You would normally request any day and time during the week you wish to be in St Andrews.
- Apply in January for any tee times from the September ballot that were not claimed.
- Book a guaranteed Old Course golf package through a golf tour company. This package will have set dates, set times, set courses and set lodging. We have to follow strict rules set by the Links Trust in order to offer guarenteed Old Course packages. These packages are expensive due to limited supply and the Links Trust charges a premium to tour companies for Old Course times. They typically run from $4,500.00 USD to $7,000.00 USD and typically include 5 nights and 5 rounds.
- Apply for the Daily Ballot once you are in St Andrews. These ballots are drawn two days in advance, and as an example, you would apply for a time on a Monday for a Wednesday tee time. If you’re not drawn, you apply the next day for a time. And so on until your name is drawn.
- If your name is not drawn and you haven’t played the Old Course yet, you have one more option. And that is get up early and stand in line at the Starters Building for an open slot on the Old Course that specific day.
If you don't want to spend the hefty sum for a trip with a guaranteed time on The Old Course, your chances of success are still promising if you take advantage of the many other options available and allow us to assist you throughout the process.