Golf in St Andrews & Fife

Balcomie Links

Golf in Crail dates back to the late 1700’s and is acclaimed as one of the oldest club in the world. In 1898 the famous ‘Old Tom Morris’ re-designed the original 9-hole layout into 18 holes, which has remained mostly untouched even until today. Measuring under 6000yds from competition tees, Balcomie Links is certainly not the longest golf course you will play in Fife. However what it lacks in distance it makes up for in character. Also being exposed to the elements on the shores of the ‘Firth of Forth’ can turn even the shortest golf holes into card wreckers. As a result, the Balcomie Links is a fun course that you’ll want to play again and again.

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The Duke’s Course is owned by The famous Old Course Hotel and is in fact the only non-links course in St Andrews. The Duke’s Course was designed by 5 time Open Champion, Peter Thomson and was opened in 1995. The course spans over 7’500 yds off the back tees. Not only is the course protected by its length but the meandering fairways are tree lined. In addition, expertly positioned bunkers are there to catch you out and well protected greens make this a wonderful challenge of golf. Furthermore the stunning 13^th par 4, provides breathtaking views over the ‘Auld Grey Toun’ of St Andrews. If you are looking for a change from links golf then The Duke’s is a must play in St Andrews.

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Torrance Course

Fairmont or St Andrews Bay as it was called when first opened in the 1990’s. The great Gene Sarazen, Scottish golfing hero along with namesake Sam Torrance designed the course. The demanding course pushes out over 7’200yds from the back tees. Thus, it certainly offers the golfers very much a risk/reward style of golf. Specifically, many holes are superbly protected by strategically placed bunkering, undulating horizon greens and clever run off areas. Players who do want to take the risk will have to have many golf shots in their armoury to score well. The Torrance Course has hosted many top golfing events, in particular, The Scottish Senior Open on a number of occasions.

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Kingsbarns Golf Links, is located 6 miles along the coast from St Andrews, Fife. It is considered the jewel in the crown of American course architect Kyle Phillips. Although Kingsbarns only opened in 2000 the course layout makes it look and feel as though it has been there for centuries. Set on this stunning piece of coastline Kingsbarns Golf Links has also won many awards. Thus, the course is consistently voted as one of the top links courses in the world. Not only does the course have a fascinating selection of tough par 4’s and reachable par 5’s it also includes picturesque par 3’s. In addition to the wonderful golf, players can enjoy stunning views of the North Sea on almost every hole.

Another excellent golf course in Fife, is Lundin Links, located only 10 miles from St Andrews. Founded in 1860 when course designer Tom Morris laid out the traditional 18 hole layout. The course offers many problems to the budding golfer such as blind shots, burns & Out of Bounds. Furthermore many tricky bunkers and some tough winds from the Firth of Forth also present a challenge. At a smidge over 6’300 yds this Par 71 is a huge test for any golfer. If you do have the chance to play this track, the iconic 14^th hole is a Par 3 from an elevated tee and boasts some breathtaking views. So much so James Braid called the hole ‘Breathtaking”. This hidden gem of a course also plays host to Open Qualifying when the event is held at St Andrews.

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The club was founded in 1817 and is claimed to be the 20^th oldest golf club in the world. It is also another course in the area that plays host to Open Qualifying when the event is at St Andrews. Scotscraig is a heathland course with a links feel to it and measures over 6’600 yds. This Par 71 is very much a thinking golfers golf course that requires accuracy rather than length. Control of your golf ball is important here with gorse and heather are ready to catch wayward tee shots. In addition, rolling fairways and clever bunkering protecting each green means every shot must be given full attention by all.

The Castle Course is the newest member to the St Andrews Links portfolio of courses. Even though only opened in 2008, it is fast becoming a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Set on a cliff top to the south of the town, this 6’579 yd Par 71 offers challenges to golfers of all levels. The Castle Course boasts strategic bunkering, huge undulating greens in addition to spectacular views of the ‘Auld Grey Toun’ of St Andrews. The marquee hole is the Par 3 17^th, which forces you to play around 180 yds over a rugged bay to a tricky green, which is usually into the prevailing wind. However, take a minute to enjoy the wonderful view looking back towards the town. The Castle Course is open for play between March and November. Each year and like all St Andrews Links Courses, advanced reservations are recommended.

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The Jubilee Course was built only a few years after the New Course. To begin with, it was portrayed as a course where ladies and beginners could learn the game. However, throughout the years it has been moulded into another Championship Links, which lies between The New Course and the sea. At over 6’700 yds, this Par 72 is often viewed as the toughest course out of all the St Andrews Links courses. Although on the same piece of land, the course differs by not having shared greens or fairways unlike the New and Old Course. There are also a number of elevated tee shots, which require you to hit down through narrow fairways guarded by the dunes. The Par 3’s are also some of the most challenging you will find on any links course layout.

Neighbours with the famous ‘Old Course’ The New Course is certainly not ‘New’ to the area. Built in 1895 by Tom Morris, the New Course was added to the Links. It provided another option for golf for the town’s folk over the increasing popularity of The Old Course. Stretching out over 6’500yds, this Par 71 has similarities to The Old Course such as shared fairways and double greens. In addition there are narrow rolling fairways protected by dunes and gorse bushes, strategically placed bunkers protecting greens and putting surfaces with subtle slopes. Had this course been on any other piece of land anywhere in the country, it would be seen as a real marquee course. However it will always be in the shadows of famous ‘Old Course’. The New Course is available for play all year round and advanced booking is essential during the busy season.

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The Old Course is without a doubt the most famous course in the world and is always ranked amongst the elite courses. The Open has been held here a record 29 times since 1873. Dating back to the 12^th century, this ancient links is steeped in history and tradition, giving it the name as the ‘Home of Golf’. St Andrews is often referred to as the ‘golfing mecca’ with its plethora of world-class golf courses. The Old Course is modest in length stretching to around 6700 yds, however, what it lacks in distance certainly makes up in character. From the moment, the starter announces you onto the 1^st tee in front of the R&A Clubhouse, even the most confident of golfers feel nervous.