Golf in St Andrews
The name St Andrews is synonymous with golf and the history of the game. But it also refers to general region around the town of St Andrews that encompasses the county of Fife or as traditionally known the 'Kingdom of Fife'. Fife is home to more than 50 courses with golf having been played over the 'Old Course' of St Andrews since the 1400's. The town has another 6 courses including the New, Eden, Jubilee, Castle, Strathtyrum, and Balgove courses.
When in the town of St Andrews there are many interesting things to see and do. The British Golf Museum, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle and St Andrews University which dates back to 1413 are all fantastic. A stroll through the town and soaking up the atmosphere is half the fun.
Kingdom of Fife
Outside of the 'Auld grey toon' in Fife are some of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Crail Golfing Society dates back to 1796 which makes it the 7th oldest golf club in the world. The other highlights are Lundin & Leven Links, Elie and Ladybank which is a heathland course located more inland. And for a modern tint, Kingsbarns and the soon to open Dumbarnie Links are for you.
About 40 minutes north of St Andrews is the Open Championship Course of Carnoustie as well Panmure which is where Ben Hogan practised during his preparation for the 1953 Open Championship, he went onto win in emphatic style.
The Kingdom of Fife is much more then the Old course, come stay & enjoy!
Regions of Scotland
Course Profiles
The Old Course, St Andrews
Golf has been played over the Old Course for around 600 years making it one of the oldest courses in the world. The Open Championship has been played 29 times on the Old Course the most of any venue. But a lot of people put the Old Course's fame down to its history and tradition. However nothing could be further from the truth, the Old Course remains the most exciting experience in golf. Such features as the massive double greens with their sweeping undulations. The scale of the fairways and the location of the bunkers that produces the fascinating angles of play that makes it the strategic masterpiece it is. The fearsome bunkers such as 'Hells Bunker', Road Hole Bunker, Coffins, Principals Nose and the dreaded Beardies. In fact all 112 bunkers on the links have their own name. The almost crumpled lay of the land with its endless humps, bumps and hollows. The intriguing way the course plays in and out of the the 'auld grey toon' and the spectacular views that it offers. A round on the Old Course is something to be cherish!Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece designed by Kyle Phillips and Mike Parsinen. Built on what was a site of an ancient golf course Kingsbarns has over 2km of sea frontage that offers some amazing golf and views. The course was built on mostly farmland and had to be almost completely shaped into links land which was a phenomenal achievement. Kingsbarns has an America style to it with a very high standard of service. A must play!St Andrews Links. Castle course
The Castle course was the seventh and last course to be built in St Andrews, designed by David Kidd the course opened for play in June 2008. The course is situated on a cliff top above town and has great views. The layout is fairly extreme in character with its large mounding and fast undulating greens. Not the easiest course but a fine addition to St Andrews.St Andrews Links. New Course
The New Course was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895 and was the second links in St Andrews. A more conventional course then the Old the New is a good test of golf with some particularly stiff holes at the end of the course by the Eden estuary. Playing the New course is one of the highlights of a vist to St Andrews.Panmure Golf club
Panmure Golf Club dates back to 1845 and is neighbours to Carnoustie on the Angus coast. The course begins fairly flat but soon moves into small dunes and heather covered country side. The club became famous after Ben Hogan practised there for two weeks prior to winning The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1953.Leven Links
Golf has been played over the ground now occupied by Leven Links since the 1820's. A classic links course, it has had a checkered history with its neighbour Lundin links. The course runs through the valleys between the old dunes and the firm and fast conditions provide a fine links golf experience.Ladybank Golf Club
Ladybank Golf Club is a heathland course set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch. One of the premier courses in the UK, it has hosted final Open qualifying on seven occasions since 1978 when The Open was played at St Andrews. In 2018 Ladybank was rewarded with final qualifying for The Senior Open Championship hosted at St Andrews. Ladybank Golf Club provides a classic heathland test and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest inland layouts in the British Isles. At only 25 kilometers from St Andrews the `Home of Golf` this is a must visit venue when in the region.Aberdour Golf Club
Established in 1896, Aberdour Golf Club is a well-maintained parkland course by the Firth of Forth, offering panoramic views of Inchcolm Island, Edinburgh and beyond. Ranging from 4,872 to 5,447 yards, the course itself is an enjoyable and fair test for golfers of all abilities, but sure to challenge you when you least expect it. Playing at Aberdour Golf Club is a game to remember, with a unique start of two Par 3’s, followed by some testing, yet rewarding holes that meander along the Firth of Forth. The first 9 holes will welcome you to golf at Aberdour with a mixture of Par 3’s & 4’s, most of which will offer spectacular views that will be difficult to forget.-
The Old Course, St Andrews
Golf has been played over the Old Course for around 600 years making it one of the oldest courses in the world. The Open Championship has been played 29 times on the Old Course the most of any venue. But a lot of people put the Old Course's fame down to its history and tradition. However nothing could be further from the truth, the Old Course remains the most exciting experience in golf. Such features as the massive double greens with their sweeping undulations. The scale of the fairways and the location of the bunkers that produces the fascinating angles of play that makes it the strategic masterpiece it is. The fearsome bunkers such as 'Hells Bunker', Road Hole Bunker, Coffins, Principals Nose and the dreaded Beardies. In fact all 112 bunkers on the links have their own name. The almost crumpled lay of the land with its endless humps, bumps and hollows. The intriguing way the course plays in and out of the the 'auld grey toon' and the spectacular views that it offers. A round on the Old Course is something to be cherish! -
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece designed by Kyle Phillips and Mike Parsinen. Built on what was a site of an ancient golf course Kingsbarns has over 2km of sea frontage that offers some amazing golf and views. The course was built on mostly farmland and had to be almost completely shaped into links land which was a phenomenal achievement. Kingsbarns has an America style to it with a very high standard of service. A must play! -
St Andrews Links. Castle course
The Castle course was the seventh and last course to be built in St Andrews, designed by David Kidd the course opened for play in June 2008. The course is situated on a cliff top above town and has great views. The layout is fairly extreme in character with its large mounding and fast undulating greens. Not the easiest course but a fine addition to St Andrews. -
St Andrews Links. New Course
The New Course was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895 and was the second links in St Andrews. A more conventional course then the Old the New is a good test of golf with some particularly stiff holes at the end of the course by the Eden estuary. Playing the New course is one of the highlights of a vist to St Andrews. -
Panmure Golf club
Panmure Golf Club dates back to 1845 and is neighbours to Carnoustie on the Angus coast. The course begins fairly flat but soon moves into small dunes and heather covered country side. The club became famous after Ben Hogan practised there for two weeks prior to winning The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1953. -
Lundin Links
Both Old Tom Morris and James Braid have design credits here. Founded in 1868 the course has a wonderful links section of holes a few parkland type holes up on a plateau at the backside of the course. A great place to visit when your in the area. -
Leven Links
Golf has been played over the ground now occupied by Leven Links since the 1820's. A classic links course, it has had a checkered history with its neighbour Lundin links. The course runs through the valleys between the old dunes and the firm and fast conditions provide a fine links golf experience. -
Crail Golfing Society
Crail Golf society was founded in 1786 which makes it the 7th oldest golf club in the world. Home to the Balcomie & Craighead links both courses offer fabulous views and equally good golf. An absolute must play when you're in the Kingdom of Fife! -
Ladybank Golf Club
Ladybank Golf Club is a heathland course set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch. One of the premier courses in the UK, it has hosted final Open qualifying on seven occasions since 1978 when The Open was played at St Andrews. In 2018 Ladybank was rewarded with final qualifying for The Senior Open Championship hosted at St Andrews. Ladybank Golf Club provides a classic heathland test and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest inland layouts in the British Isles. At only 25 kilometers from St Andrews the `Home of Golf` this is a must visit venue when in the region. -
Aberdour Golf Club
Established in 1896, Aberdour Golf Club is a well-maintained parkland course by the Firth of Forth, offering panoramic views of Inchcolm Island, Edinburgh and beyond. Ranging from 4,872 to 5,447 yards, the course itself is an enjoyable and fair test for golfers of all abilities, but sure to challenge you when you least expect it. Playing at Aberdour Golf Club is a game to remember, with a unique start of two Par 3’s, followed by some testing, yet rewarding holes that meander along the Firth of Forth. The first 9 holes will welcome you to golf at Aberdour with a mixture of Par 3’s & 4’s, most of which will offer spectacular views that will be difficult to forget.
Accommodation St Andrews & Fife
Macdonald Rusacks Hotel
Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is within a sand wedge of the 18th hole of the world-famous Old Course. Stylishly remodeled on a golfing theme, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel offers luxurious accommodation occupied by some of the great names in the game's history. Unquestionably Scotland's greatest golfing hotel, we even have a dedicated Golf Concierge so you won't miss a thing.Albany Hotel, St Andrews
The Albany Hotel is a boutique, informal, 3-star hotel situated in the heart of historic St Andrews. Benefiting from its central location, the hotel is close to all local amenities, various shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The hotel is situated opposite St Andrews University, with St Andrews Castle and Cathedral both a stone’s throw away. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the world-famous Old Course are within a short walking distance.Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa
Carnoustie Golf Hotel offers extensive facilities including 95 luxury en suite bedrooms and ten suites with amazing views over the Championship course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. Extensive spa and health facilities include a large heated swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room and for the more energetic a fully equipped gymnasium. While staying at the Hotel you can follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest golfers and test yourself to a challenging round on the notably inspiring Carnoustie Championship golf course.-
Ardgowan Hotel
Located only a 9 iron away from St Andrews' Old Course, Ardgowan Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy your trip to the old town. The hotel has well appointed rooms and its own restaurant & bar Playfair's. -
The Old Manor Hotel
The Old Manor House Hotel is a wonderful 3 star hotel located in the town of Lundin just 20min south of St Andrews. The hotel looks out over the classics links of Lundin Golf Club. The hotel is perfectly positioned to experience the best in the Kingdom of Fife. -
Macdonald Rusacks Hotel
Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is within a sand wedge of the 18th hole of the world-famous Old Course. Stylishly remodeled on a golfing theme, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel offers luxurious accommodation occupied by some of the great names in the game's history. Unquestionably Scotland's greatest golfing hotel, we even have a dedicated Golf Concierge so you won't miss a thing. -
Albany Hotel, St Andrews
The Albany Hotel is a boutique, informal, 3-star hotel situated in the heart of historic St Andrews. Benefiting from its central location, the hotel is close to all local amenities, various shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The hotel is situated opposite St Andrews University, with St Andrews Castle and Cathedral both a stone’s throw away. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the world-famous Old Course are within a short walking distance. -
Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa
Carnoustie Golf Hotel offers extensive facilities including 95 luxury en suite bedrooms and ten suites with amazing views over the Championship course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. Extensive spa and health facilities include a large heated swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room and for the more energetic a fully equipped gymnasium. While staying at the Hotel you can follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest golfers and test yourself to a challenging round on the notably inspiring Carnoustie Championship golf course.