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St Andrews, Fife

Old Course at St Andrews Links

The birthplace of golf itself—a pilgrimage every golfer must make to the most revered links in the world.

About the Course

Standing on the first tee of St Andrews Old Course is like stepping into golf's sacred ground. This is where the game was born in the 1400s, where Bobby Jones fell in love with links golf, and where the standard 18-hole round was established in 1764. The course sprawls across windswept Fife coast terrain with minimal alteration from nature—just fairways, seven magnificent double greens, and over 100 named bunkers that seem to guard every option. Playing here means navigating some of golf's most famous hazards: the Swilcan Burn protecting the opening hole, Hell Bunker's yawning chasm on the 14th, and the notorious Road Hole bunker on the 17th, which has broken legends and thrilled immortals alike. What makes the Old Course truly special is its paradox—it plays deceptively simple with wide fairways and enormous greens, yet punishes inconsistency with brutal severity. Wind, firm turf, and subtle undulations transform every round into a completely different exam. Groups will find themselves debating strategy, laughing at escapes from bunkers deeper than houses, and returning to the clubhouse with stories worth retelling for years. This is links golf in its truest, most historic form.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • The oldest golf course in the world—a living museum where every shot carries centuries of golfing heritage and the legends who played before you.
  • Famous for its double greens and dramatic named hazards like Hell Bunker and the Road Hole—landscape features recognizable to golfers worldwide.
  • Completely open to the public—no membership required, just good planning, patience, and a bit of lottery luck via the daily ballot system.
  • Adjacent to charming medieval St Andrews town with seven courses managed by the Links Trust, allowing groups to play multiple championship links in one trip.
  • Legendary caddies available for hire—knowledgeable guides who can decode the course's mysteries and transform your round into an unforgettable experience.
Courses on Property
Old Course18 holes · Par 72

The world's oldest and most revered links course, featuring seven double greens, dramatic bunkers, and links golf in its purest form.

New Course18 holes · Par 71

A championship links opened in 1895 to handle overflow demand, offering a more forgiving alternative to the Old Course.

Jubilee Course18 holes · Par 72

Designed for ladies and juniors in 1897, recently upgraded to championship status, now rated among the toughest at St Andrews.

Eden Course18 holes · Par 70

Built in 1914 to manage demand, featuring excellent par-3s and less intimidating terrain for developing golfers.

Strathtyrum Course18 holes · Par 69

A shorter, more accessible links perfect for warming up or enjoying extra rounds during a St Andrews golf week.

Castle Course18 holes · Par 72

A modern addition featuring panoramic coastal views and challenging contemporary links design.

Balgove Course9 holes · Par 30

A short course ideal for beginners, families, and quick practice rounds between championship golf.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$150–$340/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
May or June offer the optimal balance of long daylight hours, warming weather, better ballot success rates, and fewer crowds than peak summer. April provides the driest conditions and excellent ballot odds. The main golfing season runs April through October; avoid September due to private club events and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship blocking visitor access. March can work for flexible groups seeking deals on green fees and trolley access, though frost delays are common. July and August draw massive crowds and higher accommodation costs. Avoid November through March if weather certainty matters—frost delays cancel early tee times on the Old Course, and winter conditions are cold and unpredictable.
LinksChampionshipBucket ListHistoricWalking OnlyCaddies AvailableMajor VenueWaterfrontRyder Cup
Nearby Lodging