The Castle Course is St Andrews Links' seventh and most controversial addition, opened in 2008 on land that once belonged to the ancient Kinkell Castle. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the architect of Bandon Dunes, this course transforms featureless farmland into a modern links-style experience with extraordinary elevation changes and cliff-edge positioning. From the elevated clubhouse, the routing descends inland through undulating fairways before rising dramatically along the rugged coastline for a breathtaking finish. The par 3 17th—played across a ravine over the cliffs with St Andrews Bay below—ranks among the world's most visually stunning and intimidating holes, playing up to 184 yards depending on wind direction. While initially criticized for excessively complex greens and manufactured design, the Castle Course has evolved considerably since opening; bunkers have been refined, rough softened, and many of the most punishing green complexes re-sculpted, making it increasingly playable without sacrificing drama. The layout offers supreme shot value with strategic bunkering, multiple elevation plateaus, and compelling risk-reward decisions throughout—particularly on the back nine where holes tumble back to sea level. Views of St Andrews town, the cathedral ruins, and the North Sea are constant companions.
A dramatic cliff-top modern links course designed by David McLay Kidd with exceptional views and strategic elevation changes.