St Andrews Links

The Old Course at St Andrews

St Andrews Links, located in the historic town of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, is universally revered as “The Home of Golf.” With a history stretching back to the 15th century, it is not just a collection of golf courses but a living testament to the game’s origins and evolution. The Links comprises seven public golf courses, each offering a unique challenge, but none more famous than the Old Course. Owned by the local authorities and managed by the St Andrews Links Trust, these courses embody the public spirit of golf, welcoming players from around the globe. The iconic landscape of rolling dunes, fine-leaved grasses, and exposure to the elements defines the quintessential links golf experience.

The Old Course

The Old Course is arguably the most famous golf course in the world, renowned for its unique features and historical significance.

  • Architect: Nature, with significant contributions from Old Tom Morris and others over centuries.
  • Yardage (Championship Tees): Approx. 7,297 yards (for recent Open Championships)
  • Par: 72
  • Signature Features:
    • Shared Greens: Seven of the greens are shared by two holes, with hole numbers adding up to 18 (e.g., 2nd & 16th). Only the 1st, 9th, 17th, and 18th have their own greens.
    • The Road Hole (17th): A notoriously difficult par-4, featuring the Road Bunker and a stone wall behind the green.
    • Hell Bunker (14th): A deep, intimidating bunker on the par-5 14th.
    • Swilcan Bridge (18th): An iconic stone bridge that players cross on the 18th fairway, a famous photo opportunity.
    • No Play on Sundays: The Old Course is traditionally closed on Sundays to allow the course to rest and for public access for walking and recreation.

Other Notable Courses at St Andrews Links

  • The New Course: Opened in 1895, designed by Old Tom Morris. Often considered a tougher test than the Old Course, with tighter fairways and gorse.
  • The Jubilee Course: Opened in 1897, originally for ladies and beginners, now a formidable championship links course.
  • The Castle Course: Opened in 2008, a modern links course set on a rugged clifftop with extensive views.
  • Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course: Offer varying challenges and are popular with visitors and locals.

Major Championship History (The Old Course)

The Old Course at St Andrews has hosted The Open Championship more times than any other venue, cementing its status as the spiritual home of golf’s original major.

  • The Open Championship: A record 29 times, dating back to 1873.
    • Most Recent Open: 2022 (The 150th Open Championship)
    • Future Open Championship Dates Confirmed: St Andrews is scheduled to host The Open Championship again in 2027 (The 155th Open).

Notable Open Champions at The Old Course:

  • 1873: Tom Kidd (First Open at St Andrews)
  • 1900: Harry Vardon
  • 1921: Jock Hutchison
  • 1927: Bobby Jones (Amateur, completed the Grand Slam here in 1930)
  • 1955: Peter Thomson
  • 1970: Jack Nicklaus (Famously stated, “If you’re gonna be a player that’s gonna be remembered, you must win at St Andrews.”)
  • 1984: Seve Ballesteros (Iconic celebration on the 18th green)
  • 1995: John Daly
  • 2000: Tiger Woods (Won by a record 8 strokes, completing the career Grand Slam)
  • 2005: Tiger Woods (Second Open victory at St Andrews)
  • 2010: Louis Oosthuizen
  • 2015: Zach Johnson

Other Notable Championships:

  • The Amateur Championship: Multiple times
  • Women’s British Open: Multiple times
  • Walker Cup: Multiple times

Links Overview

Established: Golf has been played here since the 15th century; the St Andrews Links Charter dates to 1552.
Location: St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
Course Type: Predominantly Links-style, Public (managed by St Andrews Links Trust)
Total Courses: 7 public golf courses (Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course, The Castle Course), plus the Himalayas Putting Green.
Governing Body: St Andrews Links Trust
Address: Links House, West Sands Road, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9XL, United Kingdom

Planning Your Visit: Travel, Tickets & Accommodation

Visiting St Andrews Links is a pilgrimage for many golfers. Given its popularity, especially for the Old Course, careful planning is essential.

How to Get There

St Andrews is located on the east coast of Scotland, well-connected to major cities.

  • 1. By Air:
    • Closest International Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive). Offers numerous international and domestic flights.
    • Other Major Airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA) (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes drive).
    • Closest Regional Airport: Dundee Airport (DND) (approx. 20 minutes drive). Offers limited domestic flights, primarily from London City.
    • Private Aircraft: Leuchars Airfield (5 minutes drive) can accommodate private aircraft by prior arrangement.
  • 2. By Rail:
    • The nearest train station is Leuchars (LCS), approximately 5 miles from St Andrews.
    • Regular train services connect Leuchars to Edinburgh (approx. 1 hour), Dundee (approx. 15 minutes), and other major UK cities.
    • A regular bus service (Stagecoach bus 99, 99A, 99B, 99C, 99D) connects Leuchars station directly to St Andrews town centre and the Links.
  • 3. By Car & Parking:
    • St Andrews is accessible via the A91, connecting to the M90 motorway network.
    • Parking is available at the various clubhouses on the Links. The St Andrews Links Clubhouse (for Old, New, Jubilee Courses) and The Castle Course Clubhouse have parking facilities.
    • For major events like The Open, extensive off-site parking with shuttle services will be provided. Always check the official championship website for specific parking arrangements.
  • 4. By Bus:
    • St Andrews Bus Station is in the town centre, offering local services and connections to Dundee, Edinburgh, and other Fife towns.

Tickets & Hospitality (for The Open Championship)

Tickets for The Open Championship at St Andrews are extremely popular and often allocated via a ballot system.

  • Ticket Ballot: For The Open, a public ballot is typically held well in advance (often a year or more out) to manage demand. Entering the ballot is the primary way to secure general admission tickets.
  • Hospitality Packages: Premium hospitality packages, offering guaranteed entry, exclusive viewing areas, and catering, are available through official providers.
  • Practice Day Tickets: Tickets for practice days (Monday-Wednesday) are generally easier to obtain and offer a more relaxed atmosphere to watch players.
  • How to Purchase: Always purchase tickets directly from The R&A’s official website or their authorized ticket providers to ensure validity.

Where to Stay

St Andrews offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses, all within easy reach of the Links.

  • 1. Accommodation Types:
    • Luxury Hotels: The Old Course Hotel, Rusacks St Andrews, Fairmont St Andrews (a short drive outside town) offer premium experiences.
    • Boutique Hotels & Inns: Numerous charming options within St Andrews town centre, often within walking distance of the Links.
    • Guesthouses & B&Bs: A popular choice, offering a more personal touch and often excellent value.
    • Self-Catering: Apartments and holiday homes are available for longer stays or groups.
  • 2. Booking Tips:
    • Book Well in Advance: Accommodation, especially during peak golf season (summer) and when The Open is in town, sells out extremely quickly and prices can be higher.
    • Consider Location: Staying in St Andrews town centre provides easy walking access to the Old Course, shops, and restaurants.
    • Use Reputable Sites: Utilise well-known booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor to find and compare options.
TripAdvisor

Playing at St Andrews Links

Playing the Old Course is a bucket-list experience for golfers. Access is highly sought after, but the St Andrews Links Trust strives to make it accessible to all.

Green Fees (Visitor Rates – approximate, always confirm with St Andrews Links Trust):

  • Old Course (High Season): Typically around £340 – £380 (approx. $430 – $480 USD) per round.
  • Other Courses: Green fees for the New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, Balgove, and Castle Courses vary but are significantly less expensive than the Old Course. Multi-day tickets (e.g., 3-day or 7-day passes) are available for playing the other courses (excluding the Old Course).

Booking Tee Times for the Old Course:

Securing a tee time on the Old Course requires planning, primarily through two main methods:

  • 1. The Old Course Ballot (Lottery):
    • This is the most common way for visitors to get a tee time.
    • The ballot is drawn two days in advance of play (excluding Fridays, as the Old Course is closed on Sundays). For example, to play on a Wednesday, you enter the ballot on Monday.
    • Entries require names, home golf clubs, and handicap details (max 36 for men and ladies).
    • Results are typically available by 4 PM on the day of the draw via SMS and email.
    • New Single Golfer Daily Draw: Introduced recently, single golfers can enter a daily draw in person at the Old Pavilion or St Andrews Links Clubhouse the day before they wish to play, offering a chance to join existing groups.
  • 2. Advanced Reservations (Packages):
    • A limited number of tee times are allocated to authorized golf tour operators who offer packages combining Old Course play with accommodation and rounds on other St Andrews Links courses. These packages must be booked many months, often a year or more, in advance.
  • 3. Walk-Up (Singles Queue – being phased out): Historically, golfers could queue very early in the morning for available single spots. The new digital single golfer draw is replacing this system.

Booking Tee Times for Other Courses:

  • Tee times for the New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, Balgove, and Castle Courses can be booked further in advance directly through the St Andrews Links Trust website or by phone.

Best Time to Visit and Play:

  • Peak Season (April – October): Offers the best weather for links golf (though rain and wind are always possible in Scotland!). This is also when demand for Old Course tee times is highest.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April/May, September/October): Can offer a good balance of decent weather, slightly fewer crowds, and potentially better tee time availability.
  • Winter (November – March): Low season with lower green fees and easier tee time access, but expect colder weather and a higher chance of rain.

Walkability:

  • All courses at St Andrews Links are highly walkable. Walking is the traditional way to experience links golf, and it’s encouraged.
  • Caddies: Caddies are available and highly recommended, especially for the Old Course, as they provide invaluable local knowledge, help with yardages, and read the subtle contours of the greens.
  • Buggies (Golf Carts): Motorized buggies are generally restricted on the Old Course and other links courses, typically only permitted for those with medical conditions or disabilities, and often subject to course conditions. Always check the specific club’s policy.
  • Public Access: St Andrews Links is public land, and walking paths are available for non-golfers to enjoy the scenery, especially on Sundays when the Old Course is closed for play.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to St Andrews Links

For the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit, always consult these resources:

Official Sites:

Official Social Media:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Sports Tourist

Leave a Reply