What is the New Course at St Andrews?
The New Course is a traditional links: tight fairways, well-placed bunkers, sloping greens and banks of gorse that frame the holes. It plays to a par 71 at about 6,517 yards from the back tees, with an out-and-back layout that mirrors its famous neighbour. Many locals rate the New as the best value golf in town, thanks to conditioning and strategy that stand up in any wind.
How to book a tee time at the New Course
Booking is straightforward. Create an account and reserve online through the St Andrews Links booking portal. The Old Course uses a ballot and other routes, but the New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum and Castle courses all release bookable tee times on the portal. If you can’t see the time you want, call the reservations team; additional slots and last-minute changes don’t always appear online.
Planning a wider trip? Mix the New Course with the Jubilee or Eden when you’re in town: you can secure those rounds on the same system and keep your days flexible around weather and dining. The Links site’s “Before Your Round” page covers check-in, dress code and where to warm up.
When was the New Course built?
Despite the name, the New Course is old. It opened in 1895, laid out by Old Tom Morris as demand for golf in St Andrews surged with the arrival of the railway. The Royal & Ancient funded construction, and legislation at the time confirmed starting-time rights that helped shape how the Links are managed today. That heritage is why some call it the world’s “oldest new course”.
New Course vs Old Course – key differences
Both courses are links over common land, yet they feel different from the first tee.
The Old Course is defined by quirks: seven vast double greens and fairways that cross and converge. Historic lines and ground contours create odd angles and bounces that you learn on the day or with a caddie.
The New Course is more orthodox. Fairways are narrower, the bunkering asks clear questions, and gorse tightens the corridor on windy days. Golf Monthly’s review highlights the narrow driving lines, pot bunkers and a standout par-3 9th that can play long into the breeze. If you want a traditional links test with fewer surprises than the Old, start here.
Where to stay near the New Course
Base yourself within a short walk of the Links and you can move from door to first tee in minutes. Short Stay St Andrews manages central self-catering flats and townhouses that suit two-balls, four-balls and larger groups. You’ll be close to the Links Clubhouse (lockers, showers, drying room) and the Tom Morris Bar & Grill upstairs for a post-round plate with views across the courses – useful when you’re playing early or late.
FAQs for first-time players
What is the New Course at St Andrews?
It’s a public links course beside the Old, designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1895. Par 71, around 6,517 yards, out-and-back routing.
Is the New Course worth playing?
Yes. It’s one of Scotland’s best “second” courses on any site, praised for conditioning and strategy. Many golfers rate it as a serious test and a better value booking than the Old.
How do I book a tee time on the New Course?
Go to the St Andrews Links booking portal, create an account and pick your date. The New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum and Castle courses are bookable online; the Old Course is not. If you can’t find a slot, phone reservations for help.
Is it easier to get than the Old Course?
Much easier. You book the New Course directly online instead of entering the Old Course ballot or using the singles draw. That difference makes planning a two or three-round St Andrews visit far simpler.
How challenging is the layout?
It’s tight off the tee with clever bunkering and gorse shaping the line. Greens are true but less wild than next door. The par 3 9th is a highlight and can play demanding in a headwind.
Signature holes and highlights
The opening run hugs the estuary before turning for home. The greens and fairways are flatter than its Old Course neighbour and the 9th is a superb 225-yard par 3. Expect classic links shot-making rather than trickery.
Plan your Trip
Stay close to the Links, book the New Course first, then add the Jubilee or Eden for variety. If you’re chasing the Old Course as well, read our How to Play the Old Course page, then keep your diary flexible around ballot results. For accommodation, see our Accommodation in St Andrews so you can walk to the first tee.
