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This guide helps you plan it all. Where to play, how to book tee times, and the best base for your golf trip. With the right accommodation in St Andrews, your golf trip runs as smoothly as your first drive down the fairway.
Golf has been played in St Andrews for over six centuries, and today the town offers an unparalleled golfing experience.
The St Andrews Links Trust operates six public courses in town (the Old, New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, and Balgove) plus an additional course just outside town (the Castle Course).
This means visitors have access to a range of layouts. From championship links that have hosted The Open, to shorter tracks perfect for a casual round. Best thing about them? They’re all within minutes of each other.
Most of these courses are true seaside links, characterised by undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and fickle coastal winds that can challenge any level of golfer.
The Old Course is the crown jewel, but it’s supported by a strong cast of other courses that each offer something unique.
One of the great aspects of golf in St Andrews is that all the courses (even the Old) are public and open to visiting golfers, not member-exclusive.
Tee times can be highly sought after, especially in peak season, but with some planning (and perhaps a bit of luck) anyone can have the chance to walk these hallowed fairways.
Golfers should be aware that the Old Course requires an official handicap (maximum 24 for men, 36 for women) and usually a successful ballot entry to secure a tee time.
Beyond the town’s borders, the greater St Andrews area (within about a 25-mile radius) offers an “unparalleled collection of world-class golf courses,” from famous championship venues to charming local clubs.
This makes St Andrews an ideal hub for a golf trip: you can stay in one place and play a different great course each day, with minimal travel time. In the morning you might tackle a storied Open rota course, and by afternoon relax at a cosy pub recounting putts and chips.
Now, let’s look at the top courses you should consider adding to your itinerary.
The Old Course tends to dominate the conversation, but it’s just one of several outstanding courses in town.
Here are five of the best courses in St Andrews itself, each deserving a spot on your must-play list:
The oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, the Old Course is a pilgrimage site for golfers. It’s a classic links laid out on common land, known for wide double fairways, massive shared greens, and strategic bunkers (the notorious “Hell Bunker” and “Road Hole Bunker” among them).
Landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th fairway and the R&A Clubhouse framing the final green are instantly recognisable. The Old Course has hosted The Open Championship 30 times, most recently in 2022, and walking its fairways allows you to literally follow in the footsteps of champions.
Securing a tee time here is competitive. If you do get the chance, the experience is incomparable. (Note: Golfers must have an official handicap to play the Old Course and booking often involves entering a ballot draw or planning a year in advance.)
Don’t let the name fool you; the “New” Course opened in 1895, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the world (just not as old as the Old Course). Designed by Old Tom Morris, the New Course is often considered a favourite of locals.
It’s a championship-calibre links that runs adjacent to the Old Course, with tighter fairways and rugged dunes that provide a slightly different character. The New Course offers a pure test of links golf, hard, fast fairways, tricky pot bunkers, and firm greens.
Many visitors say if the New Course were not in the shadow of its famous neighbour, it would itself be regarded as a jewel of St Andrews. It’s usually a bit easier to get a tee time here, and it delivers an authentic St Andrews golf round with spectacular views of the town skyline.
Often cited as the most challenging course in St Andrews, the Jubilee was first laid out in 1897 and later upgraded to championship standard.
It occupies a narrow strip of dunes between the New Course and the sea, resulting in some tight, scenic holes bordered by gorse bushes and deep bunkers.
The Jubilee’s greens and setup can be quite demanding when the wind is up, testing even low-handicap players’ shot-making skills. If you’re looking for a serious golf exam, the Jubilee is a must. Despite its difficulty, it remains an enjoyable walk with beautiful seaside scenery.
It’s a course that often surprises visitors with how impressive it is, truly a championship links in its own right.
Opened in 2008, the Castle Course is the newest addition to St Andrews’ portfolio and sits just outside the town along the coastline to the east.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, it’s set on a clifftop overlooking St Andrews Bay, offering dramatic views of the town and sea.
The Castle Course’s defining features are its rugged, tiered greens and significant elevation changes, it’s a modern take on links golf that can be both breathtaking and challenging. Many golfers love the stunning vistas from holes like the par-3 17th across the cliffs. Keep in mind the greens here are known for their bold undulations, so bring your best putting game.
The Castle is a bit removed from the other courses (about a 5-minute drive from town), but there is a shuttle service from the Links clubhouse area, and it’s well worth including for a varied experience.
Often overlooked by visitors in favour of the bigger-name tracks, the Eden Course is a gem that provides a friendlier scoring opportunity while still delivering the St Andrews atmosphere.
Opened in 1914 and designed by Harry S. Colt, Eden runs adjacent to the Old, New, and Jubilee courses, but its layout is shorter and more forgiving. That makes it ideal for higher handicappers or for a relaxing second round in a day.
Don’t be fooled into thinking Eden is boring, it has several interesting holes guarded by wetlands and pot bunkers, and the green complexes have classic Colt character. The Eden’s 8th hole, for example, has a devilish sunken bunker nicknamed “The Strath” that has ruined many a scorecard.
If your St Andrews trip includes golfers of varying skill levels, the Eden Course ensures everyone can enjoy a taste of links golf without too much punishment.
One of the joys of a golf trip to St Andrews is how many top-quality courses lie within a short drive of the town. Venturing a bit outside St Andrews allows you to experience a variety of Scottish golf landscapes. From secluded links along the Fife coastline to historic members’ clubs in nearby villages. Here are a few notable courses near St Andrews that are well worth adding to your itinerary:
Kingsbarns is often ranked among the very best modern courses in Scotland. This stunning seaside links is situated about 7 miles south of St Andrews and offers an experience akin to playing a “tournament-calibre” course with the warmth of a local club.
Opened in 2000 and designed by Kyle Phillips, Kingsbarns features rolling fairways that hug the North Sea coastline – nearly every hole has an ocean view. The par-3 15th, played over waves crashing on the rocks below, is one of many memorable holes. Kingsbarns co-hosts the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (along with the Old Course and Carnoustie), so the conditions and service are top-notch. Do note that green fees here are on the higher end, but many golfers say it’s a highlight of their trip. Tee times should be booked well ahead of time, especially in summer.
For a taste of history and charm, head down the coast to Crail. The Crail Golfing Society, founded in 1786, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world.
Its principal course, Balcomie Links, was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1895 and oozes old-fashioned links character. Balcomie is not a long course by modern standards, but its quirky holes will test your creativity. Expect blind shots, stone walls, and coastal winds coming into play. The opening stretch along the North Sea is as scenic as it gets (keep an eye out for the occasional seal on the shoreline).
Playing at Crail feels like stepping back in time; the clubhouse is friendly and the green fees are modest compared to the big names.
There is also a second course, Craighead Links, opened in 1998, which offers a more modern links challenge just up the hill. A day trip to Crail to play both courses is a fantastic addition to a St Andrews golf week.
Often just called “Elie,” this course is situated in the picturesque seaside town of Earlsferry/Elie.
The Golf House Club has been around since 1875, and the course is known for its unique charm. Most famously, Elie’s starter uses a WWI-era periscope to ensure the first fairway is clear before sending groups off – a quirky touch that hints at the course’s individual character.
Elie is a scenic, traditional links that won’t beat you up with length, but its fast-running fairways and well-placed bunkers provide plenty of interest. A number of holes offer beautiful views of the Firth of Forth. The club has a welcoming vibe (though note there is no play on Sundays). If you enjoy classic courses rich in personality, Elie is a must-visit. Don’t forget to ask the starter about the submarine periscope, it’s a piece of golf trivia you’ll retell for years.
Just a few miles from Elie, Lundin Links (often simply called Lundin) is another Fife coast gem. Lundin was an Open Championship Final Qualifying course when The Open was at St Andrews, which attests to its quality.
The layout is part links, part inland in character. The opening holes play on classic links land by the sea, then the course ventures slightly inland with a bit of gorse and trees before returning to the coast.
Many golfers praise Lundin for its consistently excellent conditioning and fair but testing design. It has some strong par 4s that require strategic tee shots to avoid burns (small streams) and bunkers. With a history dating back to 1868, Lundin is a club steeped in tradition but very welcoming to visitors. It’s a great value round and gives you yet another flavour of Scottish golf terrain.
Other noteworthy courses accessible from St Andrews include:
Here are some insider tips to help you secure your rounds and navigate the booking process:
The peak season for golf in St Andrews is late spring through early autumn (May to September), with July and August being extremely busy. During these months, tee sheets fill up fast, sometimes months in advance for the most popular courses. If you’re aiming for a summer trip, try to book your tee times as early as possible. St Andrews Links allows booking of the New, Jubilee, Eden, etc., up to about 6 months ahead via their website.
For the Old Course, there are multiple routes to get a tee time, all competitive: an annual lottery for advanced reservations, daily ballot (lottery) drawn 48 hours ahead, lining up very early for potential walk-on singles, or going through authorised tour operators who have a limited allotment of guaranteed times.
It’s wise to enter the Old Course ballot for each day you’re in town to maximise your chances. If visiting in high season, also consider playing in the late afternoon; twilight times can be easier to snag and often cheaper, plus you might enjoy a gorgeous sunset during your round.
For other famous courses near St Andrews (like Kingsbarns or Carnoustie), booking directly with the course as far in advance as their system allows is recommended. Many open their next year’s tee sheets by late fall of the current year. If you’re planning to attend during The Open or a major tournament week in the area, expect even higher demand and possibly special booking conditions or closures (for instance, local courses often host corporate outings during Open week).
Part of the St Andrews experience for many is taking a caddie. Caddies not only carry your bag, but also provide expert reading of the course’s nuances and a bit of local storytelling. If you’d like a caddie on the Old Course or others, request one when you book or at least 24-48 hours in advance.
Caddie services can be in high demand; on the Old Course, for example, the caddie fee is roughly £75 plus gratuity for one round. Tipping the caddie (£20-£40, depending on service) is customary if they’ve helped your round. Other courses in the area have similar caddie fees.
It’s not mandatory to take a caddie, but many single golfers or first-timers at the Old Course find it enhances the experience.
If you prefer to rent golf clubs rather than travel with your set, you’re in luck, most major courses around St Andrews offer quality rental sets (often current models from brands like Callaway or TaylorMade) for a daily fee.
For instance, the St Andrews Links courses have club hire available on-site. It’s wise to reserve rentals in advance to ensure availability.
Additionally, local golf shops in town (such as the well-known Auchterlonies on Golf Place) provide multi-day rental options, which can be convenient if you plan to play several courses over a week.
Keep in mind to pack your own golf shoes and glove if possible, as those are very personal for comfort (though some rental shops even have shoes).
Finally, don’t forget less obvious booking tips: check if courses require a handicap certificate (again, the Old Course does, and a few private clubs might ask to see proof of handicap).
Always arrive at the starter early, if you’re late, you risk losing your slot due to the tightly run tee schedules. And consider the St Andrews Links Day Ticket or Three-Day Ticket if you plan to play multiple Links Trust courses; these passes offer great value and easier booking for a bundle of rounds.
For the Old Course, there are multiple routes to get a tee time, all competitive: an annual lottery for advanced reservations, daily ballot (lottery) drawn 48 hours ahead, lining up very early for potential walk-on singles, or going through authorised tour operators who have a limited allotment of guaranteed times.
It’s wise to enter the Old Course ballot for each day you’re in town to maximise your chances. If visiting in high season, also consider playing in the late afternoon; twilight times can be easier to snag and often cheaper, plus you might enjoy a gorgeous sunset during your round.
For other famous courses near St Andrews (like Kingsbarns or Carnoustie), booking directly with the course as far in advance as their system allows is recommended. Many open their next year’s tee sheets by late fall of the current year. If you’re planning to attend during The Open or a major tournament week in the area, expect even higher demand and possibly special booking conditions or closures (for instance, local courses often host corporate outings during Open week).
Stay in the heart of St Andrews, just a short walk from the Old Course and Links Clubhouse. Self-catering homes give you enough space to store gear, dry off waterproofs, and fuel up on your own schedule before early tee times. After a long day on the links, you’ll have a lounge to relax in, Wi-Fi to stream highlights, and room for your whole group under one roof. With Short Stay St Andrews, you’ll find everything from modern flats to large houses, perfect for golf trips of any size.
St Andrews offers seven public courses, but the “best” courses typically highlighted are the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course, and Eden Course. The Old Course is the most famous (and a must if you can get on), known worldwide as the oldest and host to numerous Open Championships. The New and Jubilee are championship-level links right in town that many visitors adore for their challenge and history. The Castle Course, just outside town, provides modern cliffside golf with spectacular views. Eden is slightly more forgiving and fun for a broad range of players. Additionally, Kingsbarns, while not in town, is often considered one of the top courses in the St Andrews area (15 minutes away). If you have time, playing a mix of these will give you a fantastic overview of St Andrews golf. Keep in mind “best” can depend on your preferences – pure history and prestige (Old Course), toughest test (Jubilee), scenery (Castle or Kingsbarns), or a relaxing round (Eden or Strathtyrum).
Getting on the Old Course takes planning and luck. The most common route is the ballot, entered two days ahead, with winners posted that afternoon. Enter daily while you’re in town to boost your chances. You’ll need a valid handicap (max 24 men, 36 women). Other options include advance reservations (applied for nearly a year ahead), packages via approved tour operators, or turning up as a single at dawn to join groups with space. However you try, always book other courses as backups. St Andrews has plenty worth playing if the ballot doesn’t fall your way.
Not every round in St Andrews has to break the bank. The Strathtyrum and Balgove (9-hole) courses are affordable options in town, ideal for a warm-up or casual game. Nearby, Crail Balcomie, Lundin, and Elie all offer historic links golf at moderate prices, while Ladybank gives you inland heathland under £100. Many clubs run twilight or off-season deals, and the Links Trust offers multi-day tickets for unlimited play on courses like the New, Jubilee, and Eden. With smart planning, you can balance world-famous rounds with great-value golf across Fife.
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