Where to play golf in St Andrews

St Andrews Links Trust Courses

The Links Trust manages 7 public golf courses in St Andrews, and most are open for play with advance bookings:

The Old Course

The Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, known as the “Home of Golf”. Located in St Andrews, Scotland, it dates back to the 15th century and has shaped the modern game. The course features legendary landmarks such as the Swilcan Bridge, Hell Bunker, and the famous Road Hole (17th). With wide, undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and double greens, it offers a challenging yet historic links golf experience. Open to the public, it remains a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide.

Click here to see how to get a tee time on the Old Course

The New Course

The New Course at St Andrews, opened in 1895, is a classic links course designed by Old Tom Morris. Despite its name, it is one of the oldest “new” courses in the world. Located adjacent to the Old Course, it features narrow, undulating fairways, challenging greens, and strategically placed bunkers, offering a traditional and testing links experience. Known for its natural beauty and excellent conditioning, the New Course provides a more peaceful and less crowded alternative to its famous neighbor while still delivering a world-class round of golf.

The Jubilee Course

The Jubilee Course at St Andrews, opened in 1897, is the third championship course at St Andrews Links. Originally designed for beginners and ladies, it was later transformed into one of the toughest links courses on the property. Set between the New Course and the sea, it features narrow fairways, demanding bunkers, and elevated greens, all with stunning views of the coastline. Known for its challenging layout and exposure to coastal winds, the Jubilee Course offers a stern test for even the most skilled golfers.

The Eden Course

The Eden Course at St Andrews, opened in 1914 and designed by Harry S. Colt, is a picturesque and more forgiving links course at St Andrews Links. Known for its large, contoured greens and strategic bunkering, it provides a fun yet challenging round for golfers of all abilities. The course offers stunning views of the Eden Estuary and the surrounding coastline, creating a scenic and enjoyable golfing experience. With its natural beauty and thoughtful design, the Eden Course is a popular choice for those seeking a slightly less demanding alternative at St Andrews.

The Strathtyrum Course

The Strathtyrum Course at St Andrews, opened in 1993 and designed by Donald Steel, is a welcoming and accessible links course at St Andrews Links. Known for its wide fairways, large undulating greens, and well-placed bunkers, it offers a relaxed yet engaging round for golfers of all abilities. The course provides a scenic and enjoyable setting, perfect for families and casual golfers seeking a less demanding alternative at St Andrews. With its emphasis on playability and enjoyment, the Strathtyrum Course is a popular choice for a fun and memorable golfing experience.

The Balgove Course

The Balgove Course at St Andrews, opened in 1972 and designed with families and beginners in mind, is a short and approachable 9-hole course at St Andrews Links. Known for its forgiving layout, smaller greens, and minimal hazards, it provides an ideal introduction to golf for players of all ages and abilities. The course offers a relaxed and enjoyable setting, making it perfect for those seeking a casual and fun round. With its emphasis on accessibility and learning, the Balgove Course is a popular choice for juniors, families, and newcomers to the game.

The Castle Course

The Castle Course at St Andrews, opened in 2008 and designed by David McLay Kidd, is a dramatic and challenging clifftop course at St Andrews Links. Known for its rugged terrain, undulating fairways, and large, contoured greens, it offers a thrilling and scenic golfing experience. The course provides breathtaking views of St Andrews Bay and the town itself, creating a memorable backdrop for play. With its bold design and stunning location, the Castle Course is a popular choice for golfers seeking a modern and testing addition to the historic St Andrews Links.

Other Courses Near St Andrews

Whilst St Andrews is by far the most famous location for golf in Fife, there are several other world class courses within a short drive of the St Andrews. 

The Duke’s Course

The Duke’s Golf Course in St Andrews, opened in 1995 and designed by Peter Thomson, is a premier inland course offering a distinctive contrast to the traditional links courses in the area. Known for its tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and rolling terrain, it provides a challenging and varied round for golfers of all abilities. The course boasts stunning views over St Andrews and the surrounding countryside, enhancing its appeal. With its championship design and immaculate condition, the Duke’s Golf Course is a favorite for those seeking a world-class inland golfing experience.

Fairmont St Andrews – Torrance & Kittocks Courses

The Torrance Course at Fairmont St Andrews, opened in 2001 and originally designed by Gene Sarazen and Sam Torrance, is a championship links-style course offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Known for its deep bunkers, undulating greens, and sweeping views of St Andrews Bay, it provides a memorable round for golfers of all abilities. With a layout that blends traditional Scottish links features with modern design, the Torrance Course is a must-play destination for those seeking a test of skill in a stunning coastal setting.

The Kittocks Course at Fairmont St Andrews, opened in 2001 and designed by Gene Sarazen and Bruce Devlin, is a picturesque and challenging clifftop course. Known for its dramatic coastal holes, strategic bunkering, and panoramic views of the North Sea, it offers an unforgettable golfing experience. The course combines natural beauty with a thoughtful design, making it a favorite for players looking to enjoy a scenic and demanding round in the heart of Scotland.

Crail Golfing Society – Balcomie Links

Crail Golfing Society – Balcomie Links is a historic seaside golf course located in Crail, Fife, Scotland. Founded in 1786, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the course offers a classic links golf experience with stunning coastal views of the North Sea. Its layout features undulating fairways, challenging greens, and several holes that run alongside the shore, providing a scenic yet testing round for golfers of all levels. 

Kingbarns Golf Links

Kingsbarns Golf Links, opened in 2000 and designed by Kyle Phillips, is a world-renowned links course located along the scenic Fife coastline near St Andrews. Known for its sweeping sea views, spacious fairways, and impeccably crafted greens, it provides a truly memorable and challenging golfing experience. The course’s dynamic layout incorporates natural undulations and coastal features, creating a unique blend of beauty and playability. With its stunning setting and exceptional design, Kingsbarns Golf Links is a bucket-list destination for golfers from around the globe and is consistently ranked among the top links courses globally.

Dumbarnie Links

Dumbarnie Links is a modern, world-class links golf course located near Lower Largo in Fife, Scotland, just a short drive from St Andrews. Opened in 2020 and designed by Clive Clark, it features a stunning layout that stretches along 1.5 miles of pristine coastline overlooking the Firth of Forth. The course combines wide, undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic sea views, offering a contemporary yet authentic links experience suitable for golfers of all levels.

Charleton Golf Course

Charleton Golf Course is a picturesque parkland golf course located near Colinsburgh in Fife, Scotland, just a short drive from St Andrews and the East Neuk. Designed in 1994 by John Salvesen, the course is set within the beautiful Charleton Estate, offering a tranquil and scenic golfing experience.