St Andrews: 7 Legendary Links You Must Play Now

Imagine standing on the wind-swept fairways of St Andrews, feeling your heart race. You’re walking in the footsteps of golf legends. The air is full of history, each blade of grass telling a story of past champions. Now, your dream of visiting the birthplace of golf—St Andrews, Scotland—has come true. Though the Old Course at St Andrews is famous worldwide, it’s often underappreciated. Ranked seventh globally and second in Scotland, its 18 holes challenge all who play. From the challenging bunkers of the Principal’s Nose to the notorious Road Hole Bunker, each hole is unique¹.

The Old Course demands skill and creativity, as golfers must use every club in their bag. Legends like Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, and Tiger Woods have triumphed here, adding to its fame¹. The design includes unique double greens, a reminder of its 12-hole origins, adding unmatched complexity². Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is a must for any golf lover, no matter your skill level.

St Andrews isn’t just about the Old Course. Six other courses offer unforgettable golf experiences². A St Andrews Links Ticket opens up these courses to students and locals for only £205 a year. This is a great deal compared to the £175 fee for just one round on the Old Course². This shows St Andrews’ commitment to making legendary golf accessible to everyone.

Key Takeaways

The Old Course at St Andrews is a historic and challenging course, ranked seventh worldwide and second in Scotland¹.
Golf stars like Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, and Tiger Woods have won here, adding to its legacy¹.
The Old Course’s iconic features and diverse challenges make it a top pick for golfers of any level².
With the St Andrews Links Ticket, access to seven courses is affordable, offering great value for students and locals².
St Andrews is a must-visit for golf fans, known as the ‘Mecca’ of the sport, and crucial for a Scottish golf trip.

Discover the Historic Old Course

Golf lovers from all over come to see the Old Course St Andrews. It’s been around since 1552 and has played a huge part in golf’s history. It has been the site of The Open Championship 30 times since 1873³. Legends like Bobby Jones and Tiger Woods won their Open Championship victories here³.

Historical Significance

Many see the Old Course St Andrews as where golf started. Bobby Jones won back-to-back Open Championships here in 1927. This secured his legendary status³. The course design by Daw Anderson and Old Tom Morris keeps it classic. It holds onto the true spirit of links golf³.

Course Layout

The Old Course’s design is impressive. It has 112 bunkers and unique spots like The Road Hole Bunker. This makes it home to one of the most famous golf holes³.

In the 19th century, the play direction changed to make the game more challenging. It has shared greens and hilly fairways to test your skills³. Features like the Spectacles Bunker and the Swilcan Bridge make playing here complex. They force players to carefully plan their shots.

Playing Tips

Starting strong on this challenging course is important. Aim your first shot well, with the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse in sight. A top tip is to hire a caddie. Their advice on the course’s details can really help with choosing the best shots³. When you get to the 17th hole, you’ll see the Old Course Hotel. It’s a beautiful scene for a tough hole⁴. Listening to a caddie’s tips can bring out your best game. It lets you fully experience this historic course.

Exploring Other Must-Play Courses at St Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews is famous, but there’s more to explore. Other amazing golf courses are waiting, each with its own beautiful views and tough challenges. These places make St Andrews a top-choice for golf lovers.

The New Course

The New Course may sound modern, but it’s been around since 1895. It honors the old style of link golf. Players of all levels find its hills and sand traps both hard and rewarding.

The Jubilee Course

The Jubilee Course is tougher than the others. It started in 1897, celebrating Queen Victoria’s big 60 years as queen. This tough course is on a slim piece of link land by the sea. Golfers need to be good at choosing their shots here.

The Castle Course

The Castle Course St Andrews mixes new designs with Scotland’s wild coast. It opened in 2008. This modern link course has dramatic hills and wide views. Golfers need to aim well and think creatively to enjoy their game here.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Close to St Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links offers old-style links beauty and ocean views. It’s one of the best golf courses in the world. Kingsbarns perfectly combines golf’s history with new designs. It’s a must-visit for any golfer.

Staying longer? Check out Elie Golf House Club and Lundin Golf Club. Elie has grown from its 1500s start to a modern 18-hole link. Lundin is a historic spot for the Open Championship. It gives golfers endless excellent play opportunities⁵. Also, Leven Links is one of Scotland’s oldest link courses. It’s famous for being one of the first to have 18 tees and greens⁵.

Conclusion

Going to Scotland for a golf holiday at St Andrews is an adventure every golfer dreams of. It’s not just a visit, it’s like a holy journey. St Andrews is home to the famous Old Course. It also offers other challenging and beautiful courses like The New, The Jubilee, The Castle, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Each course provides a unique and unmatched golfing experience.

St Andrews is filled with courses that have deep histories and modern designs. These courses bring out the soul of the game. Walking on The Old Course, you follow the steps of golf legends. Or, trying your skills on the different terrains of its iconic courses, every game tells a part of a grand golf story.

It’s time to put St Andrews on your list of must-visit places for golf. Get ready for an amazing golf trip. Travel there to dive into an enduring golf adventure. This adventure celebrates the rich history and grandeur of golf.
Explore more about St Andrews and its incredible journey⁶

FAQ

Why is the Old Course at St Andrews considered the birthplace of golf?

The Old Course at St Andrews holds this title because it’s one of the world’s oldest. Here, golf evolved. Golf fans see it as a ‘Mecca’ due to its rich history.

Which famous golfers have won the Open Championship at the Old Course?

Greats like Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods have won here. Recently, in July 2022, Cameron Smith won the 150th Open at this course.

What unique elements does the Old Course feature?

The Old Course stands out with its special features. You’ll find The Principal’s Nose, Spectacles, and The Road Hole Bunker. These aspects make playing here a strategic and rewarding challenge.

What tips can help me play the Old Course successfully?

To do well at the Old Course, start strong and plan your shots, especially over Swilcan Burn. Using a caddie can offer helpful advice.Knowing which club to use and where to place your shots is key.

How does the New Course at St Andrews compare to the Old Course?

The New Course provides a classic links golf experience. Though it’s newer, it offers unique challenges. It’s a must-play for its layout.

What makes the Jubilee Course particularly challenging?

Set on a slender coastal strip, the Jubilee Course’s difficulty comes from its design. With the North Sea close by, skill and strategy are a must.

How does the Castle Course differentiate itself?

The Castle Course blends modern design with the stunning Scottish coast. Its varied elevations and views create a unique, memorable play, different from classic links courses.

Why should I add Kingsbarns Golf Links to my bucket list?

Kingsbarns combines traditional links play with breathtaking coastal scenery. Its layout presents challenges amid astonishing beauty. Near St Andrews, it’s a highlight of Scottish golf.

What should I expect from a golfing journey at St Andrews?

A journey at St Andrews lets you walk the paths of golfing legends. Playing iconic courses like the Old and discovering gems like the New, Jubilee, Castle, and Kingsbarns, each offers unique challenges and moments.