This is one Scottish links that needs little in the way of introduction. Probably the best known golf course in the world, the Old Course St Andrews is to many why Scotland is called the "Home of Golf". There are other historic golfing venues in the country, and Scottish golfers widely contend that the Old Course is not the best course in the country, but there are no other courses that are as iconic.
Many golfers feel playing the Old Course is integral to a golfing trip to Scotland. The Swilcan Bridge, the Road Hole Bunker, the Valley of Sin at the 18th green and the R&A clubhouse behind the 1st tee are all recognisable worldwide.
Humps and bumps, pot bunkers and huge double green more suited to long bump and run putts than a wedge shot approach are all part of the experience of playing the Old Course. Combine this with the town of St Andrews behind you at the 1st tee and the fact that you are walking in the footsteps of the world's most famous golfers, and it makes for a special golfing experience.
The golf course starts and finishes in the town and as this is not private land you are bound to find curious tourists watching you drive at the 1st or applaud you coming in to finish at the 18th.
It is thought that the game of golf has been played on the links since the 12th century. It was in 1552 that the town's right to play golf on the links was officially established. Originally the course was 11 holes and 11 holes back, starting and finishing by the first tee.
Since 1873 the Old Course has hosted the Open Championship on 29 occasions and since 1990 has hosted the event every 5 years.
Handicap policy has changed on the St Andrews Old Course. From this year, 2020, the maximum handicap for both men and women is 36, not 24 for men as previously. Proof of handicap is required to be shown to the Starter prior to play. Golfers will be advised to play from one of 3 tee positions, dependant on handicap.
Find out more about the options for booking golf on the Old Course.
As with all the links courses managed by the St Andrews Links Trust the Old Course is a public golf course, open to all. However that does not mean booking a tee-time is a simple case of phoning and asking – we cover the options for booking golf on the Old Course separately.
* For guidance only - all timings are traffic dependent.
Options we suggest:
St Andrews
3 Star Townhouse Hotel
St Andrews
3 Star Hotel
St Andrews
5 Star Hotel
St Andrews
4 Star Town House Hotel
St Andrews
4 Star Hotel
St Andrews
5 Star Hotel - AA Inspectors' Choice
St Andrews
Budget Hotel
Dundee
Dundee
Dundee
4 Star Hotel
Dundee
Budget Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Glenrothes
Glenrothes
Perth
4 Star Small Hotel
Premier Inn Dundee (Monifieth)
Monifieth
Budget Hotel
Broughty Ferry
Budget Hotel
Dundee
Budget Hotel
Dundee
Budget Hotel
Glenrothes
Budget Hotel
Perth
Budget Hotel
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