St Andrews has a way of getting under your skin the first time you walk onto the Links. The sea is right there, the wind moves across the fairways, and you realise you’re standing somewhere that has shaped the game for centuries.
For clients who like their travel comfortable and personal, this is one of those places that rewards proper planning rather than just turning up. Here’s what matters when you’re thinking about golf courses in St Andrews.
Why St Andrews still feels like the Home of Golf
It isn’t marketing spin. Golf has been played over this same stretch of land for more than 600 years. The Old Course sits at the centre of it all, but the whole town and surrounding links carry the same quiet sense of continuity. You feel it in the rhythm of play, the shared greens, and the way locals and visitors mix without fuss. That’s what keeps people coming back.
The eight courses managed by St Andrews Links Trust
The Trust looks after eight public courses. The seven you’ll hear about most are:
- The Old Course
- The New Course
- The Jubilee Course
- The Castle Course
- The Eden Course
- The Strathtyrum Course
- The Balgove Course
Plus, the newer Craigtoun Course, a few miles inland, gives a completely different parkland feel if you want variety. Between them, you can match the day to how much challenge or relaxation you fancy.
The courses our clients play most
The Old Course
Wide fairways, double greens, and that famous view over the town. It plays differently every time because of the wind. Most people say the walk itself is what stays with them.
The Castle Course
Cliff-top setting with proper elevation changes and big North Sea views. Feels more dramatic than the classic links just up the road.
The Jubilee Course
Tight, coastal, and often called the toughest of the bunch. Precision matters here.
The New Course
Laid out in the 1890s and still feels perfectly balanced. A favourite for many who want proper links golf without quite the pressure of the Old.
The Eden, Strathtyrum and Balgove
Great for a more relaxed day or for mixing abilities in the group. The Balgove is shorter and ideal for a gentle start or finish.
Three strong options just outside town
Kingsbarns Golf Links – seven miles south, every hole has sea views. Smooth, scenic, and regularly sits in the world’s top-100 lists.
Dumbarnie Links – newer coastal course with wide fairways and striking views across the water. Feels fresh yet properly Scottish.
The Golf House Club at Elie – quieter, traditional, and only about 20 minutes away. Perfect when you want something more intimate after a couple of big days on the Links.
What the experience feels like
You notice the wind, the light changing over the water, and the fact that play moves at a civilised pace. There’s time between shots to look around and simply enjoy being there. That’s the part people talk about long after they’ve forgotten their score.
How to get on the Old Course
Most visitors enter the daily ballot two days in advance. There are also guaranteed options through authorised partners. We handle all of this for clients, so you don’t spend your holiday refreshing websites. A handicap certificate is needed, but we check everything in advance.
When to come
Late spring and early autumn usually give the best mix – good playing conditions, fewer people, and daylight that still lets you enjoy the evenings. Summer brings long days but busier tee sheets. The weather can turn in an hour, so we build flexibility into every itinerary.
Making it feel effortless
The smartest trips spread rounds across several days, include short drives between venues, and pair golf with the right place to stay and eat. That way, the focus stays on the golf and the company you’re with.
We organise exactly that kind of trip all the time – private driver, pre-booked tee times, hand-picked hotels, and space for everything else you want to do in Scotland.
Ready to plan your St Andrews golf trip?
Tell us when you’re thinking of travelling and what kind of experience you want – relaxed days, a proper golf week, or something that mixes in castles, whisky, and fine dining. We’ll put together a proper bespoke itinerary and handle every detail.
Just drop us a message or call – we’re here to make it straightforward and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in St Andrews?
The St Andrews Links Trust looks after eight public courses right now – the famous seven plus the new Craigtoun Course. Each has its own character, so you can easily build a varied week without ever leaving the area.
What is the most famous golf course here?
The Old Course – no question. It’s the one everyone pictures when they think of St Andrews, and the one most people want at least once in their lifetime.
How much does it cost to play?
Green fees range from around £55 on the shorter courses up to the higher figure on the Old Course in peak season. The real value comes when you play several days in a row and stay locally – that’s where we see clients say the trip finally clicks.
Can anyone play the Old Course?
Yes – you don’t need to be a member. Most visitors enter the daily ballot two days ahead or book a guaranteed slot through an authorised provider. A handicap certificate is required (maximum 36 for men and women). Demand is high, so planning ahead makes all the difference.
Do I need a handicap certificate?
For the Old Course and most of the Links courses, yes. We can check your details when we build your itinerary, so there are no surprises on the day.
What’s the easiest way to organise everything without the hassle?
That’s exactly why most of our clients choose a private itinerary. We handle ballot entries, tee times at the other courses, chauffeur transport between venues, and a base that suits how you like to travel.
Can I combine golf with other experiences?
Absolutely. Many guests play in the morning, then head to a private whisky tasting, a private castle visit, or simply relax at one of the top hotels with sea views.
