Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Golfers the world over flock to St Andrews, Scotland, in pursuit of the perfect game. But did you know that many golf courses are there at st andrews? The area is a veritable hub for all things golf-related. From its historical roots to modern-day marvels, there’s something for everyone when it comes to hitting the links around St Andrews. In this blog post, we’ll explore how many golf courses are there at St Andrews – from famous championship sites to lesser-known gems – so read on if you want an insight into some of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
Table of Contents:
The History of Golf at St Andrews
The history of golf at St Andrews is a long and storied one. It dates back to the 15th century when it was first played on the links land along the Fife coast. The venerable Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, formed in 1754, is reckoned by numerous to be the world’s oldest golf club. The Old Course at St Andrews has been used for centuries as a championship course and remains an iconic venue for professional tournaments today.
In addition to the Old Course, there are numerous other courses located in close proximity to St Andrews that have grown increasingly popular over time. These include Kingsbarns Golf Links, which opened in 2000; Carnoustie Golf Links, a venue for The Open Championship since 1873; Crail Golfing Society’s Balcomie Links; Ladybank Golf Club; Lundin Ladies’ GC; Leven Links; Elie Sports Centre and Driving Range; Scotscraig GC and Anstruther GC as well as Balgove Lade Course and Practice Area.
The popularity of golf at St Andrews continues to expand with each passing year, owing to its unique blend of history and modern amenities. These include state-of-the-art practice facilities, world-class courses designed by some of the greatest names in golf architecture, such as Tom Doak and Jack Nicklaus Jr., luxurious accommodations, fine dining options and more. Visitors can also take part in various activities like walking tours through historical sites or taking part in special events like “St Andrew’s Day”, where locals commemorate their patron saint with music and dancing throughout town.
Golfers from all over come to experience what makes this area so special: its rich history combined with modern amenities make it an ideal destination for those looking for both relaxation and challenge on their next round. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced golfer looking for a great game or want to soak up some local culture while enjoying stunning views across Scotland’s east coast, there is something here for everyone.
Famous Courses at St Andrews
St Andrews is a world-renowned golf destination, and it’s home to some of the most famous courses in the game. The Old Course has been around since 1552 and is considered by many to be the birthplace of golf. It’s an 18-hole links course that stretches over 7,000 yards with deep bunkers and tight fairways. The Old Course has hosted numerous championships throughout its history, including The Open Championship on multiple occasions.
The Jubilee Course was designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid in 1897 and is known for its long par 3s and tricky greenside bunkers. This championship course measures 6,844 yards from the back tees but can play much shorter due to its wide fairways.
The New Course at St Andrews opened in 1895 as an alternative layout for those who found the Old Course too difficult or intimidating. It plays slightly longer than the Jubilee at 6,945 yards from the tips but offers wider fairways that are more forgiving off of tee shots.
Finally, there is Eden – one of St Andrews’ lesser-known courses but no less challenging than any other on offer here. Designed by Harry Colt in 1914, this picturesque parkland course features rolling hills lined with mature trees as well as several water hazards coming into play on a few holes, which makes it both beautiful and treacherous. All four courses provide a unique experience for players looking to test their skills against some of Scotland’s finest layouts, so if you are ever visiting St Andrews make sure you do not miss out.
Other Courses in the Area
Kingsbarns Golf Links is a stunning course located just seven miles from St Andrews. This championship links course offers spectacular views of the North Sea and rolling hills, as well as an array of challenging holes that will test even the most experienced golfer. The par-72 layout offers five par-5s, four par-3s and nine enthralling par-4s, with a plentiful number of bunkers adding to the difficulty. Kingsbarns also boasts a state-of-the-art practice facility for those looking to sharpen their skills before taking on the full 18 holes.
Crail Golfing Society is another popular golf club in close proximity to St Andrews. Established in 1786, Crail is one of the oldest clubs in Scotland and has hosted many prestigious tournaments over its long history, including The Amateur Championship and Scottish Open Qualifying events. The course itself consists of two loops; an outward nine, which plays along the coast while providing panoramic views across Fife’s East Neuk coastline and an inward nine, which winds through Crail’s picturesque village streets, offering more traditional parkland-style golf holes. With its unique combination of coastal links and inland parkland terrain, Crail provides a challenge for all levels of players alike.
The Duke’s Course at St Andrews is yet another great option for those wanting to experience some classic Scottish golf without having to venture too far away from town centre amenities or accommodation options nearby. Designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, this championship links layout opened in 1995, boasting spectacular sea views from almost every hole on the course, making it both visually appealing and testing enough for any level player who wants to tackle it head-on.
Conclusion
From the Old Course to the New, St Andrews is a golfing paradise. With its long and illustrious history, it’s no wonder why so many golf courses are there at St Andrews. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or just an enjoyable round of golf, you can find something to suit your needs in this beautiful part of Scotland. So if you’re ever in need of some great golfing action, head on over to St Andrews – you won’t be disappointed.
