SUMMARY

ROYAL TROON

£285

SUMMARY

Royal Troon Golf Club is a magnificent links golf course in Scotland and is one of the famous golf clubs in the world.  It is a Privilege and a treat for any golfer to follow the footsteps of golfs legends and play on this magnificent course.  The Old Course continues to be the sternest of golfing examinations and in particular, the back nine at Royal Troon still has the toughest par 4 of all the Open Championship hosts courses and is widely accepted as the most demanding of any Course on the Championship rota.

The groundsmen are outstanding and have done a great job keeping the course in wonderful condition, especially the greens. The course starts out with 3 relatively friendly par 4’s, but then progressively gets more challenging, but then who cares when you are on such a wonderful course!

Host course of the 152nd Open Championship the Old Course is part of the Open rota of links courses.  The club dates to the 1870s and also includes second 18-hole links, and on the championship course one of the most famous holes in the world of golf, the one called “Postage Stamp.”

In true links fashion, many of the holes are guarded by heather and gorse, pot bunkers and strong winds that typically blow across the links as a southwesterly crosswind. Do your scoring early at Troon, they say because the second nine is much tougher than the front nine.

Royal Troon had a men-only membership policy for its entire existence until voting, in 2016, to begin allowing women to join the club as members. (Women were always able to play the golf course.)

Founded in 1878 by a few enthusiasts Troon Golf Club soon outgrew its purely local reputation.  The Open returned to the Ayrshire town for the ninth time in 2016 when the 145th Championship was played at Royal Troon. Golfers the world over vie to play Royal Troon’s famous courses and we encourage visitors to experience one of the most demanding Championship courses on the circuit. Visitors are most warmly welcomed at Royal Troon Golf Club from mid-April until mid-October each year on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Great golf course, outstanding service, and full of history. A world-class golf experience. The course is one of the very best anywhere and is in great condition and challenging. Hosted The Open and other major golf events. Caddies are wonderful and make the experience even better. The clubhouse has a lot of history. Highly recommended.

WHY PLAY?

TURNBERRY AILSA

£250

SUMMARY

Turnberry Ailsa Course, one of Scotland’s Crown Jewels of Golf,  reopened after extensive redevelopment on 1st June 2016. Until that time Turnberry Ailsa had long been regarded as one of the finest courses in the world.  However, the changes introduced by Donald Trump and Martin Ebert raised Turnberry Ailsa to a whole new level of excellence.  As a result, the course is now regarded as Scotlands Finest.

The Ailsa came to international prominence in the 1977 Open Championship with the famous ‘duel in the sun’ between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.  The weather was wonderful and a capacity crowd was treated to an exhilarating display of golf from two of the best golfers the world has ever known.

Scene of some of the most memorable moments in Open history, the Ailsa Championship course is a legend in the world game. Watson, Norman, Price, Cink; they’ve all won The Claret Jug, golf’s most coveted trophy here on the Turnberry links.

No hole has been left untouched but the main changes have been to the 4th, 6th, 9th,10th 11th, and 14th. Expect to experience ingenious architecture at one of the greatest golf links as you follow in the footsteps of Watson, Norman, Price, Cink with an unforgettable golf experience in Scotland’s historic West Coast.

The first 3 holes always a tough opening into the prevailing southwest wind have been improved by extending the 1st and the greens of all three holes have been modified to allow extra options for pin positions.

The 4th to 11th hug the coast of The Firth of Clyde and the walk from the 5th green to the new shorter, but demanding, 6th hole provides a stunning view over Turnberry bay to Ailsa Craig, The Isle of Arran, and Northern Ireland on a clear day.

The new 9th hole, now a long par 3, with the green adjacent to the iconic lighthouse, now the halfway house, replaces the hogs back fairway. The 10th is now a long par 5 sweeping around the bay to the par 3 11th which has been moved close to the sea.

The 14th now snakes uphill to the green with the lighthouse and Arran as a spectacular backdrop and the finishing hole now extends from the dunes overlooking the sea directly towards the famous hotel providing a stunning finish.

Quite simply If you are putting together your ‘Bucket List’ of must-play courses.  As the Golf Gurus said ‘any trip to Scotland devoid of Ailsa would be borderline Unforgivable’.  We agree.  The Ailsa course at Turnberry is one of the great golf courses anywhere in the world.  Live your dash and join the long list of golfers who for centuries have walked these hallowed links.

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WHY PLAY?

ROYAL ABERDEEN

£195

SUMMARY

The Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen is probably the best course that most golfers will ever play.   This incredible course, which is steeped in golf history, should be close to the very top of any golfers must-play list.  There is a reason that Royal Aberdeen is not only Rated as the Number 1 Course in Scotland’s North East but also Top 10 in Scotland and just outside of the World Top 50.

The course is recognised for being one of the most genuine pure links golf experiences anywhere. Like most ancient links Royal Aberdeen is a traditional out and back course which follows the sublime North Sea Coastline shared with Murcar LInks. Local golfers believe that the best 18 holes in links golf is the front nine at Royal Aberdeen followed by holes 2-10 at neighbouring Murcar Links Golf Club

The World-Renowned Front Nine is truly exceptional.  Your round starts right under the clubhouse window and the fairway takes you to the sea.  The holes now run parallel to the shore, weaving their way through towering sand dunes. Many believe this to be the finest front nine holes in all of links golf.  Play the course that keeps on giving and decide for yourself ?. Hole-after-hole the course just keeps on delivering world-class holes for golfers to enjoy, savour and remember for a lifetime.

As you make the turn for home and head towards the clubhouse. The back nine is played on much higher ground and you can expect to experience many stunning Vistas and the North Sea views.  All 18 holes are a joy as the routing takes you on a thrilling journey of discovery through the massive dunes on the outward half. 

The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 and claims to be the sixth oldest golf club in the world. It was founded as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and became the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815 subsequently receiving royal patronage in 1903. The members originally played over a public strip of common land between the Don and the Dee. In 1815 the society changed its name to the Aberdeen Golf Club. The common land was becoming over-crowded, so in 1886 they decided to move to their present home, the Balgownie links, north of the river Don, which opened for play in 1888. The royal title was finally applied in 1903, despite the fact that Prince Leopold granted patronage more than 30 years earlier.
A trio of Simpsons had a hand in fashioning this course, brothers Robert and Archie and then the flamboyant Tom Simpson. J. H. Taylor, James Braid and most recently Donald Steel also made revisions.

Royal Aberdeen produces the perfect mix of challenge, fun, exasperation and rewards its accolades include the Hosting of The 2005 & 2014 Senior British Open and the European Tours 2014 Scottish Open.

WHY PLAY?

MONTROSE 1562

£75

SUMMARY

Montrose Golf Links was founded in 1810 and is considered to be the seventh oldest course in the world.  Golf is known to have been played on these hallowed Links all the way back to 1562.  In 1845 Prince Albert granted the club royal patronage and it Became Royal Montrose.  If you want to experience the historic course make it a Priority.  Don’t wait too long as coastal erosion is not slowly redefining the course.

Montrose links embody every detail that makes a round of golf so addictive and original.  No 2 rounds played here are ever the same.  The course has been shaped by mother nature and its elements over hundreds of years and there are just so many small things that have fused together to create a unique golf experience.  If you are looking for a natural true links experience then it’s time to play 1562 and add your name to the thousands who have gone before you

Influenced and redesigned by both Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Junior the layout at Montrose is truly excellent and it is sure to test every department of your game.  There’s lots of fun to be had on a course that you will never tire of playing. Expect some elevation changes as you head out towards a rugged coastline before reaching the sheltered gorse land.  Then you’ll slowly climb back up to higher grounds before reaching the elevated 18th tee and completing a satisfying journey through the sandhills and Gorse Bushes of Montrose.

Expect a great challenge.  The 1562 course lays down a strong marker at the very first hole.  You will require a straight drive between the fairway bunkers.  This will set you up for your approach to a raised green at the summit of the gradually rising hill. It’s an intimidating hole and one that certainly doesn’t allow you to ease your way into the round.  If you are lucky enough to play the course when the cold wind is whipping in off the North Sea. The next five holes will provide you with the most exhilarating round of links golf.

No golfing trip to Scotland would be complete without playing this nostalgic and historic links course.  The quality of Montrose is continually acknowledged when it hosts prestigious golf events such as The Scottish Professional Championship in 1967 and 1970 and Final Qualifying for the Open Championship held at Carnoustie in 1999 and 2007.

WHY PLAY?

ROYAL DORNOCH

£195

NOW ON THE TEE SUMMARY

The Links at Royal Dornoch has grown in reputation to the point where it has now taken its rightful place amongst the crown jewels of Scottish Golf.  The course, which is steeped in golf history, has no weaknesses and is described as a spiritual golf experience by many.   Royal Dornoch takes links golf to a new level and has become one of The Worlds Top 10 Rated courses.

Dornoch is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is actually the most remote Championship Golf course in all of Scotland and the UK.  The course was under the radar for many years because of its remote location.  Surprisingly it has yet to host a Major event but the emergence of the nearby Castle Stuart Championship Course has helped put Dornoch and the Highlands of Scotland firmly on the map as a world-class golf destination.

Your visual Golf experience starts as you take the walk from the second Green to the third Tee.  All of a sudden the entire course spectacularly opens up and the course layout and coastline come into view.  It’s no surprise that The 2021 Golf Magazines Top 100 has it listed at number 10 in the world.  To give you some perspective Augusta National which hosts the Masters is Listed at Number 9!.

The course itself is ancient, despite being founded in 1877 golf has played on these links for hundreds of years.  Dornoch is steeped in golf history. Donald Ross one of the world’s most acclaimed Designers was born in Dornoch and grew up playing the course. Later he became the ‘keeper of the Greens’ and the first-ever Professional Golfer.

In keeping with early golf course architecture, the routing of Dornoch is an out-and-back design exactly as The Old Course. The attention to detail, that makes Dornoch such a wonderful experience,  is around you everywhere.  There are just so many different small things that elevate Royal Dornoch and its playability.

The course always seems to be in perfect condition.  The greens are fast and pure, and the bunkering and the green complexes are standout features.  Your best Course Management is required to Score well.  Many of the greens are elevated and missing the green by just a few feet can be disastrous as your ball finds a run off area amd funnels down and away into the hollows.

The Yardage book is essential reading.  If you follow the advice and give thought to some of the searching questions posed you will have an immersive golf experience.  Dornoch is not a course to obsess about your score or the match you are playing.  Take your right of passage as Donald Ross, Old Tom Morris, and all Golfers have done.  Dornoch for some is a spiritual experience as they reflect on those who have gone before them anbd walked these fairways.  If there was ever there was a course to immerse yourself in Scottyish Golf, its history, and traditions, you’ve come to the right place.

If you are on the fence about the long drive my advice is to make this trip, you won’t regret it. Before you go leave your home club Ballmarker in the Dornoch Shrine as  homage to all the golfers who have gone before you.

WHY PLAY?

KILSPINDIE GOLF CLUB

£85

SUMMARY

Kilspindie Golf Club is a charming links golf course located on Scotland’s Golf Coast close to the elite courses of Muirfield, Gullane, and Renaissance Club.  From its very beginnings Kilspindie, as a golf club, built a reputation as a warm and welcoming Club.  To this day a warm welcome is extended to all golfers.

The course is also very popular with the growing society of Hickory Golfers and is a host course for the Scottish Hickory Golf Tour.  Few changes have been made to Kilspindie links in over a century, so golfers – irrespective of their standard of play – can continue to enjoy the same challenges as have so many in the past. The course is a magnet for hickory-shafted enthusiasts, and the Club can even arrange to hire you a set should you care to try it.

Kilspindie is a Hidden Gem that is simply a joy to play.  Although the course plays to just 5500 yards, from the Medal Tees, this Hidden Gem is likely to be one of your favourite golf experiences in all of Scotland.   You will need to be accurate and avoid its well-placed bunkers, perfect green complexes whilst you enjoy some spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and coast. There’s also the opportunity to experience a variety of birds, plants, and Marine Mammals such as Seals which are courtesy of the nearby nature reserve which is a breeding ground and resting place for many birds and wildlife.

Kilspindie has a wonderful variety of Par 3s. The 1st Hole – The Point is a 158 Yard hole with the green located directly in front of the Bay, The 8th Hole – Gosford Bay is 167 yards played over the Shoreline to a green protected by bunkers.  The 10th Hole – The Pond is a 152 Yard Hole played downhill towards the nature reserve and a protected green.  The 13th Hole – The Kirk is the final and Longest Par 3 at 182 Yards.  The green is framed by the ruins of a Dry Stane Dyke Wall, protected by Pot Bunkers,  and out of bounds to the right!. These wonderful par 3s together with their combination of long Par 4s, short drivable par 4s, and just one par 5 creates a unique fun golf experience that may remind you of why you fell in love with golf.

Although the par is 69, the Standard Scratch Score is 66 so that lets you know you should not be in for too torrid a time when playing here.  If the weather is not to harsh you can expect to experience a charming, old-fashioned, traditional Scottish links course.  Kilspindie is only one of the many golfing pearls in Scotland’s Golf Coast with courses strung out along the southern shores of the Firth of Forth.

The East Coast of Scotland and Fife is known as The Home of Golf.  In the mid-1500s, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots played on the Links at St Andrew’s and kept a vacation cottage there, often doing her own shopping and cooking. An avid golfer who has been referred to as the “Mother of Golf,” the athletic Queen helped popularize the game. Unfortunately, her hobby was a factor in her demise. The daughter of the Scottish King James V, Stuart made a bold statement by playing a round of golf a few days after the murder of her estranged husband,

King James V was a frequent visitor to Aberlady in the early 16th century when he came for “the archery and golfing” though his attention for the ladies of nearby Gosford was also known to be another reason for his presence in the area! The former course at Aberlady was a short, 5-hole layout known as the Wanster course and it was built on holes seven to eleven of the present 18-hole layout. The club moved here four years after the breakup of Luffness Golf Club in 1894, when some members broke away to form.

WHY PLAY?

PRESTWICK LINKS

£200

SUMMARY

If you are interested in the history of golf then Prestwick Golf Club, the birthplace of The Open Championship in 1860, is a must-play.  Prestwick, located on the West Coast of Scotland in Ayrshire is one of the world’s oldest golf clubs. The club is steeped in the history of golf.  Renowned Father of Golf and acclaimed course designer Old Tom Morris, then just 30 years old, was appointed from St. Andrews to be the first ‘Keeper of the Green’, as well as Ball and Club Maker. The club purchased two cottages opposite the Red Lion Inn, one to be the clubhouse and the other to accommodate Tom Morris and his family.  Both buildings still exist to this day but have been reconstructed.

Old Tom Morris laid out the original Prestwick course, the first of many that he was to do. A stone cairn, to the west of the Clubhouse, marks the first tee of that 12-hole course. The old first hole measured 578 yards 1 foot and 9 inches and stretched to what is now the 16th green. In 1870, Young Tom Morris holed out in 3 on his way to his third successive Open victory. This was in the days before par or bogey ratings, but on the assumed basis that it would have been given a bogey 6, then this could be considered the first known ‘albatross’.

Willie Park won the inaugural Open in 1860, staged on just 12 holes. The club has since been expanded to 18 holes and championship yardage. Be sure to stop into the clubhouse after your round to examine the many historical artifacts preserved here over the club’s incredible history.

Prestwick has many defenses and audacious features that can frustrate first-time visitors.  Expect the unexpected as you encounter many blind shots, heavy gorse, and the evil 17th hole with the enormous “Sahara” bunker.

The Open Championship has been contested at Prestwick 24 times, second only to The Old Course at St. Andrews, but hasn’t hosted the event since 1925. The list of Open Champions at Prestwick is incredibly impressive and includes most of golf’s great players from that time, including Old Tom Morris (four-time Open Champion at Prestwick), his son Young Tom (four times), Willie Park Sr. (four times), Harry Vardon (three times) and James Braid (once).

While the course would likely still be a challenge for the world’s best, the land upon which the course lies and the surrounding infrastructure simply isn’t large enough to host an event of that magnitude any longer. Prestwick continues to regularly host major amateur championships, including the British Amateur, which has been played 11 times at the club, most recently in 2001.

Prestwick lies just off the Ayrshire coast and shares its northern boundary with Royal Troon GC.

WHY PLAY?

CARNOUSTIE LINKS

£270

COURSE SUMMARY

WHY PLAY?

MACHRIHANISH OLD

£80

SUMMARY

Machrihanish Golf Club is an authentic Scottish golf links located on a remote Peninsula off the West Coast of Scotland.  The area known as The Mull of Kintyre, was made famous by Paul McCartney who had a number 1 hit record in 1977.

The course is famous for its wonderful opening hole, designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, which requires an opening tee shot over the Atlantic Ocean to the first fairway.  You will need to decide how much risk to take and decide your line. Many golfers who underestimate the wind start their round with the unforgettable experience of playing their 2nd shot from the beach!.  Machrihanish has self-proclaimed this hole as ‘the best opening hole in world golf’. At 436 yards, it is a scary and intimidating start more so when the wind is gusting.  If you enjoy links golf Machrihanish will be right up your street. Weather permitting you can expect a fabulous day and experience.

Machrihanish, which was originally named The Kintyre, opened in 1876  with 10 holes.  The name was changed to Machrihanish and the course was quickly expanded to 12 holes using some land on the north side of the burn.  In 1879 Old Tom Morris created the Masterpiece that is the opening hole and also redesigned and extended the course to 18 holes using some newly acquired land on the other side of the burn.  To mark the occasion, a prize match was held between Old Tom Morris, Jim Morris (Champion Golfer in 1876) and Bob Martin

The golf at Machrihanish is outstanding as are the magnificent views across to the islands of Arran, Jura and Islay.  The greens are believed to be Old Tom Morris’s best set of greens in Scotland.  The fairways are always immaculate and the front nine is widely considered to be amongst the best in Scotland.

This Hidden Gem is a lot of fun to play with its blind shots into greens, holes that are sunk into valleys.  You should expect to use every club in your bag and all of your creativity as you navigate the heavy rough, sand dunes, contours of the land to get your ball on the green. The classic links holes are the fifth, which is another par 4 with its fairway like an elephant’s graveyard, the 10th, a clever dogleg par 5, and the par-3 15th, a one-shotter with real difficulty if the elusive green is missed from the tee.

If you are taking the long journey to the Mull of Kintyre you should also play David McLay Kidds Machrihanish Dunes next door.

WHY PLAY?

ST ANDREWS – JUBILEE

£85

SUMMARY

The Jubilee Course opened in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victorias Diamond Jubilee.  Originally a 12 hole course for Ladies and beginners to work on their skills.  The links is now is considered by golfers to be the most challenging of the 7 St Andrews Links Courses.

The Jubilee is the closest course to the sea.  It occupies a very narrow piece of land between the New Course and the coastline.   As a result, the fairways are very narrow and the close proximity to the sea makes the weather and conditions very changeable

In 1905 the rising demand for golf resulted in the course being expanded to 18 holes. in 1938 by Champion Golfer Willie Auchterlonie made further improvements to the course such as elevated tee decks.

In 1988 The R & A decided that the Jubilee would be modernised and brought up to a Championship standard. That prestigious project was given to distinguished amateur golfer David Steele now known as ‘The Open Doctor’.  Steele gave the course some real tough characteristics.  He did this by narrowing many fairways, introducing out of bounds boundaries and Deep (Hell) Bunkers on many of the holes.  His masterstroke was the further narrowing of the fairways.  This resulted in a very narrow first cut of rough immediately followed by thick wild rough and Gorse.  These changes made the course the challenging Championship Course that it is today.

The Jubilee will be an unforgettable challenge and experience for all golfers.  Expect tough greens and remember to stay well away from the gorse and deep Rough.  If the wind is blowing you really need to hit the ball straight and keep your wits about you until your safely back in the majestic clubhouse.

WHERE IS THIS

ELIE – THE GOLF CLUB HOUSE

£128

SUMMARY

Golf at The Golf Club House in Elie was first played by villagers in 1589 after a royal decree was issued allowing locals to play on the hallowed turf.  The course enjoys a magnificent coastal setting and It is one of the oldest and must play courses anywhere in Scotland.  If you are planning a Pilgrimage to The Home of Golf or are just interested in golf history.  Look no further. James Braid, 5 times Open Champion and renowned links golf course designer was born right here and the Legendary Old Tom Morris turned Elie into an 18 Hole course.

Elie is an exciting and challenging links golf course located in a corner pocket of land on the Fife coast. You will experience wind, weather changes, and spectacular scenery.  There are many unforgettable holes which follow the beautiful coastline.  On a good day you will be able to see over The Firth of Forth water to the East Coast of Scotland and Muirfield where the first 13 rules of golf were written in 1744.

The course at Elie is quirky.  There’s no par 5s, only 2 x par 3s, and lots of very strong 400-yard par 4 holes.  The course is certain to quickly capture your imagination as you encounter holes that run in all directions. Expect a fun round where you will need to be incredibly creative and take some risks just to play to your handicap!. If you are used to golfing in perfect weather in other parts of the world. Waterproofs would be a sound investment.  Whilst in Scotland you might want to keep your waterproofs permanently in your golf bag until you are safely back at the airport.

Located in the gorgeous East Neuk of Fife – Elie is within easy reach of Edinburgh and just 20 minutes from St Andrews. The course is open all year round, offering up its charms to visitors whether they come in the height of summer or the depth of winter.

Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE once said: “If you love links golf, you will love Elie. Close-cut running fairways with their firm, fast, true greens. A memorable and enjoyable test for golfers of every ability.”

WHY PLAY?

LUNDIN LINKS

£100

SUMMARY

Lundin Golf Club is an authentic Scottish links golf course carved into a wonderful piece of land overlooking the Firth of Forth.  Recognised for some of the truest greens in Scotland.  This challenging ‘British Open Final Qualifier’ course is often overlooked by golfers because of the sheer number of world-class links golf courses located in Fife.  St Andrews the mecca of Golf,  with its 7 fine courses is just 10 miles away and Kingsbarns and the new Dumbarnie Links are also right on its doorstep.

Laid out East to West.  Some of the holes you see today were originally the work of Old Tom Morris in the mid-1800s.  The course was redesigned by renowned designer James Braid in 1908 after an amalgamation of the original 9 holes and 9 more holes on the ground that formerly occupied by the Lundin Ladies Golf Club to the North of the railway line.

The new Lundin Links challenges golfers with its complex array of challenges such as blind drives, elevated greens, open burns, internal and external out of bounds, and too many strategically placed bunkers (many Deep) to count.  Also expect incredible views especially holes 1-5, narrow fairways, strong winds that blow in from the Firth of Forth estuary, and the changing Scottish weather!.  Lundin is a lovely hidden gem and should be a serious contender for your playlist.

WHERE IS THIS

KINGSBARNS GOLF COURSE

£268

NOW ON THE TEE SUMMARY

Kingsbarns reopened as a Golf Course for the third time in 2000. Recognised by golfers as one of the most scenic and challenging links golf courses in Scotland. Expect to experience a lot of elevation changes and be enthralled by the spectacular scenery. Kingsbarns is a new jewel that shines bright in the Scottish golf scene. After your round be sure to spend some time at the beautiful clubhouse.

From the moment you arrive at Kingsbarns Golf Course, you will sense that you’re in for something special during and after your round.  If you like whisky then you will have already driven past and planned a post-round visit to Kingsbarns Distillery.  Kingsbarns staff are friendly, the practice facilities are top class and the Pro shop is well stocked.  There’s just enough time to buy a few authentic Scottish golf collectibles to take back to the friends you left behind!

The course routing is ingenious, crescent-shaped as it follows the Fife coast.  There are holes with separate levels providing sea views from every fairway.

Golf has been played in and around Kingsbarns since 1793. The original Kingsbarns Golfing Society was established in 1815 and its members played on the original 9-hole Kingsbarns course until it closed in 1850

The course was re-established in 1922 and the golfing society was reformed as Kingsbarns Golf Club which remains in existence today. Course Designer Willie Auchterlonie laid out the course in 1922 which closed again at the onset of the Second World War. Land mines were buried on the course site as part of the national security defence effort and the ground reverted to rough pasture.

Construction of the current Kingsbarns Golf Links began in November 1997 under the direction of architect Kyle Phillips and the course opened in July 2000. The course has no membership and welcomes visitors.

COURSE SUMMARY

ST ANDREWS LINKS – CASTLE

£90

SUMMARY

Also known as course No. 7 of the famed St. Andrews Link Trust, the Castle course adds to the brilliance of possibly the world’s best collection of links golf courses. Opening in the summer of 2008, the Castle course was designed by David McLay Kidd, the designer of the heralded Bandon Dunes course in Oregon in the U.S.

The Castle course follows the coastline east of St. Andrews and is just two miles from the center of town. Kidd has worked wonders with the already brilliant landscape, making the Castle course a perfect fit to the Trust’s other six golf courses, with outstanding scenery and a challenging level of play.

Playing to more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, the Castle course has golfers around the globe excited to try out the newest golf course in one of golf’s premier vacation destinations. Following the coastline east of St Andrews, The Castle Course is two miles from the town center. Work on the ground began early in 2005.

WHY PLAY?

CRAIL – BALCOMIE LINKS

£90

COURSE SUMARY

Balcomie Links, founded in 1786, is the seventh oldest golf club in the world. This hidden gem is located on the Fife coast just 8 miles from St Andrews. Designed by The legendary Old Tom Morris you should expect stunning views, fantastic use of the rocky terrain and many wonderful holes. The traditional links features some fantastic risk-reward holes such as ‘Hell Hole’ where you drive out over the Sea and sandy beach to a tight fairway. Its called Hell Hole for a good reason. If the wind blows a perfect drive is required to find any semblance of safety. Anything else is likely to result in disaster or walk of shame to the beach!. You can bail out left but need to avoid the huge strategically placed bunker.

The course is fun to play and has many wonderful features.  Many of the holes are framed by the Rocky terrain and there are a few Clifftop greens where you only see the very tip of the flag to navigate. There’s also a lovely wee barn on the first hole that plays from a clifftop to a wide fairway below. Stay left to avoid some knee-high fescue and prepare to hit a great pitch over a bunker to a blind green and avoid the surrounding burn at the same time. Playing this hole in the strong wind will remind you to never again hit a 60-degree wedge into the Scottish wind.

The par 3s are long and you need to carefully plan your approach. After the round, there’s a lovely Cliff Top Clubhouse that looks out over the 18th Hole. You’ll see some wonderful antiques that go back to 1786 and artifacts in the huge display cabinet. The Clubhouse is very friendly, not pretentious and perfect for refreshment and perhaps some wonderful Scottish Fish and Chips after your round.