Best Courses in St Andrews: The Old Course & Hidden Gems Beyond

Arriving in St Andrews for the first time, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in years of playing golf around the world. There is a deep, almost reverent connection to the game’s roots. Standing on the cobbled path leading to the Swilcan Bridge, imagining the ghosts of legends who walked before me, I finally understood why St Andrews is known as the Home of Golf. The St Andrews golf courses themselves feel like hallowed ground.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing most of these links, and I can say without hesitation that choosing the best St Andrews golf courses isn’t just about difficulty or prestige, it’s about which ones speak to you as a player. Each course has its own rhythm, its own personality, and leaves you with a unique story to tell.

The Old Course

There are many golf courses around the town of St Andrews and across the Kingdom of Fife, however, the best known, most famous, and most alluring for golfers worldwide is the iconic Old Course. 

Teeing it up on the first at the Old Course is a surreal moment. It’s the widest fairway in golf, yet I was more nervous than I’d ever been on a first tee. Maybe it was the R&A clubhouse looming behind me or the weight of history in the turf. My advice? Don’t rush and savor every step.

My biggest lesson: trust the ground game. The Old Course is all about creativity, patience, and learning to use the contours. The Road Hole, the Valley of Sin, and Hell Bunker aren’t just course features; they are characters in the story of your round.

Course Details

Established: 1400s
Yards: 6721
Par: 72
Designers include: Daw Anderson, Old Tom Morris

However, many golfers aren’t aware, there are 6 other golf courses under the care of the St Andrews Links Trust:

New Course

They call it the “New” Course, but that name’s always felt a little misleading – it opened in 1895. By any measure, that’s ancient. But I’ll tell you this: if you’re coming to St Andrews, don’t make the mistake of treating the New Course like an afterthought. This is my go-to for a second round on any St Andrews itinerary. If the Old Course didn’t exist, I’m convinced the New would be world-famous.

It’s tighter off the tee than the Old, with more severe undulations in the fairways and greens, and a little less forgiveness if you stray offline. 

My personal favorites are holes 8 and 9. The 8th is a par 5 that tempts you into chasing birdie. I’ve had some of my best chances there, and it can lull you into thinking you’ve got the course figured out. But then the 9th, a long par 3 with out-of-bounds left, slaps you back to reality. That stretch sums up the New Course: it draws you in, dares you to attack, then makes you pay if you’re not precise.

Course Details

Established: 1895
Yards: 6625
Par: 71
Designers include: Old Tom Morris

Jubilee Course

Of all the St Andrews Links Trust courses, the Jubilee is probably the most underappreciated gem. Opened in 1897, it was originally intended as a ladies’ and beginners’ course—now, it’s the toughest of the lot.

This course plays right along the coast, and the wind here is no joke. I’ve played it in all sorts of conditions, and the stretch from holes 8 through 10 uses the natural dunes in ways that really test your creativity. My favorite hole is the 15th, even though I’ve never figured out how to play it properly. It’s a beautiful but brutal hole that reminds me just how humbling links golf can be.

The Jubilee is one I’d recommend for confident ball strikers who want to take on a real challenge. In terms of pure links character and difficulty, this one might top the list.

Course Details

Established: 1897
Yards: 6742
Par: 72
Designers include: John Angus, Donald Steel

Castle Course

My personal favorite of all the St Andrews courses, including the Old, is the Castle Course. It’s the newest addition to the family, opened in 2008, and set apart on cliffs just south of town. The elevated site offers jaw-dropping views back over St Andrews and the coastline – it’s dramatic, windswept, and totally unforgettable.

This course plays nothing like the rest of the Links Trust rota. The slopes are extreme, the greens are some of the most treacherous I’ve ever played, and the wind is almost always howling. But the condition is phenomenal, and the setting is world-class. It’s a humbling experience if your game’s off, but I absolutely love it.

Course Details

Established: 2008
Yards: 6759
Par: 71
Designers include: David McLay Kidd

Eden Course

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Eden Course is a fantastic option. Designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1914, it’s one of my favorite spots for a second round in a day. It’s more forgiving off the tee than some of the others, and the layout invites a bit more creativity.

Hole 7 is a standout for me. It has out of bounds left and trouble right, so it forces you to commit. The whole course has a way of getting you to think your way around, even though it’s more accessible than the likes of Jubilee or the New.

I’d recommend the Eden for mid- to high-handicappers, or anyone who wants a confidence boost after a bruising morning round.

Course Details

Established: 1914
Yards: 6250
Par: 70
Designers include: Harry Colt, Donald Steel

Strathtyrum Course

I haven’t personally played the Strathtyrum Course, so I can’t speak from experience. From what I’ve heard, however, it’s a solid choice for beginners or for those easing into their trip. At just over 5,600 yards, it’s one of the shorter options, but it’s not without bite. Narrower fairways and well-placed bunkers still ask the right questions.

It’s probably best used as a warm-up or wind-down round on your St Andrews rotation.

Course Details

Established: 1993
Yards: 5620
Par: 69
Designers include: Donald Steel

Balgove Course

The Balgove is a 9-hole, par-30 course. While it’s designed with beginners and families in mind, it’s a brilliant place to sharpen your short game. I’ve had some great fun here in the evenings, especially with friends or family who aren’t as serious about golf.

With holes ranging from 100 to 200 yards and no real hazards, it’s great for juniors, casual players, or even low handicappers working on wedges and scoring clubs.

Course Details

Established: 1993
Yards: 1520
Par: 30
Designers include: Donald Steel, Tom Mackenzie, Martin Ebert

Premier Golf is an approved provider for the St Andrews Links Trust. Inquire now to book your pilgrimage to the home of golf.

Other St Andrews Courses (Not Run By The Trust)

When exploring courses near St Andrews, don’t overlook these three excellent layouts not run by the Trust. They offer completely different challenges and some of the best views in the area.

The Dukes Course

The Duke’s Course offers a totally different experience from the St Andrews Links courses, as I discovered playing university matches here. Set inland with significant elevation changes, this is one of the longest in the region from the back tees. And trust me, you’ll want a buggy on this one.

The back nine in particular is a grind. My favorite hole is 13, a picturesque par 4 with stunning views back toward town. Keep it in play and it’s a treat; stray, and it’ll punish you quickly. The Duke’s is a serious course and worth playing if you want something different from links golf.

Course Details

Established: 1995
Yards: 6902
Par: 71
Designers include: Peter Thomson, Tim Liddy

The Kittocks Course

While the St Andrews links courses get most attention, the Kittocks Course at St Andrews, part of Fairmont St Andrews, is a challenging and scenic course designed by Bruce Devlin and opened in 2001.

I’ve only played it twice, but it left an impression. The 15th is a memorable par 4 with doglegs downhill, and you don’t see the green until your second shot. Too long a shot and you’re in trouble.

The 16th is a gorgeous par 3, almost always playing into the wind. Club selection becomes a bit of a gamble: up two or down two depending on the gusts. Water and trouble line several holes, especially early on. With elevation changes and strong breezes, it’s another one where a buggy makes sense.

Course Details

Established: 2001
Yards: 7192 – although there are four different tees to choose from, starting at 5600 yards.
Par: 72
Designers include: Bruce Devlin

The Torrance Course

I’ve played the Torrance Course a few times now, and it always delivers. Designed by Sam Torrance, it sits atop the same cliffs as the Kittocks and offers equally spectacular views.

The 6th is a standout par 5 with trouble left and right, winding along the edge of the Fairmont.  It is a total risk-reward hole. Then 7 gives you a real birdie opportunity if you catch a strong drive, followed by the photogenic par-3 8th with the hotel as your backdrop.

This course is forgiving enough to enjoy but tough enough to test. The practice facilities are top-notch, and the clubhouse has one of the best restaurants with a view in town.

Course Details

Established: 2001
Yards: 7320
Par: 72
Designers include: Sam Torrance

When is the Best Time to Visit the Golf Courses at St Andrews, Scotland?

The Scottish climate is famously unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re in sideways rain. But that’s part of the charm. I recommend planning your trip from April to September which are the peak seasons for best conditions and full access. 

You’re also likely to spot some local wildlife this time of year—seabirds, deer, even the occasional seal along the coast. It adds a wild, natural beauty to the round.

One evening in June on the New Course, I watched the sun set over the Old with mist rolling in off the sea – pure magic. Moments like that are why I keep coming back.

How to Plan a Trip to St Andrews

Premier Golf makes the logistics effortless. From guaranteed tee times to accommodations and local recommendations, they understand the nuance of planning a trip to the most famous golfing town in the world.

The nearest airport is Edinburgh, about 90 minutes away. Most visitors either rent a car or book a private transfer for the scenic drive to St Andrews.

Off the course, there’s plenty to enjoy: West Sands Beach, St Andrews Castle, and the town’s incredible golf history. It’s worth setting aside time just to explore.

St Andrews FAQs

Note: If you want to add any yardages or further course details, further information can be found at: https://standrews.com/golf/courses