Golf Vacations to St Andrews
Visit the spiritual home of golf
A pilgrimage to play golf at St Andrews is one every devout golfer should take at least once in their lifetime. Located on the dramatic Fife peninsula on Scotland’s east coast, St Andrews is the spiritual home of golf.
Famous for the Old Course’s iconic Swilken Bridge, Road Hole, Hell Bunker, and Valley of Sin – alongside some of golf’s greatest moments.
The beautiful town of St Andrews is the ideal setting for a Scottish golf vacation. Alongside the wonderful bars, restaurants, and endless character, the town is also surrounded by a series of famous and internationally renowned clubs. St Andrews golf courses in Scotland include Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie Links, and Open Championship venue Carnoustie, as well as St Andrews Links’ other spectacular courses, including the New Course and Jubilee Course.
How to get a Tee Time on the Old Course
Our Expert Guide
Despite being the busiest course on the planet, and demand being greater than ever, we can advise you on the best way to experience the home of golf, and recommend other highlights in Scotland.
Recommended St Andrews Golf Tour
Key Features
Nothing compares to the iconic setting of St Andrews, the entire town is built for golf, with so much to explore in this quiet corner of Scotland, you’ll find yourself wanting to return here time after time.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Drive/Transfer from either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport, check in at Old Course Hotel, St Andrews, and explore the iconic town.
Dine at the Bistro Du Vin, and enjoy their excellent wine list and steaks, including their exceptional chateaubriand.
Day 2
Drive/Transfer to Golf at Carnoustie, labeled ‘golf’s greatest test’. After golf, unwind with a visit to the R&A World Golf Museum, and discover how golf has been played in St Andrews since the 1500’s.
Day 3
Drive/Transfer to Golf at Kingsbarns, a relatively new course in the context of St Andrews, but undoubtedly a modern-day great. In fact, during our recent visit to the 150th Open Championship, special guest John Daly claimed it was his favorite course in Scotland.
Return to St Andrews for a drink at Rusacks famous rooftop restaurant and bar.
Day 4
Drive/Transfer to Golf at Dumbarnie Links, another iconic venue on the Fife coast, with 1.5 miles of coastline and endless views over the Firth of Forth.
Enjoy Dinner at Little Italy, be sure to ask about ‘Mr Barolo’, the local nickname of our very own Scottish golfing expert, and wine connoisseur, Euan Findlay.
Day 5
Play the New Course, Jubilee or Castle course at St Andrews Links. Each of these layouts provides a feeling of tradition and history as they run parallel to the Old Course.
On return to the town, refresh with an Ice Cream from the world-famous Jannettas Gelateria, it won’t be your only visit!
Day 6
Drive/Transfer to Golf at Balcomie Links, lesser known but just as historic and impressive as its more famous neighbors, this links is filled with unique features; natural hollows, stone walls, and bunker faces clad in old railway sleepers.
On return to St Andrews, dine at the award-winning Haar Restaurant, fine dining utilizing the best in Scottish ingredients.
Day 7
Those lucky enough to have a reserved tee time* will play the Old Course, alternatively our local team will ensure your group is entered into the ballot daily*. Explore St Andrews links, take a photograph on the Swilken Bridge and pick your line over the Old Course Hotel, on the iconic Road Hole.
Finish your day at the greatest 19th hole in golf, the modest Jigger Inn to reminisce about your trip.
*Our team will enter you into the ballot for every day of your trip, if successful your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
Day 8
Transfer to airport, or additional golfing region for an extended itinerary.
Tour Summary
7 nights accommodation based on twin/double share, including daily breakfast
6 rounds of golf
On Site assistance of a Premier Golf Representative
All taxes and fees included
Pricing
5* package from $7,102
4* package from $6,735
Based on travel in mid-season (Spring & Fall), group of 4 golfers sharing twin/double, including Airport, Hotel & Golf Transfers.
To follow dinner with a few cocktails, I would recommend the 18 at Rusacks which overlooks the St Andrew Links. And we all know dessert is a must. The best homemade gelato is at Jannettas Gelateria which has been serving the best sweets since 1908.”
Best accommodation for golf at St Andrews
Ann Mabry, Managing Director
St Andrews has several amazing accommodations but one of my favorites has to be the Ruscaks St Andrews Hotel which overlooks the infamous Old Course. The 18 at Rusacks is found on the rooftop of the hotel as well as two other restaurants.
You also cannot beat the views or location at the Rufflets Hotel. Everywhere you look is breathtaking and it truly feels like you are in your own little village, including a 5-minute stroll to the coast.
St Andrews Golf Courses
The Old Course
The iconic Old Course at St Andrews is the most famous and alluring for golfers worldwide, hosting 30 Open Championships. Highlights include the road hole, Swilcan Bridge, and the Valley of Sin.
New Course
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the ‘New’ Course offers a challenging layout with undulating fairways and narrow tee shots. Despite its name, it complements the Old Course with a more demanding play.
Jubilee Course
Opened in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the Jubilee Course is the most challenging at St Andrews. Its coastal holes and prevailing winds offer stunning views and a rigorous golfing test.
Castle Course
The Castle Course, opened in 2008, offers stunning cliffside views south of St Andrews. Its elevated position provides a unique contrast to the traditional links courses, creating a memorable golfing experience.
Eden Course
Designed by Harry Colt, the Eden Course opened in 1914. Known for its natural boundaries and severe bunkering, it offers a forgiving and enjoyable experience for mid to high handicappers.
Strathtyrum Course
Opened in 1993, the Strathtyrum Course is perfect for new players and high handicappers, yet still challenging for all. Its shorter length makes it an excellent introductory round in St Andrews.
Balgove Course
A 9-hole, par 30 course ideal for beginners, families, and sharpening short game skills. With no bunkers and minimal water hazards, it offers a fun and accessible round.
“I could take out of my life everything except my experiences at St Andrews and I would still have a rich, full life.”
Bobby Jones
Iconic golf courses near St Andrews
With an 18 month waiting list for reserved tee times at the Old Course, those looking to book a St Andrews golf vacation may want to consider playing on some of Scotland’s other iconic courses, when visiting the famous town.
Due to the Old Course being built on common land with public access, anyone has the opportunity to take a walk on the famous greens without a tee time. Why not play other great courses on Scotland’s east coast, and still enjoy the atmosphere and history of the Old Course?
Kingsbarns Links
Highly regarded in the Scottish golfing community, Kingsbarns Golf Links offers uninterrupted views of the rugged coastline from almost all points of the course. Although it is a newer course, what it lacks in history it makes up for in great playing conditions and an impeccable layout. It is rated among the top 50 golf courses in the world and has excellent facilities.
Carnoustie
Carnoustie is another of Scotland’s golf courses that ranks among the world top 100. A huge coastal links course, it is considered the most difficult course in the United Kingdom and among the most formidable in the world. Hazards include over 100 bunkers, rough, ditches, and out-of-bounds areas, on top of exposing wind from the North Sea that make it one of the most demanding and exciting courses to play. Carnoustie is the perfect place for those looking to test their game with a real challenge.
Dumbarnie Links
This 350 acre links course lies within the huge Balcarres estate and features a series of holes running along the coast, making for unique and dramatic views as you play. Dumbarnie boasts a modern design by Clive Clark who incorporated a variety of elevated tee positions into the course. Although occasionally overlooked, this course is consistently favored by those who visit.
Premier Golf can create your dream St Andrews golf package. With an office located in the town, we have a local team on hand to facilitate your trip. Their local knowledge and good relationships on the ground ensure your trip meets all of your requirements.
St Andrews golf packages are highly sought after, pre-booked tee times at the Old Course sold out through 2023. However there are a range of ways to get a tee time, or simply visit the hallowed ground as part of your trip.
What Makes St Andrews Special?
St Andrews is the birthplace of golf and home to the oldest golf course in the world, which itself boasts the sport’s most iconic landmark, the Swilken Bridge. Having already hosted the Open Championship a grand total of 29 times, and with the iconic 150th edition of the event won by Cameron Smith having taken place there in 2022, the club continues to make golfing history.
Although steeped in history, the course is not only favored for its historic significance, but it is also celebrated for its beautiful views and exhilarating playing conditions. There are a variety of acclaimed courses at St Andrews, with each one of them having its own personality and unique elements.
St Andrews Reviews
Amazing time
The 3 golf courses we played were a real highlight – we liked the experience of the different kinds of courses and must say, that Kingsbarns was amazing! What an experience!
My husband and son played Carnoustie on Sunday as well and liked it a lot – they had a day of sunshine out there.
Incredible trip
Just a quick note on how much we enjoyed our trip. The hotels, golf, restaurants and transportation were all terrific (especially getting on the Old Course!!!). Also, who ever had the connection upstairs on the weather…a big thank you!
Loved every minute
Thank you for my “BUCKET LIST” trip to Scotland.
The Premier Golf staff exceeded my expectations in every way possible. The courses were impeccable. The accommodations were first class
Every moment of the trip we felt catered too and treated most kindly. It was 72 and sunny when we tee’ed off on the
“Old Course” *Goosebumps*
My most sincere thanks for the trip of a lifetime!
Excellent time
Wow, what a great trip. It’s taken a few days for me to finally settle down and I have to say the trip to Scotland was fantastic. I am assuming you must have sent a memo to the weather gods because the weather turned out to be great. The hotels were excellent, especially in St. Andrews. Heidi’s recommendation of 18 Rusacks was absolutely on point!
The most amazing part was how Euan kept us on point. I swear he must have a twin brother because he was present at every single outing even when our groups were split. What a great person.
Kingsbarns!
Also, the golf were all magnificent. Kingsbarns is my second favorite golf course I have played to The Augusta National. The craziest thing is that the Kittocks resort course turned out to be the most difficult. Breathtaking views of the North Sea on the courses we played. One word comes to mind ” WOW”. I look forward to going back to Scotland in the next few years and I will only use Premier Golf.
Book a Golf Vacation to St Andrews with Premier Golf
With decades of experience planning and organizing golf vacations around the world, Premier Golf can help to plan your luxury Scotland golf vacation. We can tailor every element of your trip to your exact needs, and include any courses or hotels to suit your taste, while also recommending lesser-known gems. A St Andrews golf trip is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and our representatives will guarantee every element of your trip goes smoothly from arrival to departure.
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St Andrews FAQs
There are 10 golf courses in St Andrews. They form the St Andrews Links Trust. Most famous of these is the Old Course, which is considered to be the birthplace of golf. The other courses at St Andrews are the New Course, the Jubilee Course, the Castle Course, the Eden Course, the Strathtyrum Course, the Balgove Course, the Old Course Hotel Course, and the St Andrews Links Academy Course.
Handicap certificates are required at St Andrews on some courses, but not all. The Old Course requires a handicap certificate, but the other courses do not.
Green Fee rates vary throughout the year but will be included in all Premier Golf packages.
Yes, they are public courses. Anyone can play golf at St Andrews, however Old Course tee times are limited and popular. We recommend entering the Ballot to gain a tee time.
Green Fee rates vary throughout the year but will be included in all Premier Golf packages.
There are 4 courses at St Andrews Links, The Old Course, the New Course, the Jubilee and the Castle Course. The Old Course is the most popular course at St Andrews and one of the most famous in the World. It is considered the birthplace of golf and has hosted The Open Championship 29 times.
The Balgove is considered to be the easiest course at St Andrews.
The Old Course is the most popular course at St Andrews and is regarded as one of the most famous in the World.
It is not required but for the whole experience on The Old Course it is recommended, especially for first time players. Caddie’s can provide advice on club selection, course strategy, and help you find your ball in the rough.
Yes, we recommend combining with Edinburgh & East Lothian or Ayrshire. These areas are home to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
We recommend April through September. This is when the weather is usually mild and the courses are in good condition.
All Premier Golf Packages are customizable, so you can choose the courses you want to play and the length of your stay. We recommend playing the Old Course, Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie and Carnoustie.