Golf courses near St Andrews and the surrounding area
If you were to describe a circle with a radius of 50 miles and its centre at St Andrews, you would incorporate the finest selection of quality golf courses anywhere in the world.
Narrow it down to 25 miles and still there are more than two dozen of the finest courses imaginable on offer – including two Open venues and half a dozen Open qualifying courses. There are six golf courses in St Andrews alone – seven if you count The Castle Course, just outside.
From the cerebral genius of the Old Course at St Andrews to the brutal majesty of Carnoustie, this peerless area has famous links golf covered.
Discover the lesser known gems such as the Balcomie Links at Crail, where teeing off over the North Sea is a twice-enjoyed ‘treat’; or quirky Monifieth Links, which counts an historic railroad track as an out of bounds marker!
Perhaps the intricate Elie course could become a favourite – certainly the WWI periscope in the starter’s hut (used to check whether the fairway is clear) and the ubiquitous seals on the beach will be remembered.
But to play golf on the famed links golf courses in St Andrews is an ambition of golfers the world over. Other modern classics such as Kyle Phillips’s Kingsbarns and David McLay Kidd’s St Andrews Castle Course represent a contemporary take on the links classic; both golf courses are within 15 minutes of St Andrews and add true, modern classics to St Andrews’ golfing canon.
Such seaside experiences are the traditional fayre of Scottish Golf but the tight, tree-lined fairways of Ladybank or the majestic Kings Course of Gleneagles, offer a variety that is unmatched. Indeed the inland, five-star complex at Gleneagles – venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup – another reason to consider St Andrews as your personal hub for the finest golf course experience in the world.
Whatever your taste in course architecture, whatever your style of play, the golf courses near St Andrews and the surrounding area are able to deliver.
You can browse these golf courses by how near they are to St Andrews, allowing you to plan your tee time schedules and transfer times.
Last Minute Tee Times
A one-stop-shop to secure a last-minute tee time at the best courses in the St Andrews area
The best 25 Old Course alternatives including Major Championship and Open Qualifying venues and their tee time availability today, tomorrow and in 2 days time.
Click through to book directly with the course
Recommended reading:
I have analysed over 18,000 historical tee times to help you with your planning:
If securing a tee time before you make your trip is your top priority then read my in depth report – with a bonus 5th option and updated for the effects of the covid-19 pandemic.
I will guide you through when to travel – the best months, weeks, days and how long to stay.
I can show you success rates based on time of year, size of group and offer you a series insider tips.
I have put together some of the most popular golf itineraries – the possibilities in an area so densely populated with quality courses are infinite.
Are you a single golfer? Don’t be put off, take a look at my detailed guide to Playing the Old Course as a Single Golfer
Beyond St Andrews
There is a wealth of Scottish golf courses beyond the St Andrews area. Some, like Cruden Bay make a terrific day trip from St Andrews, others are an overnight stay or golf trip in their own right.
Scotland and St Andrews isn’t just for those with a low handicap. Not convinced? Take a look at these guides for those who are high handicappers, beginners or juniors.
And if you have never played on a links course then you might find this guide – Insights into playing Scottish links golf – a different game a useful read.
Need help Planning your Golf Trip?
If you want to plan your next golf vacation to Scotland and and would like my help and advice just fill in the enquiry form and let me put your itinerary together, along with your accommodation and transportation; leaving you to relax and look forward to the golf break of a lifetime.