Golf courses in 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.
Add to these household names 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 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, the golf courses in St Andrews and the surrounding area are able to deliver: 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.
Planning your next golf vacation to Scotland? now for some of the most popular itineraries and to request my assistance.
St Andrews Old Course Ballot – How to boost your chances of success
Playing the Old Course as a Single Golfer – Your chances of play
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.
I have put together some sample golf trips to give you an idea of how you may like to vacation.
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.
Get the most out of playing these superb Scottish links courses: Insights into playing Scottish links golf – a different game
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.