St Andrews Links, Craigtoun Course
A guide to the Craigtoun Course and facilities
Key information:
– Designed by Peter Thomson, 5 times Open Champion of the 1950s & 1960s
– Tournaments host to Scottish Matchplay, the Scottish Strokeplay, The European Amateur Championships, and the Scottish Men’s Amateur Open in 2019
– Formerly known as The Duke’s, the course was rebranded and became the eighth course in the St Andrews Links golf portfolio in January 2026.
The Craigtoun Course, originally designed by five-times Open champion Peter Thomson, has always been a test but since its extensive re-modelling – including a more demanding finishing stretch and some bunkers – it has become even more of a challenge.
Revised and renovated by Tim Liddy in 2006 with five completely new holes, 10 re-vamped and stretched by 350 yards to more than 7,500 yards off the back tees.
Set above St Andrews at Craigtoun Park, there are panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea.
Now with five separate tee positions at every hole, it has the flexibility to appeal to golfers at every level.
An immediately recognisable and distinctive feature is the rough that has been allowed to grow around the tops of the bunkers lending a more natural look to the course and blending more sympathetically with the colour from the gorse, whin, bracken and trees.
Course Statistics:
| Length (m) | Course Rating M/W | Slope RatingM/W | |
|---|---|---|---|
| black | 7512 | 77.1/- | 142/- |
| blue | 7002 | 74.8/- | 137/- |
| white | 6550 | 72.7/- | 134/- |
| green | 6027 | 70.1/75.9 | 133/134 |
| gold | 5216 | 66.5/71.2 | 121/125 |
How does The Craigtoun compare to the Old Course and other courses?
Compare the difficulty of The Craigtoun and 30 courses in the area and see what you might expect to score.
Location Information:
The Craigtoun Course, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8NS
For a precise location see: what3words
Good to know:
- Golf Carts (includes GPS) available
- PowaKaddy & Push Trollies
- Practice Facilities include – Driving Range, Short Game area, Putting Green & Par 3 loop
- Clubhouse includes Proshop, Bar & Restaurant, Locker rooms and terrace overlooking St Andrews
- Golf Academy with Tuition available all year round
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