The Old Course
The birthplace of golf, over 600 years old — playing here is the ultimate bucket list experience.
The Honest Take
🪣 #2 on my bucket listThe Home of Golf — you almost have to play the Old Course once in your life, ballot luck permitting, just to stand on the Swilcan Bridge. Beyond it the town is wall-to-wall links (New, Jubilee, Castle, plus Kingsbarns and Carnoustie nearby). Haven't been yet; it's #2 on my list, right behind Northern Ireland. Played it? Tell me it lived up to the hype — I'm betting it does.
Best time to visit: May – September
Featured Courses
Luxury $$$
Kingsbarns Golf Links
World-class modern links overlooking the North Sea — consistently ranked among the best courses in Scotland.
Carnoustie Golf Links
Legendary Championship course — host of multiple Opens and widely considered the toughest links test in Scotland.
Mid-range $$
The New Course
Classic 1895 layout — the "New" course offers a full links experience at a fraction of Old Course prices.
The Jubilee Course
The toughest of the St. Andrews Links courses — long, demanding, and surprisingly underrated.
Castle Course
Clifftop course above St. Andrews bay with stunning panoramic views — Hamilton's modern addition to the Links portfolio.
Crail Golfing Society — Balcomie Links
One of the oldest clubs in the world (1786) — charming clifftop links with genuine history and spectacular coastal views.
Lundin Golf Club
Classic East Neuk links near the Firth of Forth — a beloved local gem open to visitors and well worth the short drive.
Crail Golfing Society — Craighead Links
The newer of the two Crail courses — a Gil Hanse design perched on the cliffs above the North Sea with dramatic coastal views and a modern links challenge.
Budget $
The Eden Course
Compact and welcoming layout ideal for warming up or winding down — excellent value on St. Andrews Links.
The Strathtyrum Course
Most accessible of the Links courses — perfect for higher handicappers wanting the St. Andrews experience.
The Craigtoun Course
A newer addition to the St Andrews Links collection — a relaxed, shorter layout perfect for a casual round or warming up before tackling the championship courses.
Scotscraig Golf Club
Ancient club (1817) with a challenging heathland layout on the Tay estuary — an authentic and affordable day out.
Plan Your Days
Pick any two locations to see drive time, route, and traffic. Includes the nearest airport so you can plan fly-in / fly-out rounds.
Pick two different courses to see the route.
Things to Do
- St. Andrews medieval town and cathedral ruins
- Whisky distillery tours
- East Neuk fishing villages
- Castle exploration along the Fife Coastal Path
- Traditional pub culture
Off the Course
Where golfers actually eat, drink, and hang after the round — the dive bar, the post-round brewery, the coffee spot before an early tee time. Submitted by people who've been, not the food-critic picks.
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Videos
Typical Weather
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Where to Stay & Get Around
What's Happening While You're There?
Concerts, games, festivals — see what's on during your trip.
Community Reviews
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