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Plan Your Trip

St Andrews and Fife Golf

  • Par 72, yardage 6,609. The Old Course of St. Andrews Links is without a doubt the most famous golf course in the world and the one course above all others that every golfer dreams of playing. It is the 'Home of Golf', the game having been played in this Fife town for over five centuries.  From the moment you stand on the tee in front of the R&A clubhouse, with St.Andrews locals and visitors spectating, until you putt out on the adjoining 18th green, golfers enjoy an experience unlike any other in golf.

    Contact a Golf Zoo Scotland Golf Vacation Specialist to review great stay & play package options that includes The Old Course of St. Andrews and you will also be a part of history!  

    Note: Tee times are limited at The Old Course and booking plans recomended to be made months in advance. The Old Course must be paired with a round on the New or Jubilee courses of the St. Andrews Links Club.  For advanced tee time bookings a foursome typically required.   

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 36 women.

    Par 72, yardage 6,609. The Old Course of St. Andrews Links is without a doubt the most famous golf course in the world and the one course above all others that every golfer dreams of playing. It is the 'Home of Golf', the game having been played in this Fife town for over five centuries.  From the moment you stand on the tee in front of the R&A clubhouse, with St.Andrews locals and visitors spectating, until you putt out on the adjoining 18th green, golfers enjoy an experience unlike any other in golf.

    Contact a Golf Zoo Scotland Golf Vacation Specialist to review great stay & play package options that includes The Old Course of St. Andrews and you will also be a part of history!  

    Note: Tee times are limited at The Old Course and booking plans recomended to be made months in advance. The Old Course must be paired with a round on the New or Jubilee courses of the St. Andrews Links Club.  For advanced tee time bookings a foursome typically required.   

    Maximum handicap: 24 men, 36 women.

  • Par 72, yardage 6,941. Evidence of golf dates from 1527 with this quote by Robert Maule: "Exersisit the gouf, quhan (when) the wadsie (wager) was for drink". In 1867, Tom Morris extended the original 10-hole design of Allan Robertson (recognized as the greatest player of his time). Architect James Braid altered and modernized the course in 1926. Unlike other links courses, this layout changes direction frequently. Carnoustie was used several times for the Open Championship.
    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.

    2024 Course Closed: 5/5-5/10, 7/19-7/29, 9/28-10/7

    Par 72, yardage 6,941. Evidence of golf dates from 1527 with this quote by Robert Maule: "Exersisit the gouf, quhan (when) the wadsie (wager) was for drink". In 1867, Tom Morris extended the original 10-hole design of Allan Robertson (recognized as the greatest player of his time). Architect James Braid altered and modernized the course in 1926. Unlike other links courses, this layout changes direction frequently. Carnoustie was used several times for the Open Championship.
    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.

    2024 Course Closed: 5/5-5/10, 7/19-7/29, 9/28-10/7

  • Regarded as one of the finest additions to Scottish links golf in recent years, Kingsbarns is home to dramatic sea views on every hole and is as good a links as they come. Sir Michael Bonallack went so far as to say that Kingsbarns might just be the last true seaside links site capable of development in Scotland. The par-72 course, a mammoth 7,126 yards from its championship tees, has wide open fairways that roll over undulating ridges and hollows and expansive greens - get on the wrong side of them and you could easily be staring at a three-putt or worse. For the third year in a row, Kingsbarns Golf Links has been awarded "Best Golf Club and Course Experience in Scotland" by Golf Tourism Scotland.

    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.
    Regarded as one of the finest additions to Scottish links golf in recent years, Kingsbarns is home to dramatic sea views on every hole and is as good a links as they come. Sir Michael Bonallack went so far as to say that Kingsbarns might just be the last true seaside links site capable of development in Scotland. The par-72 course, a mammoth 7,126 yards from its championship tees, has wide open fairways that roll over undulating ridges and hollows and expansive greens - get on the wrong side of them and you could easily be staring at a three-putt or worse. For the third year in a row, Kingsbarns Golf Links has been awarded "Best Golf Club and Course Experience in Scotland" by Golf Tourism Scotland.

    Maximum handicap: 28 men, 36 women.
  • Par 72, yardage 7,200. St. Andrews Links Trust has created a seventh eighteen hole course to join its portfolio of six courses. Open June 2008, The Castle Course is two miles from the town center. The designer, David McLay Kidd, creator of Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coastline, has created a typical Scottish golf experience. Each hole has a choice of five tees and the course will be playable between about 5,300-7,200 yards.

    The experience of playing the Castle Course will be a treat for the senses. The North Sea is a visible presence on every hole while the view towards St. Andrews is one of the finest possible. The focal point of the course will be the headland named Kinkell Ness, or Point, which is where the double green that serves holes 9 & 18 is situated and where the clubhouse is built.

    Par 72, yardage 7,200. St. Andrews Links Trust has created a seventh eighteen hole course to join its portfolio of six courses. Open June 2008, The Castle Course is two miles from the town center. The designer, David McLay Kidd, creator of Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coastline, has created a typical Scottish golf experience. Each hole has a choice of five tees and the course will be playable between about 5,300-7,200 yards.

    The experience of playing the Castle Course will be a treat for the senses. The North Sea is a visible presence on every hole while the view towards St. Andrews is one of the finest possible. The focal point of the course will be the headland named Kinkell Ness, or Point, which is where the double green that serves holes 9 & 18 is situated and where the clubhouse is built.

  • Par 72, yardage 6,805. Now well into its second century of life, the Jubilee ì Course has developed from a basic 12-hole layout into what many consider to be ì the toughest test of golf at St. Andrews. This championship course has large, ì firm and fast greens with plenty of pot bunkers and heavy gorse. It is hard to ì stay straight off the tee under any wind conditions, as the golfers are ì exposed to the winds which sweep in from the bay on the raised teeing grounds.

    Par 72, yardage 6,805. Now well into its second century of life, the Jubilee ì Course has developed from a basic 12-hole layout into what many consider to be ì the toughest test of golf at St. Andrews. This championship course has large, ì firm and fast greens with plenty of pot bunkers and heavy gorse. It is hard to ì stay straight off the tee under any wind conditions, as the golfers are ì exposed to the winds which sweep in from the bay on the raised teeing grounds.

  • While the Old Course rightly takes centre stage at the 'Home of Golf', the other courses which form the world-famous links are good tests of golf, too. None more so than the New Course, which measures 6,604 yards and has a par of 71. It was designed by Old Tom Morris and has seen golf played on its fairways and greens since 1895. Not surprisingly, the New Course shares many of the features of the Old Course and the same magnificent golf terrain.

    While the Old Course rightly takes centre stage at the 'Home of Golf', the other courses which form the world-famous links are good tests of golf, too. None more so than the New Course, which measures 6,604 yards and has a par of 71. It was designed by Old Tom Morris and has seen golf played on its fairways and greens since 1895. Not surprisingly, the New Course shares many of the features of the Old Course and the same magnificent golf terrain.

  • Par 69, yardage 5,922. Crail's Balcomie Links is a beautiful links course that's set along the craggy Fife coastline. A number of holes run adjacent to the sea and those who get caught up in the spectacular sea views usually end up paying the price.


    Designed by the grand old master himself, Old Tom Morris, this particular links, only a short drive from St. Andrews, was said to be one of Morris' favorites. Round here, it is accuracy and not length that matters most and the short par threes only serve to emphasize that very fact. Plus, if the wind blows like only it can on a true Scottish links, then you can be in for a tough time.

    Par 69, yardage 5,922. Crail's Balcomie Links is a beautiful links course that's set along the craggy Fife coastline. A number of holes run adjacent to the sea and those who get caught up in the spectacular sea views usually end up paying the price.


    Designed by the grand old master himself, Old Tom Morris, this particular links, only a short drive from St. Andrews, was said to be one of Morris' favorites. Round here, it is accuracy and not length that matters most and the short par threes only serve to emphasize that very fact. Plus, if the wind blows like only it can on a true Scottish links, then you can be in for a tough time.

  • Par 72, yardage 6,728. Founded in 1786, the Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golfing society in the world and a bona fide jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Its Balcomie course is recognized as a true classic, although its sister course, Craighead Links, is by no means filler - it stands on merit alone. Notable features include wide, sweeping fairways, large, expansive greens and sizeable bunkers that are only too happy to provide a temporary home for your ball. Visitors are presented with a true test of Scottish links golf that isn't easily forgotten.
    Par 72, yardage 6,728. Founded in 1786, the Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golfing society in the world and a bona fide jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Its Balcomie course is recognized as a true classic, although its sister course, Craighead Links, is by no means filler - it stands on merit alone. Notable features include wide, sweeping fairways, large, expansive greens and sizeable bunkers that are only too happy to provide a temporary home for your ball. Visitors are presented with a true test of Scottish links golf that isn't easily forgotten.
  • Dumbarnie Golf Links has been the most anticipated golf course opening since the inauguration of the stunning Castle Stuart Links in the Scottish highlands.  The buzz around this new classic links course, which is tucked onto the Fife coast outside of St Andrews, has been growing over the last year.  With stunning views across the Firth of Forth. the Clive Clark masterpiece makes the most of the coastal location with 14 holes having views across the sea and stretches to over 7,600 yds, from the back tees.  As with great Scottish links courses, Dumbarnie is a course designed for strategy and also fun for professionals and everyday players as well.  Generous rolling fairways, elevated tee boxes, larger green complexes and majority of fairway bunkers where "forward" play is possible offers great opportunity for players to score well.  Opened in May 2020, Dumbarnie is already one of the “bucket list” courses in Scotland and likely Top 20 in Scotland.  
    Dumbarnie Golf Links has been the most anticipated golf course opening since the inauguration of the stunning Castle Stuart Links in the Scottish highlands.  The buzz around this new classic links course, which is tucked onto the Fife coast outside of St Andrews, has been growing over the last year.  With stunning views across the Firth of Forth. the Clive Clark masterpiece makes the most of the coastal location with 14 holes having views across the sea and stretches to over 7,600 yds, from the back tees.  As with great Scottish links courses, Dumbarnie is a course designed for strategy and also fun for professionals and everyday players as well.  Generous rolling fairways, elevated tee boxes, larger green complexes and majority of fairway bunkers where "forward" play is possible offers great opportunity for players to score well.  Opened in May 2020, Dumbarnie is already one of the “bucket list” courses in Scotland and likely Top 20 in Scotland.  
  • The Kittocks Course has been designed by Bruce Devlin, a notable course architect of many famous courses including the Kings Course at Gleneagles and the exclusive Secession club in Beaufort, SC. It’s a 72-par course spread upon 5600 – 7191 yards. The Kittocks is a long and challenging course requiring nerves of steel to navigate its many holes running alongside the coastline. It’s famously played host to Europro Tournament 2007 and 2009 and Scottish Youths National Championship 2016.
    The Kittocks Course has been designed by Bruce Devlin, a notable course architect of many famous courses including the Kings Course at Gleneagles and the exclusive Secession club in Beaufort, SC. It’s a 72-par course spread upon 5600 – 7191 yards. The Kittocks is a long and challenging course requiring nerves of steel to navigate its many holes running alongside the coastline. It’s famously played host to Europro Tournament 2007 and 2009 and Scottish Youths National Championship 2016.
  • The Torrance Course, designed by the late Gene Sarazen and winning Ryder Cup Captain, Sam Torrance, is a par-72, 7,037 yard course that sweeps its way around the hotel and down to the coastal edge. It has been designed using the principles of links golf with an infusion of new styles. The natural contours of the land and the dramatic coastal setting are combined with a unique blend of Rye grass, innovative green-keeping skills and the expertise of Sam Torrance.
    The Torrance Course, designed by the late Gene Sarazen and winning Ryder Cup Captain, Sam Torrance, is a par-72, 7,037 yard course that sweeps its way around the hotel and down to the coastal edge. It has been designed using the principles of links golf with an infusion of new styles. The natural contours of the land and the dramatic coastal setting are combined with a unique blend of Rye grass, innovative green-keeping skills and the expertise of Sam Torrance.
  • With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship The Duke's gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea. The Duke's is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a must-play course for any golfer. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges, which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke's has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level, with the venue being chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the four majors in the world of amateur golf.
    With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship The Duke's gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea. The Duke's is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a must-play course for any golfer. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges, which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke's has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level, with the venue being chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the four majors in the world of amateur golf.
  • Par 71, yardage 6,310. Situated just 15 minutes' drive from the town of St. Andrews, Scotscraig is a pleasant but testing course that's a mix of heathland and links. It is used as a final qualifying venue when the Open Championship returns to The Old Course. Its inviting blend of heathland and links stems from the fact that there are more trees than would normally be found on a links, although its relatively close proximity to the sea and rolling fairways ensures an enjoyable links experience.

    Scotscraig is known for its perfectly kept greens and all-round good condition thanks to an agreable local climate.

    Par 71, yardage 6,310. Situated just 15 minutes' drive from the town of St. Andrews, Scotscraig is a pleasant but testing course that's a mix of heathland and links. It is used as a final qualifying venue when the Open Championship returns to The Old Course. Its inviting blend of heathland and links stems from the fact that there are more trees than would normally be found on a links, although its relatively close proximity to the sea and rolling fairways ensures an enjoyable links experience.

    Scotscraig is known for its perfectly kept greens and all-round good condition thanks to an agreable local climate.

  • Par 72, yardage 6,617. This fine, long, almost inland course is laid out on rather flat terrain but there are plenty of considerations to keep play interesting here. The fairways are lined with pines and birch, heather forms the semi-rough and the contrast in style with the coastal courses gives this layout a unique position. It was originally built in the St. Andrews style by Tom Morris with 6 greens being used twice. Golf has been played at Ladybank since 1855.

    Par 72, yardage 6,617. This fine, long, almost inland course is laid out on rather flat terrain but there are plenty of considerations to keep play interesting here. The fairways are lined with pines and birch, heather forms the semi-rough and the contrast in style with the coastal courses gives this layout a unique position. It was originally built in the St. Andrews style by Tom Morris with 6 greens being used twice. Golf has been played at Ladybank since 1855.

  • The Montrose Golf Links 1562 Course (Medal Course) is the World's 5th Oldest Golf Course and features in Scotland’s top 100 courses.  Described as “a magnificent stretch of marvellously natural ground”, the 1562 Course challenges golfers with its undulating fairways and fast greens, made more difficult when the wind whips inland from the sea. All the key ingredients that make up one of the utmost challenges in the world of golf – rugged and undulating (yet an easy walk), some deep bunkers, quick draining turf, bountiful gorse, sand dunes aplenty and smooth-rolling greens. A number of the holes run alongside the rugged Angus coastline offering stunning scenery. The 1562 Course can also offer one of golf’s most significant challenges – the East wind demands the upmost respect even from the most experienced golfer. The combination of all of the classic links ingredients are here in abundance, providing a demanding test of golfing proficiency. 

    Montrose Golf Links is a one hour drive north from St. Andrews. 

    The Montrose Golf Links 1562 Course (Medal Course) is the World's 5th Oldest Golf Course and features in Scotland’s top 100 courses.  Described as “a magnificent stretch of marvellously natural ground”, the 1562 Course challenges golfers with its undulating fairways and fast greens, made more difficult when the wind whips inland from the sea. All the key ingredients that make up one of the utmost challenges in the world of golf – rugged and undulating (yet an easy walk), some deep bunkers, quick draining turf, bountiful gorse, sand dunes aplenty and smooth-rolling greens. A number of the holes run alongside the rugged Angus coastline offering stunning scenery. The 1562 Course can also offer one of golf’s most significant challenges – the East wind demands the upmost respect even from the most experienced golfer. The combination of all of the classic links ingredients are here in abundance, providing a demanding test of golfing proficiency. 

    Montrose Golf Links is a one hour drive north from St. Andrews. 

  • The Broomfield  Course is ideal for those wishing for a less challenging warmup round, or relaxing post 1562 Course afternoon round.  On initial inspection, the Broomfield may look flat, golfers beware – the devil is in the detail as the natural undulations demand precision from tee to green. Putting can also prove to be demanding as the subtle contours of the greens are a test for any golfer.  Whins are a feature of many holes – the 9th for example has whins up both sides of a narrow fairway demanding a straight drive from tee to green. Another distinguishing feature is the burn which comes into play on at least five holes. It crosses the fairway at the 3rd, 4th and 13th and affects approach shots to the 5th and 12th. The two most playable holes are the 10th, a par four of only 286 yards with a well-bunkered green, and the 4th with its tee shot across the burn via a bunkered fairway to a green that slopes away on both sides and the back. The Broomfield may not be quite as challenging as the 1562 Medal Course, but don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security – the Broomfield can provide a tough test.  
    The Broomfield  Course is ideal for those wishing for a less challenging warmup round, or relaxing post 1562 Course afternoon round.  On initial inspection, the Broomfield may look flat, golfers beware – the devil is in the detail as the natural undulations demand precision from tee to green. Putting can also prove to be demanding as the subtle contours of the greens are a test for any golfer.  Whins are a feature of many holes – the 9th for example has whins up both sides of a narrow fairway demanding a straight drive from tee to green. Another distinguishing feature is the burn which comes into play on at least five holes. It crosses the fairway at the 3rd, 4th and 13th and affects approach shots to the 5th and 12th. The two most playable holes are the 10th, a par four of only 286 yards with a well-bunkered green, and the 4th with its tee shot across the burn via a bunkered fairway to a green that slopes away on both sides and the back. The Broomfield may not be quite as challenging as the 1562 Medal Course, but don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security – the Broomfield can provide a tough test.  
  • Par 70, yardage 6,317. Panmure is one of the oldest clubs in the world, having been formed in 1845.  A traditional links course and adjacent to the world renowned Carnoustie, Panmure is not exceptionally long by today's standards but requires accurate driving and iron play.  In addition, the greens are generally small with subtle borrows developed through over 100 years of play. 


    When Ben Hogan came to Carnoustie in the summer of 1953 he was already holder of The Masters and The U.S. Open Championship.  For this, his only (British) Open Championship appearance, arrangements were made for him to practice at Panmure Golf Club, just two miles from Carnoustie, but well away from the busy practice ground at the upcoming Open venue 


    At Panmure, only Hogan's caddie Cecil Timms accompanied him.  After two weeks of rigorous preparation for the Championship, he was familiar with the then smaller British ball and the unforgiving links grasses, which prevented him taking his customary long divot. Methodical as ever, Hogan taught himself to pick the 1.62 inch ball off the turf. The long hours of practice paid off.  Ben Hogan won the Open by four strokes, setting a new Carnoustie course record of 68 for his final round.  Hogan's favorite hole at Panmure was the sixth and he suggested the cleverly-placed hidden pot bunker to the front right of the green. Over 70 years on, the members still refer to it as "Hogan's Bunker"  It is a fitting memorial to a champion. 

    Par 70, yardage 6,317. Panmure is one of the oldest clubs in the world, having been formed in 1845.  A traditional links course and adjacent to the world renowned Carnoustie, Panmure is not exceptionally long by today's standards but requires accurate driving and iron play.  In addition, the greens are generally small with subtle borrows developed through over 100 years of play. 


    When Ben Hogan came to Carnoustie in the summer of 1953 he was already holder of The Masters and The U.S. Open Championship.  For this, his only (British) Open Championship appearance, arrangements were made for him to practice at Panmure Golf Club, just two miles from Carnoustie, but well away from the busy practice ground at the upcoming Open venue 


    At Panmure, only Hogan's caddie Cecil Timms accompanied him.  After two weeks of rigorous preparation for the Championship, he was familiar with the then smaller British ball and the unforgiving links grasses, which prevented him taking his customary long divot. Methodical as ever, Hogan taught himself to pick the 1.62 inch ball off the turf. The long hours of practice paid off.  Ben Hogan won the Open by four strokes, setting a new Carnoustie course record of 68 for his final round.  Hogan's favorite hole at Panmure was the sixth and he suggested the cleverly-placed hidden pot bunker to the front right of the green. Over 70 years on, the members still refer to it as "Hogan's Bunker"  It is a fitting memorial to a champion.