What more is there to say about St Andrews that hasn’t already been said? The symbolic and world-renowned birthplace of the game – not to mention its administrative heart – the ‘Auld Grey Toon’ is Mecca for golfers around the globe.
It is said that golf has been played here since the early 15th century and the influence of the sport can be felt throughout the town.
There are seven different courses to play within St Andrews itself, of which the Old Course is unquestionably the most famous. The iconic host course of the Open Championship – no course on the rota has staged golf’s oldest major more often – it really needs no introduction.
It is flanked by the New and Jubilee courses, as well as the Eden, Strathtyrum and nine-hole Balgove. The Castle Course, the newest course operated by St Andrews Links Trust, opened for play in 2008 and is just a ten-minute drive out of the town.
For an altogether different test, make sure to pop in to The Duke’s Course. It sits inland and overlooks the town, the estuary, and the Firth of Forth beyond. Heathland by nature, is a perfect complement to the links courses that dominate the town.
Whilst you’re here, make sure to take the time to check out the many fantastic golf shops dotted around the streets and, of course, pay your respects to the great Old Tom Morris. The ‘Grandfather of Golf’ is buried amongst the cathedral ruins at the westernmost edge of the town centre.
David J Whyte © Linksland