The Duke’s Course: St Andrews but not as you know it

In the golfing heaven that is St Andrews, The Duke’s Course offers something unique.

The prestigious layout is the only heathland course in the Home of Golf and offers a different but equally compelling test to its links counterparts.

Enjoy a round here and not only will you be afforded stunning views of St Andrews and the bay but you will be treated to a genuine championship standard layout.

From it’s elevated position on Mount Melville, it looks down across St Andrews and the bay, allowing for some of the best views in this picturesque part of Scotland. And while the trees might offer some shelter from the sea breeze, you’ll still enjoy a fine test of your skills.

Here we look at just a few of the things that make The Duke’s such a special experience!

Perfect test for all skill levels

From the opening hole, a testing par five that doglegs uphill to an elevated green, The Duke’s is the definition of challenging but fun. It’s a ruggedly handsome track that plays between 5,216 to 7,512 yards, depending on which of the five tees you play from. So, there’s no need to feel intimidated by the test that lies ahead. But, at the same time, a true championship-length test is available to low-handicap players and longer hitters.

The course is classic risk-and-reward with sound tactics needed to get the most out of your game. Winding through trees, gorse and heather, it allows you to test each facet of your game in a stunning and relaxing environment. Prolific bunkering means you will have to give thought to both the distance and placement of your tee shots.

Number three is the signature hole. It’s a beautiful little par three that is carved out of the surrounding woodland with long bunkers eating up much of the ground between the tee and its subtly-sloped green.

All 18 holes are a treat here. But a £1.7million programme of investment, the second phase of which began in December, is further enhancing the course’s playability and conditioning.

Outstanding venue with impressive backing

There’s no doubting the credentials of The Duke’s Course. Legendary five-time Open champion Peter Thomson designed it with additional input from Ross Perrett and Tim Liddy, an understudy of the great Pete Dye.

The layout is also part of the prestigious collection of Kohler championship golf courses. They include the renowned Whistling Straits which has held the USPGA three times, as well as the 2021 Ryder Cup and 2007 US Senior Open. Blackwolf Run, the venue for the US Women’s Open in 1998 and 2012, is also part of the portfolio.

The Duke’s itself has hosted the Scottish Matchplay, the Scottish Strokeplay, The European Amateur Championships, and most recently the Scottish Men’s Amateur Open in 2019. Play here and you’ll be experiencing the same test as some of the game’s elite.

Outstanding experience is accessible to all

At the heart of The Duke’s is its magnificent clubhouse. The elegant bar and restaurant are open to members and non-members alike and offer spectacular views of the North Sea. There’s a seasonal menu with dishes made from the freshest local ingredients and staff are happy to take group bookings with meals tailored to your numbers and budget.

The golfing facilities at The Duke’s are also second to none. There’s a fully stocked pro shop along with a driving range, short game area and a fun par-3 loop, to practise your iron play. A team of experts at the golf academy offer instruction tailored to individual needs and for all levels to hone your skills for the challenge ahead.

You can set out on the course in style too, with a GPS-equipped golf buggy included in your green fee.

Affordable ways to play

If all this has whetted your appetite, then there are plenty of affordable options for playing The Duke’s Course.

Green fees start at just £90 for Scottish residents in the off-season and include a gps-equipped buggy and ‘Wee Bùth’ Halfway House Menu after nine holes.

There are also group packages available for 12 players or more. These include extras such as a dedicated event coordinator, reserved seating in the bar and restaurant, morning roll and coffee, post-golf meal and arrival gift.

Or if you want to get out on the course regularly, then there is a full range of memberships, including full, family, country, weekday and corporate. Full annual membership is just over £1,000 and can be paid at a rate of £88 a month. There are also memberships for those aged between 18 and 24 for £430 annually, which can be broken down to £36 a month. Juniors or students can play for just £333 a year.

So, why not try The Duke’s Course, St Andrews? It’s a unique experience in the Home of Golf.

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