The Old Course at St Andrews
St Andrews, Fife
Championship CourseThe Home of Golf — a seaside links on the coastal duneland of St Andrews, played for some six centuries. Gently undulating and easy to walk, it runs out and back with seven huge double greens shared between the outward and inward holes.
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The Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world, with golf played here since the early 15th century. The course has evolved naturally over centuries, shaped by the land and countless rounds of golf. It has hosted The Open Championship 30 times, more than any other venue. Legends from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods have walked these fairways. The double greens, shared by opposing holes, are unique in golf. The course belongs to the town of St Andrews and is managed by the St Andrews Links Trust.
Architect
Natural evolution (Old Tom Morris modifications)
Established
1400
- The Open Championship (30 times, most recently 2022)
- Hosted first Open Championship in 1873
- Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (annual)
- 150th Open Championship in 2022
The 17th hole, the famous "Road Hole," is considered one of golf's most challenging par 4s. The tee shot must carry the Old Course Hotel, and the approach must navigate the notorious Road Hole bunker. The 18th, with the iconic Swilcan Bridge and R&A clubhouse backdrop, is golf's most recognizable finishing hole. The 11th "High Hole (Out)" requires a precise tee shot over the Eden Estuary. The treacherous par-3 11th shares the largest green in golf with the 7th hole.
Recommended Months
Course Conditions
The course is maintained to firm and fast conditions, especially in summer. Spring offers softer conditions with vibrant colors. Autumn provides stunning light and moderate winds. Winter can be wet and cold but offers easier tee time access. The famous firm turf rewards low running shots. Wind is a constant factor - prepare for all conditions.
Scotland's main golf season runs April to October.
What type of golf course is The Old Course at St Andrews?
The Old Course at St Andrews is a links located in Fife. The Home of Golf — a seaside links on the coastal duneland of St Andrews, played for some six centuries. Gently undulating and easy to walk, it runs o...
Where is The Old Course at St Andrews located?
The Old Course at St Andrews is located in St Andrews, Fife. It's situated in the Fife region of Scotland.
What is the history of The Old Course at St Andrews?
The Old Course at St Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world, with golf played here since the early 15th century. The course has evolved naturally over centuries, shaped by the land and countle...
What are the course specifications at The Old Course at St Andrews?
The Old Course at St Andrews is a par 72 course measuring 6,721 yards. The course provides an excellent test of golf for players of all abilities.
How can I book a tee time at The Old Course at St Andrews?
To book a tee time at The Old Course at St Andrews, visit their official website at https://www.standrews.com/homepage or contact the course directly at +44 1334 466666. You can also reach them via email at reservations@standrews.com.
What is the best time to visit The Old Course at St Andrews?
The best time to visit The Old Course at St Andrews is during Mid-April–mid-October (high season). The course is maintained to firm and fast conditions, especially in summer. Spring offers softer conditions with vibrant colors. Autumn provides stunning light and moderate winds. Winter can be wet and cold but offers easier tee time access. The famous firm turf rewards low running shots. Wind is a constant factor - prepare for all conditions. Scotland's main golf season runs April to October.
What are the signature holes at The Old Course at St Andrews?
The 17th hole, the famous "Road Hole," is considered one of golf's most challenging par 4s. The tee shot must carry the Old Course Hotel, and the approach must navigate the notorious Road Hole bunker....
Par
72
Length
6,721
yards
Hole 1
"Burn"A relatively gentle opening hole with the Swilcan Burn crossing the fairway about 100 yards from the green. The wide fairway and generous green make this an accessible start, though the burn can catch wayward approaches.
Hole 2
"Dyke"A long par 4 with out of bounds along the right. The green is shared with the 16th hole and is one of the largest in golf. Features Cheape's bunker short and right of the green.
Hole 3
"Cartgate (Out)"Plays toward the Eden Estuary with Cartgate bunker threatening drives down the right side. Another double green shared with the 15th hole.
Hole 4
"Ginger Beer"One of the longest par 4s on the course. The drive must carry the Cottage bunkers. The green complex is protected by several deep bunkers.
Hole 5
"Hole O'Cross (Out)"The first par 5 plays across the same ground as the 13th hole. Seven bunkers guard the fairway and green, including the famous Spectacles bunkers.
Hole 6
"Heathery (Out)"Features the Shell bunker, one of the deepest on the course. The drive must be precise to find the narrow fairway.
Hole 7
"High (Out)"Plays to the largest green in golf, shared with the 11th hole. The green is protected by several bunkers including the terrifying Hill bunker.
Hole 8
"Short"The first par 3 is deceptively challenging. The green is protected by a deep bunker short right.
Hole 9
"End"Plays away from the clubhouse toward the Eden course. Features Kruger bunker in the drive zone.
Hole 10
"Bobby Jones"Named after Bobby Jones who famously tore up his scorecard here in 1921. Features a tricky green with significant borrows.
Hole 11
"High (In)"Plays to the same massive green as the 7th. Hill bunker lurks short left - one of the most feared bunkers in golf.
Hole 12
"Heathery (In)"A short par 4 but accuracy is paramount. The drive must avoid several fairway bunkers.
Hole 13
"Hole O'Cross (In)"The coffin bunkers dominate this long par 4. Plays across the same fairway as the 5th hole.
Hole 14
"Long"The longest hole on the Old Course. Four bunkers called the Beardies guard the drive landing area.
Hole 15
"Cartgate (In)"Shares the large green with the 3rd hole. Sutherland bunker dominates the approach.
Hole 16
"Corner of the Dyke"The tee shot must carry the corner of the Principal's Nose bunkers. Shares green with the 2nd hole.
Hole 17
"Road"The most famous and feared hole in golf. The drive must carry the Old Course Hotel. Road Hole bunker and the road behind the green create a devilish approach.
Hole 18
"Tom Morris"The most famous finishing hole in golf. Cross the Swilcan Bridge and play to the green in front of the R&A clubhouse and the town.
peak Season
Any day
April-October. Advance booking essential. Ballot system applies. Local residents pay significantly less.
£270
low Season
Any day
December-February. Best availability. Course closed Sundays.
£90
mid Season
Any day
March, November. Easier to book than peak season.
£340
St Andrews, Fife
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