St. Andrews is the revered “Home of Golf,” where the sport’s heart beats strongest. For golfers worldwide, a pilgrimage to St. Andrews is a dream come true, and the Old Course at St. Andrews stands as the crown jewel of this golfing paradise. Rarely ranked outside the top ten, the Old Course is a natural marvel designed by Mother Nature herself. Golf here dates back to the 12th century, but it was in 1553 when the Archbishop of St. Andrews officially allowed the community to play over these historic links.
The Society of St. Andrews Golfers, formed in 1754, eventually became the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, marking its royal patronage in 1834. The Old Course, originally 22 holes, was reduced to 18 in 1764, setting a global standard. It also holds the distinction of hosting the world’s first ladies’ golf club in 1867. Walking these fairways, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Swilcan Bridge and the daunting Road Hole. Dr. Alister MacKenzie aptly said, “A good golf course is like good music; it grows on you with each visit.”
Feel the thrill with a St. Andrews, Scotland, golf package as you walk the same fairways as golf legends, navigating the intricate layout that has hosted numerous Open Championships.
Courses to Explore on Your St. Andrews Golf Trip
St. Andrews is not just about the Old Course. The town boasts several other exceptional courses, each with its own unique character and challenges. Here are some of the notable courses you can explore on golf trips to Scotland and St. Andrews with Black Sheep Golf Tours:
- Kingsbarns Golf Links: Located just a few miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns offers a stunning seaside experience. The course is known for its dramatic views and design, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a scenic yet challenging round of golf.
- The Torrance Course at Fairmont St. Andrews: Designed by the legendary Sam Torrance, this course provides spectacular cliff-top views over the North Sea. It combines traditional links elements with modern design, offering a unique challenge for golfers of all levels.
- The Kittocks Course at Fairmont St. Andrews: Another gem at Fairmont St. Andrews, the Kittocks Course boasts panoramic views and a variety of challenging holes. It’s designed to test your skills with its strategically placed bunkers and undulating greens.
- Dumbarnie Links: Opened in 2020, Dumbarnie Links is one of the newest additions to the St. Andrews golf and travel scene. This course offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and features wide fairways, large greens and a variety of strategic challenges.
- Leven Links: Your St. Andrews golf vacation package might include nearby Leven Links, a classic Scottish links course with a rich history. The course is renowned for its fast-running fairways, deep bunkers and challenging greens.
Personalized Experiences With Black Sheep Golf Tours
At Black Sheep Golf Tours, we pride ourselves on delivering golf trips to Scotland and St. Andrews that go beyond the ordinary. Our personalized, comprehensive planning ensures every detail of your tour matches your preferences. Whether it’s securing tee times at your chosen courses, arranging luxury transportation or booking exclusive accommodations, we handle it all. You just focus on perfecting that swing!
So Much More Than Golf
We believe that a golf trip to St. Andrews should be about more than sport. That’s why we integrate a range of non-golf activities to enrich your experience. Picture yourself enjoying a whisky-tasting tour at one of Scotland’s renowned distilleries or embarking on walking tours to historical sites that explore the heritage of St. Andrews. Our tailored itineraries ensure that every aspect of your golf vacation to St. Andrews, Scotland, is personalized to your interests.
Contact us to start planning your golf trip to Scotland St. Andrews today.