St Andrews & Carnoustie
Where everything began
The place
St Andrews is undoubtedly the golf capital of the world, and it is a living testimony of the strong bond between golf and Scotland. It started as an ancestral hobby practiced in the useless lands by the sea, and thereafter became popular amongst locals. Today golf is part of the pride and soul of the town; nowhere on earth will you experience what happens at St Andrews. Golfers stroll in its streets with clubs as cars would do in any major capital city. The most famous course in the world is here, around the corner for locals, mesmerizing golfers from all over the world.
Golf
The courses where golf was born and excellent modern jewels.
St Andrews Links - Old Course
- Where golf was born: it is the oldest and most traditional course in the world, home to the R&A and host to “The Open”. Located in the heart of the town, it is a public course where both locals and visitors constantly stroll by and stop to take photos at the famous "Swilcan Bridge" of the 18th.
- Its layout features fairways with deep humps, hollows and ripples, pot bunkers and gigantic greens that are the most extraordinary putting surfaces in the world. There are many memorable holes on the Old Course, but the one to remember is the 17th, the Road hole which is probable the most famous one in the world.
Carnoustie Golf Links
- Considered the most difficult stop in The Open Rota and a real test 18 holes. Playing here requires concentration and a lot of patience, because disaster is always lurking (just remember Van de Velde in 1999).
- It is a typical Scottish links course despite the fact that the sea is not visible (it is 500m away). Connoisseurs say it has the most difficult end of the British Isles. The 18th hole is crossed by the winding Barry Burn which poses as a high obstacle for the second shot, and the headwinds have driven the best pros in history crazy.
Kingsbarns
- This modern masterpiece course was designed by Kyle Phillips and it is considered to be one of the best links courses in the world. On an impressive lot along 1.8 miles of picturesque North Sea coastline, each hole embraces the bay of St. Andrews and the Club offers 5-star facilities and service.
- The 7,227-yards layout runs longer than other traditional links courses, it has a challenging yet inviting design. The course was blended seamlessly into the landscape, it features large greens and gentle undulations throughout the entire course. It hosts the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
St Andrews Links - New Course
- The oldest "new” course in the world, was built by the Keeper of the Green, Tom Morris in 1895. With boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of links golf.
- With a traditional layout that presents more difficulty than its brother “Old”, it is a hidden gem eclipsed by the Old Course. Based on the traditional out and back routing, it features shared fairways and a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes.
Dumbarnie Links
- Dumbarnie Links is scheduled to open in May 2020; this world-class links course is just minutes from St Andrews. The course lies on a rare piece of land with over a mile and a half of sea frontage with panoramic views over the Firth of Forth.
- The 345-acre site may have the appearance of the style of the classic links, but it features dual elevations and elevated tees where holes play directly towards panoramic views of the sea that will inspire players of all levels.
Other recommended golf courses
Castle, Lundin, Duke´s, Ellie, Jubilee, Ladybank, Torrance, Kittocks, and Eden.
Other things to do
Welcome to the land of Harry Potter: the beautiful and picturesque St Andrews is a wonderful town to explore. The Home of Golf is also home to collection of historic sights to see, excellent shopping, fine dining and of course famous pubs. Visit its cemetery, walk through its narrow stone streets and visit its famous university (one of the oldest in the world). In addition, you may want to take a day trip to visit Crail, the adjoining fishing village that offers very good cuisine.
Planning
Where to stay
Staying in the village is the best way to live the full St Andrews experience. Choose from mansions or houses on the outskirts, hotels on the Old Course (like The Old Course Hotel and The Macdonald Rusacks Hote), hotels a few miles away like the Farimont St Andrews, or consider any of the dozen bed & breakfasts in town.
Time to book
We recommend contacting a Royal Golf Travel expert to learn about playing there with 12 months in advance in order to guarantee tee time at the Old Course.
When to travel
The best time to travel is from May to early October, keeping an eye on the local championship calendar. Outside of these dates the weather is very harsh.
How to get there
Fly into Edinburg International airport, capital city of Scotland, the International Airport receives a wide selection of international flights from all over Europe. Since the destination is located 1:20 hours north of Edinburg, you may choose to travel by train or car.
Testimonials
It was a dream come true. St. Andrews is unique
Martín
St Andrews is an indiscribable place
Sebastian
Enjoying the sunset at Carnoustie with my friends
Esteban F
Impeccable organization and assistance during the trip. The hotels and courses were spectacular
Fernando Voss
Dream foursome at Home of Golf
Sebas V
Memorable round at St Andrews Links with my cousin
Tony
Incredible day of golf!
Carlos A
Unforgettable tour!
Gustavo K
The best picture in the best course: Kingsbarns