Crawford House
St. Andrews
St. Andrews - the birthplace of golf
If you are a golfer, then this is the town for you. St Andrews is the birthplace of golf. For more than 600 years, golf has been played on these links. These are public courses. Even the Old Course is open to the public. The 7 courses in town are just the start. Dozens more are within a short drive and include Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and Gleneagles.
The Old Course
The Old Course is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. The Swilcan Bridge and Road Hole bunker are recognized across the globe, yet the greatest feature of the Old Course is, despite its grand status, a public golf course.
You will need to plan ahead to reserve a tee time, or gamble by putting your name on a waitlist in the wee hours of the morning. Even if you don't play, the course is closed to golf on Sundays to allow the public to walk the course, many with their dogs. You won't see that at Pebble Beach!
The New Course
The New Course must be the oldest ‘new’ course in the world. The second course at St Andrews was designed by Tom Morris in 1895. Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, the New Course is a classic test of links golf.
Next to the first tee is the club house and restaurant. It's a great place to discuss your round and watch others as they tee off.
More on the New Course here.
Castle Course
The newest addition to St Andrews Links, The Castle Course opened in 2008 becoming the seventh course at the Home of Golf and part of the largest public golfing complex in Europe. Set on a rugged cliff-top with spectacular views over St Andrews, The Castle Course offers a memorable golfing experience.
The views are tremendous. Even if you don't play the course, stop at the club house for a meal and/ore drink.