5 Must-play courses around St Andrews

While visiting St Andrews, you can play a number of fantastic local courses while you wait to play on the Old Course through the daily ballot. These are our top 5 most memorable courses.

Carnoustie Golf Links

Location: Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland

Course Length: 7,421 yards

Par: 71

Carnoustie Golf Links, often referred to as the "Car-nasty," is a legendary Scottish golf course that has hosted some of the most memorable moments in golf history. Spanning along the Angus coastline, this iconic links course is a true test of skill and precision.

With a total length of approximately 7,421 yards, Carnoustie is a formidable challenge for golfers of all levels. The course design, featuring narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and unpredictable winds off the North Sea, demands accuracy and strategic play. It's not just a round of golf; it's an expedition that requires both physical prowess and mental fortitude.

Championship Legacy:

Carnoustie has earned its reputation as one of the toughest courses in the Open Championship rota. The list of Open winners at Carnoustie includes golfing legends like Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. Each champion has left an indelible mark on the course's storied history, contributing to its legacy as a venue that separates the greats from the contenders.

The Van de Velde Saga:

No review of Carnoustie is complete without recalling the dramatic events of the 1999 Open Championship. Jean Van de Velde, poised for victory, faced a series of calamities on the 18th hole that would become one of the most infamous moments in golf. The Barry Burn, a burn that meanders through the course, became a witness to Van de Velde's struggle, showcasing the course's unforgiving nature even to the most seasoned players.

Kingsbarns

Location: Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland

Course Length: 7,224 yards

Par: 72

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Fife, Scotland, Kingsbarns Golf Course is a masterpiece of modern links design. With its breathtaking views of the North Sea and meticulously crafted layout, Kingsbarns offers a golfing experience that seamlessly blends natural beauty with championship-caliber play.

Course Design and Difficulty:

Spanning approximately 7,224 yards from the back tees, Kingsbarns presents a fair but challenging test for golfers of all skill levels. The course design, expertly crafted by Kyle Phillips, incorporates the rugged coastal terrain and strategically placed hazards to create a layout that rewards precision and strategic play. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers, Kingsbarns offers a balanced challenge that keeps players on their toes.

Previous Tournaments:

While Kingsbarns has not hosted any major championships, it has quickly earned a reputation as one of Scotland's premier golfing destinations. The course has played host to prestigious events such as the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where professional golfers and celebrities alike compete against the backdrop of the North Sea. This recognition underscores Kingsbarns' status as a world-class golfing venue.

Dumbarnie Links

Location: Dumbarnie, Fife, Scotland

Course Length: Approximately 6,900 yards

Par: 72

Situated along the picturesque coastline of Fife, Scotland, Dumbarnie Links Golf Course is a modern masterpiece that has quickly garnered acclaim from golf enthusiasts worldwide. Designed by award-winning architect Clive Clark, this stunning links course offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and challenging play.

Course Design and Difficulty:

Stretching approximately 6,900 yards from the championship tees, Dumbarnie Links presents a captivating yet formidable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course design embraces the rugged coastal terrain, with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision and strategic play. While the wide fairways offer forgiveness off the tee, the ever-present coastal winds and subtle undulations make club selection and shot placement crucial to navigating the course successfully.

Signature Holes and Features:

Dumbarnie Links boasts several standout holes that showcase the course's natural beauty and strategic design. The par-3 11th hole, which features a dramatic tee shot over a rugged coastal inlet, offering breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth. Additionally, the course's strategic bunkering and natural hazards add to its challenge and character, ensuring an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all abilities.

Crail Balcomie Links

Location: Crail, Fife, Scotland

Course Length: 5,922 yards

Par: 69

Perched along the rugged coastline of Fife, Scotland, Crail Balcomie Links Golf Course is a timeless gem that embodies the essence of traditional links golf. With its rich history, stunning coastal views, and challenging yet playable layout, Crail Balcomie Links offers a golfing experience that delights players of all skill levels.

Course Design and Layout:

Measuring approximately 5,922 yards from the back tees, Crail Balcomie Links presents a manageable yet engaging challenge for golfers. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the course boasts a classic links layout characterized by undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and strategically placed hazards. While the course offers forgiveness off the tee, the ever-changing coastal winds and subtle elevation changes add an element of unpredictability that requires careful shot selection and course management.

Golf Digest and Golf Monthly have both praised Crail Balcomie Links for its traditional links design, stunning coastal setting, and enjoyable playability. They highlight the course's natural beauty, with panoramic views of the North Sea from several holes, adding to the overall ambiance and charm of the experience.

Signature Holes and Features:

Crail Balcomie Links is dotted with several standout holes that showcase the course's coastal beauty and strategic design. The par-3 8th hole, known as "Hercules," which features a challenging tee shot over a rocky inlet with breathtaking views of the coastline. Additionally, the course's historic clubhouse and welcoming atmosphere add to the overall charm and appeal of the Crail Balcomie Links experience.

St Andrews (New Course)

Location: St Andrews, Fife, Scotland

Course Length: Approximately 6,625 yards

Par: 71

Dating back to 1895, St Andrews New Course was created by the renowned Old Tom Morris. It is one of the greatest golf courses in Scotland and a premier links in its own right, even though it is located right next to the world-famous Old Course.

This is "the oldest 'new' course in the world," according to The Links Trust. Some fans even go so far as to say that, from a strategic standpoint, it is superior to the Old course! In any case, it contains a lot of good holes and would be a unique course if it were located somewhere else.

Much like every other St Andrews course, the New is offered nearly all year round in immaculate shape. The playing surfaces are always of the highest caliber available at any links course in the nation. Because of its famous neighbor, St Andrews New may get a bit less attention than it deserves, but it's still a fabulous golf course.