Golf Courses Near St Andrews United Kingdom
St Andrews has seven courses in total, and they’re all run by the St Andrews Links Trust. That’s like having seven ice cream flavors, but instead of sprinkles, you get gorse bushes and ocean views. My personal favorite underdog is the New Course, which is actually 130 years old—so "new" is relative in Scotland.
The New Course is often less crowded and just as challenging as the Old Course. It’s like the cool, slightly less famous sibling who’s actually more fun at parties. You’ll find huge fairways, sneaky bunkers, and the same howling wind that makes you question your life choices.
For a more mellow round, try the Jubilee Course. It’s the longest of the bunch and hugs the coastline, giving you epic views of the North Sea. Fair warning: the sea breeze can turn your 7-iron shot into a 5-iron shot, or a 9-iron shot—basically, it’s a gamble.
Hidden Gems Just a Sand Wedge Away
If you’ve got a car or don’t mind a short taxi, you absolutely must visit Kingsbarns Golf Links. It’s only about 15 minutes from St Andrews, and it’s like the Old Course had a beautiful, slightly more dramatic baby. The holes run right along the water, and you can hear the waves crashing while you slice into the rough—poetry, really.
Another must-play is Craighead Golf Links at Crail, a 10-minute drive away. This course is a modern masterpiece built on ancient dunes. It starts with a par-3 that drops 100 feet—instant adrenaline. You’ll feel like a gladiator, minus the armor, plus a putter.
Golf Guide Saint Andrews: Golf Courses and Driving Ranges in Saint
And don’t sleep on Elie Golf Club (pronounced "Ee-lee," not "Ellie," like your aunt). It’s a traditional links with a quirky starting hole that uses a safety net to catch bad shots. It’s the only course where you can hit a tee shot into a giant net and say, "That was part of my plan."