The Old Course under the auspices of the R&A are the birthplace of golf as we know it today. The course itself perhaps defines the term "classic links course". Just imagine the feeling of teeing off in front of the R&A clubhouse, to walk the fairways trodden by so many legendary golfers and to return to the clubhouse as you play the 18th hole. In a word - sublime!
The course is located on a peninsula where the elements have sculptured a course completely at variance to today's manicured parkland courses. The ground is generally flat but dominated by depressions and undulations. Besides the obvious sandy ground, there is an abundance of bunkers which can easily trap those long drives required of this long course. Instead of doglegs to hide holes, the course has plenty of large mounds covered in coarse grass and heather. Of course the wide open spaces and the prevailing sea winds also play an important part of any round.
The Old Course is particularly special as it still poses a real challenge to the best golfers in the world.
Directions: A91 from Cupar. Once in town take third turning on left into Golf Place and follow for 500 yards.
Par, yardages and course ratings
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 72 | 6721 | 72.8 | 130 |
| Yellow | 72 | 6387 | 71.2 | 128 |
| Red (W) | 76 | 6032 | 75.7 | 143 |
At same facility
Articles:
At a glance
- Holes: 18
- Designed by: Alister MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris
- Type: Public
- Style: Links
- Built in: 1850
- Golf Season: Low 11/1-3/31; High 4/1-10/31
- Visitor Policy: All year apart from Sundays and by reservation or by ballot. Need to book well in advance. There is a daily ballot for play the next day but it does not always guarantee a game. Visitors must have handicap certificates or letter of introduction.
- Tee times welcomed: Yes
Practice facilities
- Driving range: Yes
- Putting green: Yes
Tuition
- Teaching pro: Yes
- Golf school / golf academy: Yes
Services
- Pro: Yes
- Rental clubs: Yes
- Rental carts: Yes - medical certificate required
- Pull carts: Yes
Prices
- Week days: N/A
- Weekends: N/A
Pilmour House
St Andrews
Fife KY16 9SF
Scotland
Reader Ratings / Reviews
- I have played this course 7 times. It is not the most sophisticated course in the world. It is not the most difficult course in the world. It is not the most beautiful course in the world. It is not the fairest course in the world. It does not have the best golfing weather in the world. It is however the best golf course in the world. If you think this course is about history and not golf you would be right. If you think this course is about golf not history you would be right. The greatest course is said to be the greatest course by the two greatest players of the game, Nicklaus and Woods. I have ben fortunate to play on all kinds of courses in the world. California, England, Scotland, Ireland, Carribean, Greece, France, Wales many of them championship standard. Fantastic as they all are they are a mere diversion from the golf that St Andrews offers. Golf is at its purest at St Andrews and thats why it is the home of golf. Perhaps not the ultimate for some golfers but the ultimate for golf nonetheless.
