Old Course — Attraction in Great Britain

St Andrews, Scotland’s world-famous Home of Golf, is known for its historic university, medieval streets and gorgeous traditional buildings. Standing proudly on the east coast and within half an hour from Dundee and less than two hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the town is filled with exciting things to see and do, from St Andrews Cathedral to nearby Scotland’s Secret Bunker.

St. Andrews, nestled on the east coast of Scotland, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. This charming town is not just a haven for golf enthusiasts but a delightful destination for anyone seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and rich cultural experiences. Here are compelling reasons why St. Andrews should be at the top of your holiday list.

A Rich Tapestry of History St. Andrews is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the medieval era. The town’s skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland. Visitors can explore the remnants of this grand structure and climb St. Rule’s Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. The St. Andrews Castle, another historical gem, offers a glimpse into Scotland’s tumultuous past, with its dungeons, medieval architecture, and the infamous “bottle dungeon.”

The Home of Golf For golf enthusiasts, St. Andrews is nothing short of a pilgrimage site. Known as the “Home of Golf,” the town boasts the Old Course, one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious spectator, the hallowed greens and the Swilcan Bridge offer an unforgettable experience. The British Golf Museum, located nearby, chronicles the history of the sport, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the origins and evolution of golf.

Breathtaking Natural Beauty St. Andrews is surrounded by some of Scotland’s most picturesque landscapes. The town’s beaches, including the West Sands Beach, offer miles of pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, making them perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and even a dip in the sea for the brave at heart. The Fife Coastal Path provides walkers and cyclists an opportunity to explore the rugged coastline, charming seaside villages, and diverse wildlife.

A Hub of Education and Culture St. Andrews is renowned for its prestigious university, the third oldest in the English-speaking world. The University of St. Andrews adds a vibrant academic atmosphere to the town, with its historic buildings and lively student population. The town is also a cultural hub, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year, including the St. Andrews Film Festival and the St. Andrews Food and Drink Festival, celebrating local cuisine and produce.

Culinary Delights and Local Crafts No visit to St. Andrews is complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. From traditional Scottish dishes in cosy pubs to fine dining experiences, the town caters to all palates. Local seafood is a must-try, with fresh catches served daily. Artisan shops and markets offer unique crafts, including Scottish textiles, jewellery, and hand-crafted goods, perfect for souvenirs.

Conclusion St. Andrews is a destination that captivates with its blend of historical grandeur, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an adventurous exploration, or a deep dive into Scotland’s heritage, St. Andrews promises an enriching and memorable holiday experience. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions, St. Andrews beckons travellers from around the world to...

I share my deeply disappointing experience my family and I encountered during our recent visit to your golf course. Our party of eight traveled a significant distance, filled with anticipation for a day of golfing, only to be met with a series of disheartening challenges that marred our experience.

From the onset, we sensed an unwelcome pressure to expedite our play, despite our efforts to maintain a brisk pace by having our second group skip a hole and adopting a 'best ball' strategy. This pressure was exacerbated by the discourteous behavior of the players behind us, who rushed us at every turn without justification, as we were equally hampered by the pace of the group ahead.

The situation escalated when a Marshal approached us, insisting we needed to quicken our pace, despite our adherence to what we believed was a reasonable speed, completing the first nine holes in less than two hours. This pace, later acknowledged by the Marshal as acceptable, did little to alleviate the discomfort and unwarranted scrutiny we were subjected to throughout our game.

The persistent berating from the following players, coupled with the Marshal's intrusive oversight, created an atmosphere of discomfort and unwelcome tension, leading us to prematurely conclude our outing after just nine holes. This experience was particularly distressing for my wife, who was moved to tears by the ordeal.

The lack of clear communication regarding pace expectations and the apparent tolerance for disrespectful behavior from other players have left us with a bitter memory of what should have been a delightful family outing. It is disheartening to reflect on the time and excitement we invested in planning this visit, only to return with a story of disappointment and dissatisfaction.

I shared this feedback not out of malice but in the hope that it might prompt a reassessment of your policies and customer interaction, ensuring that future guests do not endure a...

Seldom have I felt my heart pounding as I stand on the first tee box of any courses but this time I did.

Maybe its the history or the majestic nature of St Andrews but certainly teeing it up at the first at the Old course felt like the pinnacle of my course itinerary so far and to be honest unless I make it to Augusta I doubt it will be beaten. We had the most splendid of days weather wise, with a golden winter sun drenching the immaculate fairways it was hard not to be seriously impressed by the whole experience. You hear so many people talking about their first experience of playing the old course and many are somewhat negative. I think its managing expectations and I had done my best for the previous four days of our trip not to put such an unhealthy emphasis on the old course. I have to say to the contrary the old course turned out to be probably one of my favourite rounds ever, we had definitely saved the best till last. The course itself is just unlike anything I've played. Starting on the widest of fairways you could hope for with local dog walkers cutting across the middle, the old town behind you and the sea to the right, its super special, its intimate but intimidating at the same time.

I was clearly inspired as I made a personal best of 3 birdies and 1 eagle for my round. Driving the green at the 9th and holing a 30 foot put was something I will never forget. We played like the typical tourists we were talking videos and photos along the way and soaking in the whole day. I cannot wait to return to St Andrews and enjoy all it has to offer again but will I ever play the Old course again? Maybe some courses should be only played once to keep the memory of...