Saint Andrews Golf Course - The Home of Golf

 If you’re a golf fan, a visit to Saint Andrews is a must. It is the birthplace of the game, and a place where you can see how the world’s best players work to get the most out of the Old Course.

Scotland and whisky are blood brothers, so bring a few nips and fifths with you to savor after your round.

The History of Golf in St. Andrews

Golf is the most renowned sport in the world and St Andrews, the ‘Home of Golf’, is where it all started. The town has a very special connection to the game as it is where golf was forged into its current form and where it continues to evolve.

The first documented reference to the game was in 1552 but it would be another century before a group of 22 noblemen and professors formed the Society of St Andrews Golfers in 1754. This society would eventually become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.

St Andrews Airport Transfer

The town of St Andrews is a tight-knit community and this sense of community translates to the golf course as well. It is a place where the game is cherished and protected and this is why people love to visit St Andrews, where golf was born. People fall in love with the town and in turn, the links – the experience is one that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

The Old Course

Golfers of all stripes revere the Old Course. It may not be the most beautiful or dramatic course, and it can also be a little boring in spots, but it is always considered one of the best. Its genius reveals itself over time and each round of play brings new revelations.

The course has a profound connection to the town of St Andrews. A public road runs through the first fairway and the town's rooftops appear as aiming points on the inward nine. The course originally had 22 holes, playing the same hole going out and back until 1764 when members decided that was too much repetition and combined some of the holes resulting in today's standard 18 hole layout with seven double greens.

Eager golfers line up at dawn each morning (er, night) in front of the Old Pavilion in an attempt to secure a tee time on the course. While many of the slots are reserved for twosomes or threesomes, there is often an opportunity to play alone as well.

The Valley of Sin

As if the course itself weren’t challenging enough, golfers must contend with the infamous ‘Valley of Sin’ at the 17th hole. The ominous depression guards the green complex and is a key factor in making St Andrews so demanding. A par here is an achievement for most players and even the best often find themselves in trouble.

St Andrews Airport Transfers

Fortunately, there is a way around the notorious valley, but it’s no easy task. Aiming over the swale’s maw with the ball requires a perfect approach. Even then, players must contend with a frightful putting surface that has many an amateur buried in its depths.

Many of the best players in the world have had a go at this testy final hole, with memorable results. From the battle between Tom Watson and Seve on the final hole in 1984 to Jordan Spieth’s eagle putt at the 2015 Open, the 17th has produced some of the greatest moments in golf history.

Tee Times

Getting a tee time on The Old Course is the pinnacle of golf. The process for securing such a tee time is complicated and involves a number of options ranging from advanced applications, authorized providers, the daily ballot and even standing on the standby line.

Those who want to play the Old Course and are willing to pay the premium associated with guaranteed tee times will lean toward booking a package through an Authorised Provider such as Pioneer Golf. These packages are available 1-2 years in advance, sell out quickly and cost about $2,000 per person.

Those who aren't willing to spend that much money can attempt to secure their own tee times through the advanced application, daily ballot or the standby line. However, it's important to note that once you are successful in securing an advanced application or tee time through the ballot, you cannot change or cancel your golfing arrangements. It's also worth noting that green fees on The Old Course are a steep 270 pounds during the high season in 2023.