Walking its fairways is like stepping back in time, surrounded by centuries of golfing history. From the iconic Old Course to the buzzing atmosphere of the town itself there’s something truly special about playing golf in St Andrews. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, St Andrews never loses its magic – it’s our favourite place to play golf, and for good reason.
What makes a golf trip to St Andrews so unique is the sheer variety of courses available, all within a short distance. Of course, the Old Course is the must-play for any golfer, where the game was first played over 600 years ago, with its famous Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker. But the New and Jubilee Courses offer equally exciting tests, with challenging layouts and stunning views over St Andrews Bay.
Beyond St Andrews, the wider Fife region is home to over 50 courses from gems like Crail Golfing Society (one of the oldest in the world with its Balcomie and Craighead courses), the challenging links of Elie, to the stunning modern day classic Kingsbarns Golf Links, while Dumbarnie is quickly establishing itself as a must-play. And let’s not forget Carnoustie Golf Links, which has hosted 8 Open Championship.
Getting to St Andrews is straightforward, with Edinburgh and Dundee being the nearest airports. From Edinburgh, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive, while Dundee is just 30 minutes away. Trains run to nearby Leuchars, with taxis and buses connecting to the town. Uber/bolt is not available in St Andrews.
During the golfing season (April to October), temperatures usually range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with July and August being the warmest months. Winter golf is possible, but cooler temperatures and wind can make conditions more challenging. Coastal breezes are common year-round, so be prepared for changing weather—even on sunny days. St Andrews’ unpredictable but manageable climate adds to the charm of playing in the “Home of Golf.”
