St Andrews golf vacation FAQs

St Andrews is one of the world's most celebrated golf destinations, offering far more than just the iconic Old Course. With seven outstanding courses in the town itself, a wealth of championship layouts nearby, breathtaking coastal scenery, historic streets, and welcoming pubs and restaurants, it's the perfect destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Whether you're chasing a tee time on golf's most famous course, exploring Scotland's rich golf heritage, or simply enjoying the charm of this historic town, a golf vacation to St Andrews is a bucket-list experience for golfers everywhere.

If you're planning a trip, we've answered some of the most common questions below.

St Andrews offers a unique combination of world-famous golf, rich history and stunning coastal landscapes. Golf has been played here for over 600 years, making it one of the most prestigious golfing destinations on the planet.

Visitors can play championship links courses, explore the historic town centre, enjoy traditional Scottish hospitality and experience the atmosphere of a destination that has shaped the game as we know it today.

Whether you're travelling with friends, as a couple or as part of a golf society, St Andrews delivers an unforgettable golf vacation experience.

St Andrews is located on Scotland's east coast in the Kingdom of Fife, approximately 50 miles north of Edinburgh.

The town overlooks the North Sea and is easily accessible from Edinburgh Airport, making it a convenient destination for golfers travelling from across the UK, Europe, and North America.

Check out our destination guide on St Andrews.

The main golf season runs from April to October, when course conditions are at their best and daylight hours are longest.

Many golfers choose to visit between May and September, when temperatures are milder, and the chances of favourable weather are highest. June and July offer particularly long daylight hours, allowing for extended rounds and additional sightseeing.

Spring and fall can also provide excellent value, with quieter courses and fewer visitors, while still enjoying fantastic golf conditions.

As the largest public golf complex in Europe, St Andrews Links is home to seven public courses, including:

• The Old Course | Ranked the no.7 course in the World by Top 100 Golf Courses

• The Castle Course | Ranked the no.8 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses

• The New Course | Ranked the no.4 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses

• The Jubilee Course | Ranked the no.6 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses

• The Eden Course | Ranked the no.11 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses

The Old Course is undoubtedly the most famous, but St Andrews offers several exceptional layouts.

Popular choices include:

• Kingsbarns Golf Links | Ranked the no.2 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Dumbarnie Links | Ranked the no.5 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Crail Golfing Society | Ranked the no.9/10 courses in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Lundin Golf Club | Ranked the no.7 course in Fife by Top 100 Golf Courses

For golfers looking to experience Scotland's finest links golf, combining several of these courses within one itinerary creates a truly memorable trip.

You can also explore our guides to the best golf courses in and around St Andrews and the top links golf courses in the Scotland for additional inspiration.

St Andrews has hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments in golf history and remains one of the sport's most important championship venues.

The Old Course is best known as a regular host of The Open Championship, golf's oldest major. The tournament has been staged at St Andrews numerous times since 1873, with legendary champions including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros and Rory McIlroy all competing on these historic fairways.

St Andrews has also hosted:

• The Women's Open
• The Senior Open Championship
• The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
• The Walker Cup
• The Curtis Cup
• The St Andrews Links Trophy

As the Home of Golf and the headquarters of The R&A, St Andrews continues to play a central role in the global golfing calendar.

Yes, visitors can play the Old Course, but securing a tee time is never guaranteed due to exceptionally high demand and limited availability.

There are several ways to try to obtain a tee time, including:

• Advanced applications through St Andrews Links
• Authorised golf tour operators
• The Old Course ballot system
• The singles daily draw

Even when booking well in advance, access to the Old Course cannot be guaranteed unless you already have a confirmed tee time. Demand regularly exceeds availability, particularly during the peak golf season.

For golfers hoping to maximise their chances, we recommend planning early and exploring all available booking routes. You can also read our guide on how to get an Old Course tee time for detailed advice on the application process, ballot system, and other options available to visitors.

Golf packages can be tailored to suit all budgets and group sizes.

Many visitors combine championship golf with accommodation in the town centre, while others opt for luxury resort stays and multi-course itineraries.

Popular package inclusions often feature:

• Accommodation
• Guaranteed tee times
• Airport transfers
• Golf on multiple courses
• Customised itineraries

Explore our St Andrews golf packages to find options tailored to your preferred travel dates and budget.

We offer a selection of expertly curated Scottish golf tours that include St Andrews alongside some of the country's most iconic golf destinations. Designed for golfers looking to experience Scotland's rich golf heritage, these tours combine world-renowned courses, premium accommodation, and unforgettable sightseeing opportunities.

St Andrews, Highlands & Edinburgh Trilogy

This popular tour showcases the very best of Scotland, combining bucket-list golf with the country's most famous cultural and scenic destinations. Golfers can experience legendary courses in and around St Andrews, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, and enjoy the history and charm of Edinburgh.

Highlights include:

• Golf at some of Scotland's most celebrated courses
• Time to explore the historic town of St Andrews
• Visits to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

Scottish Coastal Golf Tour

For golfers seeking the ultimate links golf experience, the Scottish Coastal Golf Tour features some of Scotland's finest coastal courses. Combining spectacular seaside scenery with world-class golf, this tour offers a true taste of Scotland's renowned links tradition.

Highlights include:

• Play on iconic links courses along Scotland's coastline
• Experience breathtaking coastal landscapes
• Stay in carefully selected accommodations

If you're looking for something more tailored, our golf travel specialists can also create a fully customized St Andrews itinerary based on your preferred courses, accommodation requirements, group size, and travel dates. Speak to our team to build your perfect Scottish golf vacation.

St Andrews offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Old Course Hotel | Customer rating: 4.9 / 5 One of Scotland's most iconic golf resorts, overlooking the Old Course's famous 17th Road Hole and West Sands Beach.

• Rusacks St Andrews | Customer rating: 4.3 / 5 A historic hotel situated beside the Old Course with spectacular views across the links and coastline.

• Fairmont St Andrews | Customer rating: 4.6 / 5 A luxury coastal resort offering two championship golf courses, extensive leisure facilities and panoramic sea views.

• Hotel du Vin St Andrews | Customer rating: 4 / 5 A boutique hotel within walking distance of the town centre, golf courses and historic attractions.

Beyond golf, St Andrews offers plenty to see and do.

Popular attractions include:

• St Andrews Cathedral ruins
• St Andrews Castle
• West Sands Beach
• The R&A World Golf Museum
• University of St Andrews

Visitors can also enjoy whisky tastings, coastal walks, independent shops, and traditional Scottish pubs. Discover our favorite places to eat in St Andrews as well as more tips for the ideal golf trip.

St Andrews experiences a temperate coastal climate.

Summer temperatures typically range between 59°F and 70°F, while spring and fall remain comfortable for golf.

Weather conditions can change quickly, and wind is often a significant factor on the links courses. Packing waterproof clothing and layers is recommended regardless of the season.

With decades of experience arranging golf trips across the UK and beyond, our team can help create a seamless St Andrews golf vacation tailored to your needs.

From securing sought-after tee times to recommending the best accommodation and travel options, we'll help you experience everything the Home of Golf has to offer.

Browse our range of St Andrews golf packages or speak to one of our golf travel experts to start planning your trip.