Best golf courses in and around St Andrews

If you’re seeking a non-links course in Scotland, then you will struggle to find any more appealing than the Rosemount at Blairgowrie. It is a truly beautiful layout situated in the stunning county of Perthshire.

With its design having been touched by the legendary architects James Braid and Dr. Alister Mackenzie, you will discover an enjoyable design, and may detect some shades of Augusta National on some of the holes.

Challenging off the tee, the forest-lined fairways provide an ominous hazard for anyone suffering from a hook or slice. However, the frame of trees offer a satisfying element of tranquility, with each of the holes being totally separate from the others. In 2014 the Rosemount hosted the Junior Ryder Cup, and was also the site of Greg Norman’s first victory on the European Tour way back in 1977.

Five-time Open Champion, Peter Thomson originally designed the Duke’s Course at St Andrews, with the legendary Australian putting all of his knowledge and expertise into creating a wonderfully challenging layout.

The only non-links course to be found in the Auld Grey Toon, it is a heathland-style layout, featuring rugged bunkers and an assortment of characterful holes.

Commissioned and owned by the Old Course Hotel, it is a fantastic complement to the links courses in the surrounding area, and a very useful backup option for anyone who may be struggling to secure a tee-time elsewhere. The Duke’s is certainly a course that is waiting to be discovered by more people.