.svg?v=34675)
Play at the iconic Home of Golf
St Andrews brings together rich history, world-class links golf, and stunning coastal scenery. From the iconic Old Course to Kingsbarns and the dramatic Castle Course, every round offers tradition, challenge, and unforgettable views.
Known as the Home of Golf, it is a true bucket-list destination, blending legendary layouts with modern courses, charming streets, and luxury stays. Whether in the town or along the Fife coastline, a St Andrews golf trip delivers a unique and memorable experience both on and off the course.
Why book a golf package to St Andrews?
- Play the world’s most historic and iconic links courses
- Stay in a range of accommodation, from charming hotels to luxury resorts
- Enjoy the lively town center with its pubs, restaurants, and coastal charm
- Discover historic landmarks including St Andrews Castle and cathedral ruins
- Explore the wider region of Fife, home to more outstanding links layouts
- Tick off a truly unforgettable bucket list trip to the 'Home of Golf'
What are the best golf courses in St Andrews?
St Andrews is where golf began, from the moment you arrive, there is a sense that this is more than just a golf trip. It is a complete experience shaped by iconic courses, timeless landscapes, and the stories that have defined the game for centuries.
While the Old Course is the headline act and a true bucket-list experience, what makes St Andrews so special is everything that surrounds it. The area is home to an outstanding collection of championship links, each offering its own character and challenge. From historic layouts to modern masterpieces, every round adds something different to your trip.
A St Andrews golf vacation is not just about securing one tee time. It is about building an unforgettable itinerary, combining world-renowned courses, exceptional accommodation, and the unique atmosphere of this historic town. When approached in the right way, it becomes one of the most rewarding golf experiences in the world.
Travel tips for golfers visiting St Andrews
- Best time to visit: May to September offers the most favorable conditions, with longer daylight hours and the best chance of experiencing St Andrews at its peak. Shoulder months can also provide excellent value and quieter courses.
- Top tip: The Old Course ballot is the most common way to play. Flexibility is key, and understanding how the process works allows you to build an incredible trip around it rather than relying on it.
- Travel time: St Andrews is easily accessible via Edinburgh Airport, around a 1 hour 15 minute transfer, making it a straightforward journey.
- Transport: Car rental or private transfers are recommended, especially if you plan to explore nearby courses such as Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, or Dumbarnie.
- Booking tip: Demand for St Andrews is consistently high. Building your itinerary early, including accommodation and surrounding courses, gives you the best chance of securing preferred tee times and availability.
Some of St Andrews’ best golf courses include:
Old Course, St Andrews Links Ranked as the best course in Scotland by Top 100 Courses in 2025 Architect: Old Tom Morris (evolved over time) | Par: 72
The most iconic course in world golf, the Old Course is steeped in history and tradition. From the Swilcan Bridge to the Road Hole, every moment here is instantly recognizable and unforgettable.
Course highlight: The par-4 17th, known as the Road Hole, one of the most famous and challenging holes in golf.
New Course, St Andrews Links Ranked as the 26th best course in Scotland by Top 100 Courses in 2025 Architect: Old Tom Morris | Par: 71 | Opened: 1895
Despite its name, the New Course is a classic links layout that has stood the test of time. Undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and subtle greens make it a favorite among those who appreciate traditional design.
Good to know: Often considered one of the best “second courses” in the world, offering championship quality without the same demand as the Old Course.
Castle Course, St Andrews Links Ranked as the 47th best course in Scotland by Top 100 Courses in 2025 Architect: David McLay Kidd | Par: 72
A modern addition to the St Andrews portfolio, the Castle Course delivers dramatic clifftop views and a distinctive layout. Large undulating greens and bold design features create a memorable and challenging round.
Insider tip: Putting is key here, the greens are among the most complex in St Andrews.
Kingsbarns Golf Links Ranked as the 7th best course in Scotland by Top 100 Courses in 2025 Architects: Kyle Phillips, Mark Parsinen | Par: 72
Consistently ranked among the best courses in the world, Kingsbarns offers a pure links experience with breathtaking coastal scenery on almost every hole. It is a staple of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and a must-play on any St Andrews trip.
Course highlight: The par-5 12th, running along the coastline, is one of the most scenic holes in Scotland.
Torrance Course, Fairmont St Andrews Architect: Sam Torrance | Par: 72
A regular Open Championship Qualifying venue, the Torrance Course combines traditional links features with modern playability. Elevated tees and coastal views add to the overall experience.
Good to know: Wind conditions can significantly influence club selection and strategy throughout the round.
Kittocks Course, Fairmont St Andrews Architect: Bruce Devlin, Gene Sarazen | Par: 72
Blending links and parkland characteristics, the Kittocks Course offers a varied and visually striking test. Its clifftop holes and rolling terrain provide a different perspective on golf in St Andrews.
Insider tip: The signature 15th hole, played towards a cliff-edge green, is as dramatic as it is memorable.
Best-selling golf packages in St Andrews
.jpg?auto=webp&width=150&height=150&disable=upscale&blur=1&fit=bounds)
Customized St Andrews golf tours
Where to play on your St Andrews golf package?
Where to stay & play in St Andrews
From historic hotels overlooking the Old Course to luxury coastal resorts with championship golf on-site, St Andrews offers a stay-and-play experience unlike anywhere else in the world. This is a destination where iconic golf and timeless Scottish charm come together effortlessly, creating a trip that is just as memorable off the course as it is on it.
While many golfers arrive focused on the Old Course, what makes a St Andrews golf vacation truly special is the overall experience. Combining world-class links golf with carefully selected accommodation allows you to build a trip that delivers far more than a single tee time. From the heart of the town to the surrounding coastline, there is a wide range of options to suit every style of trip.
Here are some of our favorite places to stay in St Andrews:
Best for iconic views & luxury experiences Perfect for golfers who want to stay close to the action while enjoying premium comfort and unforgettable views.
- Old Course Hotel | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.9 Overlooking the world-famous Old Course, this five-star hotel offers one of the most iconic stays in golf. Expect luxury rooms, exceptional dining, and panoramic views across the fairways and West Sands Beach, all just moments from the first tee.
- Rusacks St Andrews | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.3 A true classic in the heart of town, Rusacks blends historic character with modern style. Many rooms offer views over the Old Course, while its rooftop dining provides one of the best vantage points in St Andrews.
Best for resort golf & coastal luxury Ideal for those looking to combine multiple rounds with first-class facilities and a relaxed setting.
- Fairmont St Andrews | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.6 Set across a stunning coastal estate, the Fairmont offers two championship courses alongside luxury accommodation, a full-service spa, and excellent dining. It is perfect for golfers wanting an all-in-one resort experience just minutes from town.
Best for boutique stays & central locations Great for golfers who want easy access to the town’s pubs, restaurants, and historic charm.
- Kinnettles Hotel | St Andrews A stylish boutique hotel just a short walk from the Old Course, offering contemporary rooms within a beautifully restored Victorian building. Ideal for those who want to be in the center of everything.
- Hotel du Vin St Andrews | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4 Overlooking West Sands Beach, this hotel combines traditional character with modern comfort. Its location offers a quieter stay while still being within easy reach of the town center and golf courses.
- The Albany Hotel | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.3 Set within a collection of Georgian townhouses, The Albany provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere. With individually styled rooms and a central location, it is a great base for a classic St Andrews golf trip.
Best for charming & relaxed stays Perfect for those seeking a welcoming atmosphere and great value without compromising on location.
- The Kithmore | St Andrews | Customer ranking: 4.2 A family-run hotel with a warm and friendly feel, offering modern comforts, a lively bar and restaurant, and a central base for exploring St Andrews and its surrounding courses.
Want more flexibility? Build a custom St Andrews golf tour
Make the most of your time in the Home of Golf by creating a fully tailored itinerary. By combining standout courses, handpicked accommodation, and the best of the surrounding region, you can turn a St Andrews trip into a truly unforgettable golf experience.
A custom golf tour allows you to:
- Play a collection of world-class courses, including Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and Dumbarnie
- Stay in a mix of luxury hotels, boutique properties, or resort accommodation
- Build your trip around the Old Course ballot while maximizing guaranteed golf elsewhere
- Experience the best of St Andrews both on and off the course, from historic landmarks to local dining
With the right approach, a St Andrews golf vacation becomes far more than a single round. It is a complete experience built around the very best that the Home of Golf has to offer.
Whether it's your first or tenth time to the Home of Golf, it never disappoints. It is where golf and history meet, making it the perfect playground for golf enthusiasts across the globe.
Head of Long Haul
.png?auto=webp&width=150&height=150&disable=upscale&blur=1&fit=bounds)
Old Course ballot system & things to do
Despite being the most sought after tee time in the world, the Old Course at St Andrews still upholds its longstanding tradition of a daily ballot (except Sunday) drawn two days prior to intended day of play. Here are the steps to enter the Old Course’s daily ballot:
-
To be able to enter the ballot you must be a minimum of two players and no more than a foursome. All names, handicaps and names of the entities/associations where your handicap is kept will be needed.
-
One person can enter the ballot on behalf of their group (maximum four players).
-
There are several ways to enter the ballot:
- Enter online, by clicking here
- Calling the Links Trust and thus providing the information over the phone: +44-1334-466-666
- Doing it in person by visiting the Old Pavilion (Starters Hut next to the 1st tee of the Old Course) or by visiting the St Andrews Links Clubhouse.
-
The ballot always closes at 2 pm, two days before the day you wish to play. Entries for the ballot are accepted on the day the ballot closes and can also be done immediately after the previous ballot has been drawn.
-
A tradition of the Old Course is that the course is closed on Sundays, giving it a chance to recover after all the play during the week. This means that there is no ballot on Fridays.
-
Once the ballot is closed for the day, the results are typically published around 4:30 pm the same day. Results of the ballot can be obtained either online or by calling the Links Trust.
-
If you are unsuccessful in the ballot, you could try your luck at the Singles Daily Draw. This was newly introduced to allow the allocation of last-minute tee times for single players. To enter, you'll need to visit The Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse between 9am-5pm the day before you wish to play.
Beyond its legendary fairways, St Andrews offers a unique blend of history, coastal beauty, and timeless charm. From medieval landmarks and scenic beaches to lively pubs and world-famous university streets, this is a destination that delivers just as much away from the course as it does on it.
Beyond the fairways in St Andrews
- British Golf Museum – Discover the story of the game through fascinating exhibits, historic artefacts, and memorabilia that bring golf’s evolution to life.
- St Andrews Cathedral – Explore the impressive ruins of this historic landmark and climb St Rule’s Tower for panoramic views across the town and coastline.
- St Andrews Castle – Step back in time at this dramatic coastal fortress, complete with underground tunnels and a rich, often turbulent history.
- West Sands Beach – Stretching for miles along the coastline, this iconic beach is perfect for a post-round walk and is instantly recognizable from Chariots of Fire.
- St Andrews University – Wander through the historic grounds of Scotland’s oldest university, adding to the town’s unique character and atmosphere.
- Dining & local pubs – From cozy pubs to quality restaurants, St Andrews offers plenty of options. The famous Jigger Inn, overlooking the Old Course, is a must-visit for golfers.
- Coastal walks – Take in the stunning scenery along the Fife Coastal Path, with sweeping sea views, fresh air, and plenty of opportunities to unwind after a round.
FAQs
Why book with anyone else?
Value
Guaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.Service
Hassle-free golf trip planning and expert travel advice.Trust
Over 25 years’ experience and rated excellent by our customers on Trustpilot.Choice
An extensive choice of venues across the USA and worldwide.Rewards
Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.Rewards
Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.Value
Guaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.Service
Hassle-free golf trip planning and expert travel advice.Trust
Over 25 years’ experience and rated excellent by our customers on Trustpilot.Choice
An extensive choice of venues across the USA and worldwide.Rewards
Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&blur=3&fit=crop&width=700&height=400)
.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&blur=3&fit=crop&width=700&height=400)
About Golfbreaks
Speciality golf packages
Proudly in partnership with
