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The Global Golfer Top 100
St Andrews — The Old Course
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland · #2 in the World
Location: St Andrews, Fife, Scotland | Ranking: #2 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Editor’s Note: There is nowhere else like St Andrews. The shared fairways, the enormous double greens, the Valley of Sin, and the Swilcan Bridge — it is not merely a golf course but a living museum. Every golfer owes it to the game to make the pilgrimage. The Old Course rewards course management and imagination far more than raw power. Book well in advance; the ballot is competitive.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: St Andrews sits on the east coast of Fife. Drive across the Tay Bridge from Dundee (20 mins) or via the A91 from Edinburgh (1h 15m).
- Nearest Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) — approx. 1 hour 20 mins. Dundee Airport (DND) — 30 mins.
- By Train: Edinburgh Waverley to Leuchars station; taxi or bus to St Andrews (15 mins).
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +44 (0)1334 466666 | Email: reservations@standrews.com
- Website: standrews.com
- How to Book: The Old Course operates a daily ballot — apply online the day before. Confirmed tee times are also available direct but very limited in summer. Package bookings via The Links Trust combine multiple St Andrews courses.
- Course Rating / Slope: Championship: 75.7 / 145 | Medal: 73.1 / 138
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 |
| Yards | 376 | 453 | 397 | 480 | 568 | 416 | 395 | 175 | 352 | 3,612 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 380 | 174 | 348 | 465 | 614 | 456 | 423 | 495 | 356 | 3,711 | 7,305 |
4. Hole-by-Hole Strategy
Hole 1 — Burn (Par 4, 376 Yards)
- Strategy: The widest opening shot in championship golf — the entire town appears to be your fairway. Aim left-centre. The Swilcan Burn crosses in front, so never be short. Shared green with 18.
Hole 5 — Hole O’Cross Out (Par 5, 568 Yards)
- Strategy: The longest hole on the course. The approach must navigate the Spectacles — two enormous bunkers in the centre of the fairway. Play around them right for the best angle to the shared green.
Hole 14 — Long (Par 5, 614 Yards)
- Strategy: The Hell Bunker sits menacingly in the centre of the fairway at drive distance. Miss it to the right; any ball in Hell typically costs two shots to escape. The Beardies lurk left off the tee.
Hole 17 — Road Hole (Par 4, 495 Yards)
- Strategy: Ranked the hardest hole in major championship golf. The tee shot must carry the corner of the hotel outbuildings — a nerve-shredding blind drive. The Road Hole Bunker (front left of green) is almost unplayable once entered.
Hole 18 — Tom Morris (Par 4, 356 Yards)
- Strategy: Walk the Swilcan Bridge — it is mandatory. The approach must carry the Valley of Sin, a treacherous hollow front-left. One of the most theatrical finishing holes in sport, with the R&A and the town as backdrop.
5. The 19th Hole — Where to Stay & Dine
- The Old Course Hotel: Golf’s most famous address. Bay windows overlook the 17th Road Hole. The Road Hole Restaurant is Michelin quality. Book via Expedia →
- The Rusacks Hotel: Directly above the 18th green. Watch finishing putts from your room. Recently restored to five-star standard.
- The Dunvegan: The golfer’s pub of choice since 1896. Post-round pint, pie and golf talk. No visit complete without it.
- The Seafood Ristorante: Overlooking the West Sands beach — the finest seafood in Fife.