Old Course at St Andrews

#5 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Golf

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Map

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Facts and practical information

The Old Course at St Andrews is a revered icon in the world of golf, known as the "Home of Golf" and situated in Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom. This ancient golf course is renowned for its rich history, having been established in the early 15th century, and it is widely considered one of the oldest courses in the world. The Old Course has a unique 18-hole layout that has set the standard for courses worldwide.

Spanning a length of 6,721 yards, the par-72 course is characterized by its wide fairways, deep pot bunkers, and large double greens, where multiple holes share the same putting surface. The course's most famous feature is the Swilcan Bridge, a small stone bridge on the 18th hole that has become an enduring symbol of the game.

The Old Course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including The Open Championship more than any other venue. It is a public course, making it accessible to golfers from around the globe who wish to walk in the footsteps of the sport's greatest players.

As the centerpiece of the St Andrews Links, the Old Course is not just a golf course but a pilgrimage destination for golf enthusiasts. Its undulating grounds, challenging holes, and the ever-present winds coming off the North Sea make every round a test of skill and patience.

Alternative names: Established: 1552 (472 years ago)Coordinates: 56°21'10"N, 2°49'1"W

Location

West SandsScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Old Course at St Andrews – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St Andrews Links, St Andrews Castle, Botanic Garden, Swilcan Bridge.

~430 ftSW
Golf
St Andrews Links, St Andrews
3 min walk • St Andrews Links in the town of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, is regarded as the "Home of Golf". It has one of the oldest courses in the world, where the game has been played since the 15th century.
1.3 miSE
Ruined 13th-century castle with dungeon
St Andrews Castle, St Andrews
32 min walk • St Andrews Castle is a ruin located in the coastal Royal Burgh of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. The castle sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a small beach called Castle Sands and the adjoining North Sea.
1.3 miS
Garden, Park
Botanic Garden, St Andrews
33 min walk • The St Andrews Botanic Garden is an 18-acre botanical garden in the university town of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. It is located on the banks of the wooded Kinness Burn in the Canongate area, on the southern edge of the town.
0.8 miSE
Bridge
Swilcan Bridge, St Andrews
20 min walk • The Swilcan Bridge, or Swilken Bridge, or Swilcanth as it was known, is a small stone bridge in St Andrews Links golf course, Scotland. The bridge spans the Swilcan Burn between the first and eighteenth fairways on the Old Course, and has become an important image in the sport of golf.
1 miSE
Nightlife, Cinema
New Picture House, St Andrews
27 min walk • The New Picture House is an independent cinema located in St Andrews, Scotland. It was first opened in 1930 and it contains three cinema screens. The largest cinema has a row of special seats with electronic black recliners, and also has a ground level and balcony seating area.
1.3 miSE
56°20'11"N • 2°48'7"W
St Andrews Indoor Golf Centre, St Andrews
32 min walk • Golf, Sport complex, Outdoor activities
1.1 miSE
Museum, Specialty museum
Museum of the University of St Andrews, St Andrews
29 min walk • The Wardlaw Museum is associated with the University of St Andrews. The museum houses a selection of the university's historic, artistic and scientific collections, which comprise over 115,000 artefacts. They are displayed across four galleries which aim to tell the story of the university.
1.3 miSE
City hall
St Andrews Town Hall, St Andrews
32 min walk • St Andrews Town Hall is a municipal structure in South Street, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The structure, which is the meeting place of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, is a Category B listed building.
1 miSE
Museum, Specialty museum
St Andrews Museum, St Andrews
26 min walk • The St Andrews Museum is a museum focusing on the history of the town of St Andrews in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
0.8 miSE
Museum, Specialty museum
The R&A World Golf Museum, St Andrews
22 min walk • The R&A World Golf Museum is located opposite the clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland. The R&A owns and operates the museum.
1 miSE
Church
St James' Catholic Church, St Andrews
26 min walk • St James is a small Roman Catholic church at 17 The Scores in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The church was designed by Reginald Fairlie and built in 1910, replacing a former 'tin' church, and is a Category B listed building.

Old Course at St Andrews

Facts and practical information

Old Course at St Andrews plan & book

Old Course at St Andrews – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)