St Andrews Links
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. Today there are seven public golf courses: the Balgove, Eden, Jubilee, Strathtyrum, New, and the Old Course all on the links, and The Castle Course, a mile to the east of the town. The famous Old Course is widely considered one of the finest courses in the world. The courses of St Andrews Links are owned by the local authorities and operated by St Andrews Links Trust, a charitable organization.
| West Sands Beach running along the coast to the left with the St Andrews Links and the town of St Andrews to the right | |
| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 56°21′06″N 2°49′05″W / 56.35167°N 2.81806°W |
| Location | St Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| Established | Over 6 centuries |
| Type | Public |
| Operated by | St Andrews Links Trust |
| Events hosted | The Open Championship Alfred Dunhill Links Championship St Andrews Links Trophy |
| Old Course | |
| Par | 72 |
| Length | 6,721 yards (6,146 m) |
| Course record | 61; Ross Fisher (2017) [1] |
| The Castle Course | |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6,759 yards (6,180 m) |
| New Course | |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6,625 yards (6,058 m) |
| Jubilee Course | |
| Par | 72 |
| Length | 6,742 yards (6,165 m) |
| Eden Course | |
| Par | 70 |
| Length | 6,250 yards (5,720 m) |
| Strathtyrum Course | |
| Par | 69 |
| Length | 5,620 yards (5,140 m) |
| Balgove Course | |
| Par | 30 |
| Length | 1,520 yards (1,390 m) |
In general, St Andrews is a popular hub for golf tourism, as there is a high density of links and heathland courses in the area. In addition to the public courses there are two courses at the privately owned Fairmont Hotel (Torrance and Kittocks) to the south of the town; and the Duke's and Drumoig, both inland parkland courses to the west. A few miles further South are the modern links of Kingsbarns and the traditional Balcomie links at Crail. Also nearby are the courses at Elie, Lundin, Leven, Scotscraig and Anstruther. Within 45 minutes drive are Monifieth, Carnoustie and Panmure.
St Andrews is also home to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the most prestigious golf clubs and, until 2004, one of the two rule-making authorities of golf.
History edit
The history of St Andrews Links goes back to 1552 when John Hamilton was granted a charter to establish a rabbit warren to the north of the links.[2] The St Andrews Links Charter refers to the public ownership of the links and the right of the people of St Andrews to play golf and other games.[3] The right to play golf on the links were subsequently confirmed in local and royal charters.[3]
| St. Andrews Links Act 1894 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to empower the Commissioners of the city and royal burgh of St. Andrews to acquire the Links of St. Andrews for a public park and recreation ground and for other purposes. |
| Citation | 57 & 58 Vict. c. lxxxiv |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 20 July 1894 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 |
Status: Repealed | |
| St. Andrews Burgh Extension and Links Order Confirmation Act 1913 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Burgh Extension and Links. |
| Citation | 3 & 4 Geo. 5. c. xxviii |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 4 July 1913 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by |
|
Status: Amended | |
| St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1924 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Links. |
| Citation | 14 & 15 Geo. 5. c. xii |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 29 May 1924 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 |
Status: Repealed | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1932 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Links and adjoining lands. |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 16 June 1932 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 |
Status: Amended | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1946 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 relating to St. Andrews Links. |
| Citation | 10 & 11 Geo. 6. c. i |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 |
Status: Repealed | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936, relating to St. Andrews Links. |
| Citation | 1974 c. iii |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 10 April 1974 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes |
|
Status: Current legislation | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The land was acquired by James Cheape, owner of the adjacent Strathtyrum estate, in 1821 and sold by his brother's grandson, also named James Cheape, to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1893.[4][5][6] Control of St Andrews Links was regulated by the St. Andrews Links Act 1894 and St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 which resulted in the creation of the St Andrews Links Trust.[7]
Public courses edit
Balgove Course edit
The Balgove Course, named after the farm on which it was built,[8] is a 1,520 yard, par 30, nine-hole course. It was originally opened in 1972 and remodeled in 1993.[9]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 60 | |
| White | M: 57.0 / 79 W: 57.6 / 80 | 220 | 219 | 104 | 194 | 161 | 298 | 103 | 116 | 105 | 1520 | 220 | 219 | 104 | 194 | 161 | 298 | 103 | 116 | 105 | 1520 | 3040 |
The Castle Course edit
The Castle Course opened in June 2008, becoming the seventh public course at St Andrews. It is set on a rugged-cliff top a mile to the east of St Andrews with extensive views over the town, and was designed by the architect David McLay Kidd.[11] The course is a par 71 and measures 6,759 yards from the back tees.[12]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 71 | |
| Black | M: 73.6 / 139 | 346 | 404 | 202 | 540 | 536 | 421 | 456 | 141 | 381 | 3427 | 167 | 402 | 454 | 179 | 400 | 585 | 406 | 184 | 555 | 3332 | 6759 |
| Blue | M: 71.7 / 137 | 337 | 394 | 179 | 518 | 504 | 399 | 429 | 129 | 351 | 3240 | 154 | 385 | 415 | 154 | 376 | 555 | 390 | 174 | 533 | 3136 | 6376 |
| Green | M: 67.3 / 126 W: 73.0 / 131 | 300 | 344 | 145 | 476 | 446 | 355 | 341 | 122 | 314 | 2843 | 130 | 289 | 340 | 119 | 312 | 509 | 346 | 142 | 430 | 2617 | 5460 |
Eden Course edit
The Eden Course opened in 1914 after demand on the existing courses grew. It was designed by Harry Colt, and alterations in 1989 by Donald Steel maintain Colt's standards.[14] It was named after the Eden estuary by which it resides, as the profits from mussels collected there once made up an important part of the St Andrews economy.[8]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | Men/Women | 4 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 35/37 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4/5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 35/36 | 70/73 |
| Black | M: 70.6 / 125 W: 76.0 / 129 | 326 | 449 | 417 | 273 | 144 | 407 | 346 | 178 | 505 | 3045 | 196 | 375 | 341 | 422 | 350 | 170 | 568 | 432 | 351 | 3205 | 6250 |
| Blue | M: 68.9 / 121 W: 73.9 / 125 | 301 | 438 | 402 | 251 | 125 | 376 | 307 | 155 | 484 | 2839 | 187 | 364 | 326 | 404 | 334 | 151 | 523 | 407 | 334 | 3030 | 5869 |
| Green | M: 67.9 / 119 W: 72.1 / 122 | 270 | 438 | 402 | 240 | 119 | 371 | 291 | 139 | 466 | 2736 | 148 | 327 | 283 | 404 | 316 | 108 | 433 | 378 | 317 | 2714 | 5450 |
Jubilee Course edit
The Jubilee Course is the third championship golf course at the Home of Golf. It was named after Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897.[16]
Originally intended for Victorian dressed ladies, and other golf beginners, it has evolved into one of the hardest courses at St Andrews Links. The course is commonly used to test junior and amateur golfers for the British Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, as well as the St Andrews Links Trophy.[17]
Initially a 12-hole course,[18] it was expanded to 18 holes in 1905. The course has seen considerable developments under the management of Willie Auchterlonie, Donald Steel, David Wilson and Graeme Taylor. It now plays at around 6,745 yards, and is host to the St Andrews Links Trophy. The Jubilee is one of several courses in Scotland that are under threat from erosion.[19]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | Men/Women | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4/5 | 4 | 4/5 | 3 | 4 | 36/38 | 72/74 |
| Black | M: 72.6 / 131 | 367 | 360 | 546 | 371 | 162 | 498 | 373 | 369 | 192 | 3238 | 411 | 497 | 538 | 188 | 438 | 356 | 428 | 211 | 437 | 3504 | 6742 |
| Blue | M: 71.2 / 127 | 337 | 352 | 524 | 349 | 141 | 480 | 341 | 344 | 182 | 3050 | 403 | 488 | 516 | 176 | 423 | 346 | 418 | 199 | 405 | 3374 | 6424 |
| Green | M: 69.2 / 123 W: 74.6 / 128 | 318 | 271 | 506 | 332 | 132 | 422 | 329 | 326 | 139 | 2775 | 387 | 470 | 479 | 147 | 415 | 341 | 409 | 180 | 372 | 3200 | 5975 |
Strathtyrum Course edit
The Strathtyrum Course, opened in July 1993, became the first new 18 hole layout at St Andrews in nearly 80 years.[21] It was built on land that was previously part of the Strathtyrum estate and sold to the St Andrews Links Trust by Mrs Gladys Cheape in 1986.[4][22]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | Men/Women | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5/4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 34/33 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 69/68 |
| Black | M: 66.2 / 107 W: 71.7 / 116 | 332 | 350 | 154 | 298 | 497 | 125 | 331 | 183 | 366 | 2636 | 338 | 512 | 389 | 168 | 350 | 300 | 137 | 376 | 414 | 2984 | 5620 |
| Blue | M: 63.4 / 101 W: 68.2 / 108 | 327 | 319 | 149 | 256 | 451 | 120 | 290 | 160 | 340 | 2412 | 292 | 442 | 312 | 143 | 312 | 265 | 120 | 321 | 385 | 2592 | 5004 |
| Green | M: 62.0 / 99 W: 66.8 / 105 | 315 | 312 | 140 | 248 | 384 | 110 | 284 | 154 | 334 | 2281 | 288 | 401 | 308 | 133 | 264 | 257 | 114 | 314 | 345 | 2424 | 4705 |
Old Course edit
The Old Course, believed to be the oldest golf course in the world, dates back more than 600 years.[24]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | Men/Women | 4 | 4/5 | 4 | 4/5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 36/38 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4/5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4/5 | 4 | 36/38 | 72/76 |
| SI | Men/Women | 10/12 | 6/14 | 16/8 | 8/6 | 2 | 12/10 | 4 | 14/18 | 18/16 | 15/13 | 7/17 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 9/5 | 13/9 | 5/7 | 17/15 | |||
| Black | M: 73.1 / 132 | 376 | 411 | 370 | 419 | 514 | 374 | 359 | 166 | 347 | 3336 | 340 | 174 | 316 | 418 | 530 | 414 | 381 | 455 | 357 | 3385 | 6721 |
| Blue | M: 71.4 / 129 | 355 | 395 | 337 | 411 | 514 | 360 | 349 | 154 | 289 | 3164 | 311 | 164 | 304 | 388 | 523 | 391 | 345 | 436 | 361 | 3223 | 6387 |
| Green | M: 69.9 / 125 W: 75.5 / 138 | 339 | 375 | 321 | 401 | 454 | 325 | 335 | 145 | 261 | 2956 | 296 | 150 | 304 | 377 | 487 | 369 | 325 | 426 | 342 | 3076 | 6032 |
New Course edit
The New Course, located adjacent to the Old Course, was paid for and commissioned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club who asked Old Tom Morris to be designer. The New Course opened for play in 1895.[26]
| Tee | Rating/Slope | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | Men/Women | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4/5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 36/37 | 4/5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4/5 | 3 | 4/5 | 35/38 | 71/75 |
| Black | M: 72.8 / 127 | 336 | 367 | 511 | 369 | 180 | 445 | 356 | 481 | 225 | 3270 | 464 | 368 | 518 | 157 | 386 | 394 | 431 | 229 | 408 | 3355 | 6625 |
| Blue | M: 71.6 / 125 | 299 | 367 | 511 | 351 | 167 | 433 | 336 | 472 | 225 | 3161 | 457 | 331 | 493 | 147 | 370 | 379 | 416 | 211 | 397 | 3201 | 6362 |
| Green | M: 69.9 / 121 W: 75.4 / 128 | 282 | 356 | 500 | 351 | 158 | 401 | 320 | 464 | 204 | 3036 | 427 | 308 | 447 | 133 | 363 | 312 | 388 | 192 | 386 | 2956 | 5992 |
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Herrington, Ryan. "Ross Fisher breaks the Old Course scoring record ... in disappointing fashion - Golf Digest". Golf Digest. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
- ^ "Royal and Ancient Golf Club House, The Scores, Golf Place". Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- ^ a b "1574 St Andrews - The Student Golfer". Golfiana Caledonia. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
- ^ a b Hagen, John Peter (2011). Play Away Please: The Tale of the Sale of Golf's Greatest Icon – The St Andrews Old Course Starter's Box. Random House. ISBN 9781907195754. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ Malcolm, David (2011). Tom Morris of St Andrews the Colossus of Golf 1821-1908. Edinburgh: Birlinn. ISBN 9780857901071. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ Slovick, Lyle (September 2012). "The St Andrews 'Rabbit Wars' of 1801–1821" (PDF). Through the Green. British Golf Collectors Society. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ Peper, George (2008). Two Years in St. Andrews: At Home on the 18th Hole. Simon and Schuster. pp. 170–171. ISBN 9781416534310. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
- ^ a b . Archived from the original on 8 September 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2008.
- ^ . St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 6 June 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The Balgove Course Scorecard" (PDF).
- ^ . St Andrews Links. 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ Ian Wood (1 June 2008). "Castle course Poses Sternest of Tests". The Scotsman. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The Castle Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ . St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The Eden Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ "Jubilee Course at St Andrews" (web). 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2008.
- ^ "Jubilee Course at St Andrews" (web). 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2008.
- ^ Charles Hillinger (6 December 1987). "Where the Games Began". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ Ellen Hale (17 July 2001). "Erosion Threatens Legendary British Golf Courses". USA Today. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The Jubilee Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ "The Strathtyrum Course". St Andrews Links. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ Glen, Duncan (1998). Illustrious Fife: Literary, Historical & Architectural Pathways & Walks. Kirkcaldy, Scotland: Akros. p. 14. ISBN 9780861420872. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ "The Strathtyrum Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ . St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The Old Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ "The Old Course". St Andrews Links. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
- ^ "The New Course scorecard". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
External links edit
- St Andrews Links official site