New at St Andrews Links

The New Course at St Andrews Links, far from an upstart, quietly celebrates its place alongside its more storied neighbor, a course conceived in the late 19th century to relieve pressure on the Old Course. Crafted on land adjacent to the Eden Estuary, it presents a deceptively subtle test, where firm turf and cleverly contoured greens demand strategic thinking as much as brute force.

This classic links layout, designed by Old Tom Morris, is characterized by undulating fairways and pot bunkers that are often hidden from the tee. It favors players who can shape their shots and control their trajectory in the ever-present coastal winds. While lacking the dramatic dunes of some links courses, the New Course possesses a unique charm, rewarding intelligent play and exacting a price for over-aggression. Subtle undulations and blind approaches make this course memorable.

While it may not host the Open Championship, the New Course has been a regular venue for prestigious amateur events, subtly testing the mettle of future stars and club members alike. Overlooked by some in the shadow of its more famous sibling, the New Course offers a more accessible experience without sacrificing the inherent challenges and timeless appeal of links golf. It is a place where tradition and camaraderie intertwine, where members often gather in the clubhouse to replay their rounds over a pint and share stories that have been passed down through generations.