Old Course
St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Here, at the genesis of the game, where golf is religion, The Old Course at St Andrews Links is not merely a golf course; it’s a pilgrimage. Set hard against the North Sea, the Old Course’s undulating fairways, cavernous bunkers, and shared greens are the embodiment of links golf – a landscape shaped by nature’s whims and centuries of play. The golfer must consider the weather more than the target. The Old Course evolved organically, with contributions from countless hands over centuries rather than any single named architect. Perhaps the most influential was Old Tom Morris, who served as Keeper of the Green and professional in the mid-19th century, subtly refining its strategic challenges and timeless appeal. St Andrews is the near constant host of The Open Championship, an almost permanent fixture and a course that always delivers worthy winners or breaks the hearts of the favorites. Beyond its architectural nuances, the Old Course is woven into the fabric of golfing lore. Revered by professionals and amateurs alike, its hallowed ground has witnessed countless iconic moments. While the course itself is open to all, the ballot system ensures that playing it remains a coveted experience, a lottery ticket to golfing immortality. To walk these fairways is to connect with the spirit of the game and become part of its enduring story, a fact made more apparent with the faces peering on from Rusacks Hotel just beyond the 18th green.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #6
Best in UK
Public: #4
Best in Scotland
Public: #3
Golfers say the Old Course delivers an unparalleled historical and emotional experience that consistently lives up to its legendary status, with most reviewers emphasizing the overwhelming sense of place, the iconic walk down 18, and memorable moments like teeing off on 1 and navigating the treacherous Road Hole on 17. Reviewers note the course integrates beautifully into the town of St. Andrews, where crowds gather behind 18 to applaud well-struck shots, creating a communal atmosphere unlike anywhere else in golf. Most praise the layout's subtlety and contours that have captivated golfers for centuries, though a few find the routing less exciting between the opening and closing stretches, with some holes failing to stand out on their own merit. While the course itself may not overwhelm with modern difficulty or dramatic views, golfers consistently describe it as a must-play pilgrimage that becomes more rewarding with repeated visits and an appreciation for its storied bunkers and strategic nuances.
9.4
445 players
One of a kind.
Everything you imagine it would be. I almost hate that we caught it on a day without wind and love that people congregate behind 18 to dole out claps for well struck shots.
Was disappointed the two times i played it after the excitement of teeing off 1 was a long walk to next exciting tee shot at 11. Loved the history of the place and buzz but not in my top 100 courses i played.
needs no introduction
Amazing experience getting to play with two R&A members. The advice of "just always keep it left" is really the best. Hitting over the hotel on 17 is one of the most nervy shots in golf!
Lives up to the hype
The history is unparalleled - and that is a big part of the fun. There are few courses that give you a sense of place when you tee it up there, like this has. With more plays I know I’d start to understand its subtleties and enjoy it more. But until then, when just looking at the golf courses, there are a lot of courses I prefer.
When you spend decades dreaming about playing a course, it’s wonderful when it lives up to your expectations. The Old Course was wonderful (although my caddie did puke halfway through the round).
Was underrated but cool based off the history of it all
This is the coolest experience I’ve had golfing. Just the history is almost overwhelming when you think about it all. The course is not difficult, aside from the Road Hole, which made a mess of me. I had a 70 yd Eagle putt on a double green, just unbelievably cool (I hit it past the hole). It’s so cool but certainly not your “modern” golf course, so I understand people saying it’s underwhelming, they just can’t appreciate the history and the scene that is walking down 18. I’d go back, but I imagine the second time isn’t nearly as remarkable as the first
Public courses closest to Old at St Andrews Links.
The pilgrimage to St Andrews Links most often begins at Edinburgh Airport, roughly an hour's drive north across the Firth of Forth and into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Private arrivals favor Leuchars Station or the modest Fife Airport at Glenrothes, both within twenty minutes of the town. The final miles trace the coastline, where glimpses of the North Sea announce your arrival before the grey stone spires and weathered links turf of St Andrews itself come into view - a landscape so steeped in history that the journey feels less like travel and more like stepping back through centuries to golf's very birthplace.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old at St Andrews Links has a Course Vaults score of 9.4 out of 10 based on 244 explicit golfer ratings.
Yes. Old at St Andrews Links is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Old is 72.
Old plays 6,721 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old is 138.
Old is a 18-hole course.
