ST ANDREWS LINKS
🏴 St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Designed by Old Tom Morris
Built upon the foundations of a medieval castle, The Castle Course at St Andrews Links represents both a bold departure and a reverent homage to golfing tradition. Situated on the elevated cliffs just outside St Andrews, overlooking the historic town, the course offers panoramic views and presents a distinctly modern challenge.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, The Castle Course, opened in 2008, offers something completely different than the other St Andrews Links courses. Featuring undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers, the course favors a creative shot-maker with a keen eye for risk and reward. Its expansive layout and challenging greens complexes, featuring multiple tiers and swales, demand strategic approaches and precise putting.
While newer than its celebrated neighbors, The Castle Course has quickly gained recognition as a formidable test of golf. Although not currently a venue for major professional championships, it plays a crucial role in providing a diverse golfing experience within the St Andrews Links Trust, broadening the appeal of the "Home of Golf" to players of all skill levels. The Castle Course stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of golf, offering a contemporary experience steeped in the history and lore of the game's birthplace.
Reviews
Incredible views. Tom doak is a punk for his 0. It’s a fun course with incredible views. One of the best par 3’s as well
I didn’t know how poorly rated this course was by the “purists” before I played it & am thankful for it because I thought it was a great track. Did I love making a 7 on a the 180yd forced carry par-3 17th to limp home to a 78 after golfing my ball all day? No. But I wasn’t playing there to shoot a PB. This course will force you to hit the most uncomfortable of shots & for me, that’s really fun. Tough walk & can absolutely kick your teeth in, but the unique views of the town St. Andrew’s are spectacular. I think people who shit on this course fall into 1 (or more) of 3 categories: 1) hack 2) out of shape 3) brainwashed by Tom Doak.
Great views of the town of St. Andrews. Conditions are usually good and the facility is impressive, but the layout is really silly. Some of the holes are fun, but plenty of blind shots and some really crazy green complexes. No need to go out of your way to play this course with so many other good courses within 30 min.
I won’t be as harsh as my employer Tom Doak, who rated this course a 0. The place is unplayable with anything more than a 10 mph wind. Given its location that is extremely rare. The last two holes on each 9 are epic rides along the coast that can inspire, but other than that this golf course is a definite skip on any trip. If you can’t get on The Old play the Eden, New, or leave St. Andrews. Precious time in Scotland should not be wasted here.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Castle at St Andrews Links has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 43 explicit golfer ratings.
The Castle was designed by Old Tom Morris.
Yes. The Castle at St Andrews Links is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Castle is 71.
The Castle plays 6,759 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Castle is 139.
