Play the Old Course St Andrews

Whether you arrive at Glasgow or Edinburgh airport, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to St Andrews with our trusted local shuttle company. With the drive lasting a little over an hour, you can relax and enjoy the wonderfully scenic rolling hills and farmlands that make Central Scotland and Fife so grand. Optional Extras Upon arrival into St Andrews and either before or after checking into your hotel, your local guide will meet you at The Old Course for a mini tour and introduction. Following the introduction and tour of St Andrews we recommend you relax and have a round on the famous Himalayas Putting green to set you up nicely for the week ahead.

A ‘full Scottish’ breakfast awaits you every morning. Be tempted to order the ‘haggis’ along with your sausages, eggs, bacon, baked beans and tomatoes. ‘Haggis’ is a traditional Scottish seasoning that will remind you of a Thanksgiving stuffing your grandma used to make you eat! Considered by many locals to be better than The Old Course at St Andrews, The New Course is the perfect introduction to links golf. By new, we mean it was built by Tom Morris in 1895. Anything less than 150 years old in Scotland is new! Yet don’t be fooled by its name. This course is a true test of links golf and allows you to experience the wonderful view of the Eden Estuary and tight fairways that will test every aspect of your mid irons. At the 18th green of ‘the New’ golf course, you enter the St Andrews Links Clubhouse and buy authentic St. Andrews merchandise and dine in the elegant yet informal Swilcan Restaurant where you can view golfers playing both courses as you reminisce your own New Course experience.

Today, you're getting a true lesson in golf, out of all the links courses in the area Carnoustie is the toughest and will require every club in your bag! “It’s got length. It’s got great bunkering. You’ve really got to have your wits with you to play this golf course. It’s probably the best bunkered course that you’ll ever find anywhere in the world.” Ernie Els Having hosted The Open 7 times, Carnasty as it is commonly known is famous for ‘Hogan’s Alley’ the par five 6th hole and 'The Barry Burn' that runs through several holes. Perhaps the most famous occasion on the links was in 1999 when French golfer Jean Van De Velde stepped on to the 18th tee needing only a double bogey to win. He eventually took a triple bogey courtesy of the Barry Burn and went into a three way play-off which Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie later won. The drive from St Andrews to Carnoustie takes around 45 minutes. You will pass over the Tay Road Bridge leading through the city of Dundee followed by the picturesque towns of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth before eventually arriving in Carnoustie. Warming up is a must before this tough test of golf so your transfer will pick you up around 1 hour 30 minutes before your pre-booked tee time.

Today you’re in for a visual treat at Fife’s most picturesque links golf course. Despite only being 16 years old Kingsbarns has won many top awards and is a permanent fixture on the European Tour as part of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Tour Professional Graeme McDowell describes Kingsbarns as “the only other golf course in the world that compares to Pebble Beach for views and enjoyment”. Your private transfer will pick you up one hour before your planned tee time. After a short 10 minute drive from St Andrews you’ll arrive within the grounds of the Kingsbarns estate. The facilities are second to none in the area with a sizable practice area, putting green, clubhouse and pro shop. As your round gets under way Kingsbarns’ reputation as one of the most picturesque links courses in Fife will be confirmed as you gaze in wonder at the semicircular bay that provides breathtaking views from every hole. The velvet links and gently sloping fairways provide the ultimate challenge for those seeking a pure Scottish links golf experience. It's sublime. Our favorite hole is the Par 3 15th that depending on the wind will require a 130 yard to 210 yard shot over water and be sure not to miss right of the green. After your round be sure to visit the clubhouse overlooking the 18th fairway which is perched on the hill providing sweeping 180 degree views of the course and the North Sea as well as high quality local food.

Today you’re in for a relaxing stroll along the sandy links course of the Crail Golfing Society. A favorite course for couples, Crail is 5922 yards in length, has three par 5’s, six par 3’s and nine par 4’s and the ninth oldest course in Scotland, no wonder it was designed by Old Tom Morris from 1894 to 1898. The drive from St Andrews to Crail takes around 20 minutes but Kevin will arrange to have you picked up 1 hour before your tee time. Along the way you will start to get a real feel for the day ahead with views of the North Sea from the car as you drive past the Castle Course, St Andrews Bay and Kingsbarns before eventually arriving in Crail. It is perfect for couples wishing to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views of the Firth of Forth while playing a mix of challenging and fun golf holes. Accuracy more than length is the key to Crail and the ladies have often walked away winning the points here against the men who often over reach on the risk vs reward and come away be tempered by Crail. Crail is a low key, very friendly and smaller course, tucked away on the headland 1 mile from the town of Crail and surrounded by farmland. Our favorite hole on the links course for the ladies has to be the par 3 14th hole. This downhill par 3 with stunning scenery in the backdrop is not the only distraction. The hole is protected by bunkers and accuracy is crucial in order to par this memorable golf hole. Be sure to take a picture before leaving the tee to capture the magical view. Romantic Dinner in St Andrews The Grange at St Andrews is simply one of our highest recommended restaurants for couples enjoy the Kingdom of Fife. This charming stone built restaurant has an earthy warmth to it with views across the fields on the outskirts of St Andrews. With Michelin star gourmet food, delightful wines and beautifully presented desserts including our favorite creme brulee, an evening dining in The Grange at St Andrews will be a highlight of your romantic couples golf vacation for many years to come.

Today we take a slight break from the windy links courses of St Andrews to walk the fairways of the Jack Nicklaus designed and host of the 2014 Ryder Cup Gleneagles PGA Centenary. The drive from St Andrews is just over an hour so our trusted local concierge service will pick you up 2 hours before your tee time to allow you to use the driving range or grab a bite to eat in the clubhouse. Away from the flat links courses of the coast this is your chance to sample some of Scotland's finest scenery with panoramic views of Ben Vorlich and the mountains of the Trossachs. After your round be sure to check out the wide range of facilities offered in the clubhouse, from the Blue Bar for whisky lovers or the Century Bar for the finest local produce, with 8 to choose from you will not be disappointed!

The morning of playing 'the Old' as the locals call St. Andrews Old Course is filled with excitement. For first timers, it is a special occasion to walk in the footsteps of the greatest golfers. For those playing 'the old' again, it is a time to make good on some of those holes which made you swallow your pride on. No matter what, the wind will pick up and what appears a simple 3 wood or 7 iron, will muster every nerve in your body to remain calm. Yet the beauty of the St. Andrews silhouetted town in the background of the Links on the back 9 as you head back from about the 14th fairway is a magical feeling. Our resident St. Andrews caddie tour guide will have breakfast briefing notes for you to take onto the course with 2 tips per hole. After your round of golf, be sure to walk 3 minutes to to the famous Dunvegan Hotel for a pint of Scotland's finest ale, sharing photos and reminiscing about your miraculous (and not so wonderful) shots from playing St. Andrews. The golfing memorabilia on the walls of the Dunvegan Hotel tell the history of this epicenter of golf. Retire to the spacious luxury of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort Spa and enjoy one of the many dining choices available including the Sands Grill for local seafood or prime Scottish beef in style or or the Jigger Inn for a hearty pub meal and view over the 17th fairway up to the iconic Royal and Ancient members clubhouse in St. Andrews.

In accordance with your flight time, Kevin will arrange to have you picked up in plenty of time and drive you to the airport.