St Andrews Old Course as a single golfer

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, Kevin will meet you at The Old Course for a mini tour and introduction. Following the introduction and tour of St Andrews Kevin will then take you for a round on the famous Himalayas Putting green setting 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.

Playing The Old Course as a single golfer adds a certain excitement to the experience. The early morning walk to the golf course, the excitement and anticipation whilst waiting for the shout and of course the guidance of Kevin during your round all make this a truly memorable experience. Your Old Course pilgrimage will start in the early hours, the excitement of playing the Old Course means sleeping will be difficult anyway. Staying just yards from the course, you will make your way down to the ‘Old Pavilion’ and join the singles line. As the sun rises over the North Sea and the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse you will no doubt share golfing stories with others in the line, perhaps even forge new friendships or golfing buddies for the week. Why not enjoy a bacon roll for breakfast in the pavilion as you wait or practice your putting on one of the two practice putting greens by the first tee. Watch as four-ball after four-ball tee off, feel the excitement grow as your number gets closer. After you get the shout, Kevin will be on hand to look after you, calming your nerves, escorting you to the first tee and choosing that vital first club. For first timers, it's a special occasion to finally walk in the footsteps of the greatest golfers that lived. For those playing 'the old' again, it's an opportunity to make good on some of the holes that made you swallow your pride in the past. Kevin’s advice will be vital especially as the wind picks up and what may look like a simple 8 iron will become a 6 or 5 iron. With the front nine being the easier of the two, you will have to hold your nerve on the back nine if a good score is to be achieved. Nevertheless, as you reach the 14th tee the excitement will begin to grow as you get your first glimpse of the old town and your score may not be so important. Playing 17 and 18 are special moments and should be treasured forever, the tee shot on 17, the road hole bunker, the Swilcan Bridge, the 18th tee shot and of course the approach to the green which can often be daunting as the crowds begin arrive to cheer you on. After your round of golf, be sure to walk 3 minutes to the famous Dunvegan Hotel for a pint of Scotland's finest ale, sharing photos and reminiscing about the miraculous (and not so miraculous) shots from playing St. Andrews. The golfing memorabilia on the walls of the Dunvegan Hotel tell the history of the epicenter of golf.

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 combination of stunning coastal views, centuries of history and hugely enjoyable golf at one of Scotland’s most popular of golfing gems. The drive from St Andrews to Crail takes around 20 minutes but Kevin will pick you 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. Although the Balcomie Links was redesigned by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the golfing society of Crail is actually the 7th oldest in the world having been formed in 1786. While the card of the course is not typical in that there are three par 5’s, six par 3’s and nine par 4’s the course does provide an even mix of easy and hard holes that are synonymous with a Tom Morris design. Our favorite hole on the links has to be the par 4 fifth. At 447 yards this has to be one of the hardest par 4’s in the world, especially when the wind is up. A dogleg to the right including a tee shot over the rocky beach, this hole provides the golfer with a risk and reward situation and stunning scenery. Overall, you are sure to use every club in your bag at this unique links course. After your round and prior to heading back to St Andrews, Kevin will take you to the old fishing villages of Pittenweem and Anstruther where you can indulge in some of the best seafood in the area including traditional fish and chips or Cullen Skink.

Your exclusive Scotland golfing trip requires one more sensational and memorable round of links golf. The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee at St Andrews is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988. You must be accurate off the tee at this most challenging of links courses otherwise a high score is inevitable!

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