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By David Brice

When the St. Andrews Bay Resort first opened in the summer of 2001, it was not without its share of critics. Even though the resort was located a couple of miles along the coast from the ancient town of St. Andrews, it was considered something of an outsider, if not an outright imposter. An American developer building an American styled resort hotel together with not just one, but two new golf courses, all on the very doorstep of golf's birthplace, was a lot for the locals to digest. But five years on, how things have changed.

The new kid on the block no more; St. Andrews Bay has evolved into a permanent and very welcome fixture on the St. Andrews area landscape. Visitors have learned that American innovations such as air conditioning, large spacious rooms and true 5 star luxury are conveniences to be appreciated. As for the two golf courses, they may still be youngsters, but each is acknowledged as a valuable addition to the St. Andrews golf inventory.

The majestic 18th green at St. Andrews Bay Torrance course.

The Torrance Course, designed by 2002, European Ryder Cup Captain, Sam Torrance, and the older of the two layouts by a year, has already worked its way onto the prestigious, Top 100 Courses in Britain and Ireland rankings. It made a rather grand entry this year in position number 88; suggesting bigger and better things lie not too far ahead. The Devlin Course, designed by Australian Bruce Devlin and opened in 2002, isn't running far behind. Within a year or two, this layout, which is the more testing of the two, will certainly be giving its older brother a run for the money.

The two tracks are entirely different one from the other, sharing only their stunning cliff-top setting, but what a setting it is. To the north, spectacular views across the North Sea to the lighthouse at Carnoustie, sitting on the opposite shoreline just 12 miles away. To the west, stimulating vistas along the coast and across the medieval skyline of St. Andrews itself. It's as if the Golf Gods are watching and inspirational enough to help you play golf as you have never played the game before.

Measuring a healthy 7,037 yards from the tips, the Torrance is a more traditional layout where the true strengths of the design reveal themselves on the back 9. But don't be misled, the course's forgiveness on the first few holes, quickly dissipates as impatience takes over in its eagerness to show-off the thrills that lie ahead - and there are thrills a-plenty.

Golfers enjoy stunning views from the St. Andrews Bay Torrance course

From the 14th, playing toward the sea, with the green perched precariously on the very edge of the cliff, the course becomes progressively testy as it leads to the signature 17th, a beauty of a 452-yard par 4. After playing your way down to the rugged cliff edge, the hole meanders back to the bay. The open sea and out of bounds is on the right, a menacing bunker on the left with a final approach shot that must be played across a gaping ravine. It's an exhilarating experience to say the very least.

As wonderful as the Torrance may be, it's the Devlin that proves to be the real test for the low handicapper. The layout takes full advantage of the unique, cliff-top location, developing a mind game that soon develops into a cross between Russian roulette and golf.

Many of the greens cling to the very edge of the cliffs, creating a visual impression of being suspended in mid-air. Approach shots must be made with only the sea and horizon in view, making club selection and accuracy difficult, but essential for a good score. The fear of overshooting the green and losing your ball to the crashing waves below becomes a major fear factor for even the tough guys.

Beautifully sculpted, undulating greens crown each hole, the ever rolling fairways, generously peppered with hungry pot bunkers and constant changes in elevation, only adding to the stern examination of skills demanded. And keeping you on your toes, the incessant and often cruel wind, gusting in from the North Sea, takes full advantage of this very exposed layout.

Intimidating? Yes, but this is a layout that is also stimulating. The Devlin is quite unique and with the ever-present eye of St. Andrews constantly looking over your shoulder, the experience is thoroughly memorable and not to be missed.

The Canadian, Fairmont chain recently acquired the hotel and its two courses. No strangers to operating world-class golf resorts (such as the excellent golf properties they run in the Canadian Rockies at Banff and Jasper among others) the addition of the Fairmont St. Andrews Bay will do them proud.

The Torrance and the Devlin courses do nothing less for the town of St. Andrews - they present serious golf for serious golfers and as most agree, make a pair of worthy additions to the impressive selection of courses calling St. Andrews home.

For more ideas on how best to include the challenges of St. Andrews Bay in your itinerary, click here.

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© 2006 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.