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By David Brice
Golf International Inc.

St. Andrews is filled with more than 1000 years of history.

The historic small town of St. Andrews with its resident population of less than 18,000 is arguably one of Scotland's most famous communities. While the vast majority of those reading this column, know the town as the home of golf and the place that gave birth to the game, more than 6 centuries ago, St. Andrews' golf connection is much more than just The Old Course.

Considered as the largest golf complex in all of Europe, St. Andrews' five 18-hole courses increases to six next summer with the opening of the new Castle Course on July 3rd. In addition there is a 9-hole course, an extensive driving range, a Golf Academy with practice facilities and two clubhouses. A third clubhouse will open at the Castle Course next year.

St. Andrews Old Course - the place where it all began

All of St. Andrews current golf facilities are conveniently clustered together, within the town limits, literally within a ten-minute walk of the commercial and historic center. The new Castle Course is located a brief two miles along the coast from downtown St. Andrews.

A fact often misunderstood by visitors is that all of St. Andrews' golf courses and supporting facilities are publicly owned, operated by St. Andrews Links Trust, a non-profit organization created by an Act of Parliament to oversee the management and preservation of the Links. Far from being some exclusive, private club, St. Andrews golf facilities are open for all to enjoy. From the rank beginner who has never touched a golf club previously, to the most accomplished scratch golfer, St. Andrews has something for everyone, regardless of golfing abilities.

St. Andrews New Course uses gorse very effectively in its defense arsenal.

Understanding a little of the differences between the St. Andrews courses will go a long way toward helping every visitor get the most out of any stay in the home of golf.

The Old Course (6,721 yards -- par 72) Maximum handicap is 24 for men and 36 for ladies and the course is open for play from Mondays thru Saturdays, year round (the course is closed to play on Sundays).

Guaranteed starting times, though in short supply are available through a number of different packages which include a 3 or 4 night stay in a stipulated St. Andrews hotel and a second round on one of the other town courses. You will however have to pay a premium for these packages and it may be best to use the services of an experienced, professional golf travel company such as Golf International.

The Jubilee Course is noted for its bunkers.

Alternatively, there is a daily ballot (a kind of lottery), which is drawn for available Old Course times on the following day. No assurance can be provided as to whether you might be successful or not, but according to The Links Management, 50% of all visitors who play The Old Course, obtain their starting times through the ballot. The Saturday ballot is drawn for play the following Monday. Your golf travel company will be able to assist you with the full procedure for entering the ballot.

Another way to get on to The Old Course is as a walk-on. This can be a test of patience and persistence, but get to The Old Course starters box as early as possible in the morning (the line often starts forming at 5:00 a.m.) and introduce yourself to the starter as a possible walk-on. The starter will give you an indication of what reserved times have openings, where less than four golfers are booked and what your chances are of being slotted in with a group of three or less.

St. Andrews Eden Course - designed by Harry S. Colt

The New Course (6,625 yards - par 71) No handicap restrictions and the course is open to play 7 days per week, year round. Opened in 1895 and designed by the great Old Tom Morris, many locals consider this the best course in town and at least the equal of its prestigious older brother. Reservations are necessary and this will always be the first course to sell out of visitor times, after The Old Course.

The Jubilee Course (6,742 yards -- par 72) No handicap restrictions and open 7 days per week year round. Dating from 1897, this is another layout where Old Tom Morris was involved in the original design and another quality links, much in demand by locals and visitors alike. Reservations are a necessity.

The Eden Course (6,250 yards -- par 70) No handicap restrictions and open 7 days a week, year round. Opened in 1914 this is an intriguing design for the great Harry S. Colt that provides a fine test of golf for most average players. Reservations are recommended.

The Strathtyrum is the ideal layout for high handicappers.

The Strathtyrum Course (5,620 yards -- par 69) No handicap restrictions and open 7 days a week, year round. Opened in 1993, this is the ideal layout for beginners and high handicappers, though the well placed bunkers and undulating greens can make for an exciting round. Reservations are recommended.

The Balgove Course (1,520 yards -- par 30) a nine holer providing a lot of fun for everyone, even if they have never held a golf club before. Open 7 days a week, there are no handicap restrictions and no reservations, simply show up and play.

The Balgove - 9 holes of fun for all

The Castle Course (7,200 yards -- par 71) surprisingly, there will be no handicap restrictions on this, the tough new boy on the block, now scheduled to open on June 28, 2008. The course will be open 7 days a week, April through October. The Castle is a serious layout for serious golfers and although not a true links course, is likely to prove it to be the most challenging of all St. Andrews courses. Demand to play this very promising layout is already extremely high, so early reservations are a must.

With seven courses, St. Andrews certainly offers the finest selection of golf opportunities available anywhere in Europe and with a layout to suit every possible level of playing ability; the appeal of the town is only growing in popularity with golfers the world over. But this is still only the beginning of the St. Andrews story.

View over St. Andrews from the new Castle Course

The town is also home to Scotland's oldest and most respected university. St. Andrews University was established in 1413 and boasts a wealth of historically important buildings within the town walls that demand some attention from every visitor.

St. Andrews was also the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland in medieval times and became one of Europe's most important religious centers. The cathedral dates from 1160 and was consecrated by Robert the Bruce in 1318, only to be destroyed by mobs during the reformation.

St. Andrews University is Scotland's oldest.

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For a few ideas on how to include St. Andrews in your Scottish golf trip, click here. Or Call Golf International at 800-328-9898.

St. Andrews has witnessed more than its share of blood and guts history over the centuries, with battles, murders, massacres, civil and religious wars enough for an epic movie - maybe two. Visit St. Andrews for her golf, but don't miss the opportunity to take in some of the other history that abounds in and around one of Scotland's most intriguing towns.

For more ideas on how to include St. Andrews, her golf and history, in your Scottish golf trip, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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