Best courses to play around St Andrews

[richart]

Am in the process of booking four days of golf to St Andrews October 2011, and wondering which courses you would recommend playing. Old Course is a definite and i will be booking there on the 1st September, when bookings can be first made.

Was thinking of also playing New, Jubilee and Castle, as part of a three day St Andrews deal.

We are all reasonable golfers(4) 10 - 17 handicaps and love links golf. Cost is a consideration so Kingsbarns is out. Carnoustie is expensive but very tempting ! Happy to travel within an hour to any hidden gems.

Love to meet and play with any locals, or anyone else in St Andrews week of the 17 October 2011. Reciprocation in Hampshire guaranteed !

 

[Albanach]

Loads of good golf to be had...
I'm a member at GHC Elie so am a wee bit biased but its a great course and well worth a round.

I've not played all of the following courses but they all have good reputations:

Ladybank, Leven, Lundin Links, Crail Golfing Society, Panmuir

 

[StuartD]

Would agree with all of the above and add Scotscraig to the list

 

[Stevenc]

You may be able to get a deal at the Fairmont Torrance course, I know they did a 4-ball for £99 last year, may have something similar this year.

Ladybank (20 minutes) and Scotscraig (15/20 minutes) and the Torrance were Open Qualifying courses. Stevek on here is a member at Scotscraig so may be able to give you details on prices, chances of getting on etc.

Down the list there's Drumoig and St Mikes within about 5/10 minutes of St. Andrews and Elmwood and Thornton within 30 Minutes.

 

[birdieman]

Pity about Kingsbarns, it's a must play course imo. Can you not wangle the 'Scottish rate' of £80ish somehow. I've never been asked for proof of Scottish residency the 2x I've played it.

Played Jubilee and Old, both good.

An hour from St Andrews opens up a huge number of courses but Fife/Angus has all you need.

 

[richart]

Loads of good golf to be had...
I'm a member at GHC Elie so am a wee bit biased but its a great course and well worth a round.

I've not played all of the following courses but they all have good reputations:

Ladybank, Leven, Lundin Links, Crail Golfing Society, Panmuir

Heard good things about Elie and Ladybank, so will add to possibles.

 

[stevek1969]

More than welcome to play Scotscraig with me for £14 if you want ,course in good nick at that time of year.

 

[richart]

Pity about Kingsbarns, it's a must play course imo. Can you not wangle the 'Scottish rate' of £80ish somehow. I've never been asked for proof of Scottish residency the 2x I've played it.

Played Jubilee and Old, both good.

An hour from St Andrews opens up a huge number of courses but Fife/Angus has all you need.

Some mates have gone to play Kingsbarns this week, so will wait their report.

Good deal for Scottish residents. Half my family live in Carlisle, but unless the Scots take it back, don't think we would get away with it !

Thanks for feedback.

 

[richart]

More than welcome to play Scotscraig with me for £14 if you want ,course in good nick at that time of year.

Just checked out your course, and it looks superb. Perhaps we could arrange some sort of England/Scotland match ?

 

[stevek1969]

Sounds good mate could sort that out no probs if you want just let me no.

 

[richart]

You may be able to get a deal at the Fairmont Torrance course, I know they did a 4-ball for £99 last year, may have something similar this year.

Ladybank (20 minutes) and Scotscraig (15/20 minutes) and the Torrance were Open Qualifying courses. Stevek on here is a member at Scotscraig so may be able to give you details on prices, chances of getting on etc.

Down the list there's Drumoig and St Mikes within about 5/10 minutes of St. Andrews and Elmwood and Thornton within 30 Minutes.

Thanks for info. I think we will need to go for longer as there are so many good courses ! We normally go to Saunton, North Devon, and have just two great courses to choose from !

 

[richart]

Sounds good mate could sort that out no probs if you want just let me no.

Once i know the date we are playing the Old Course i will get back to you. Always nice to play with locals. Thanks for the offer.

 

[thecraw]

Steve, where are you going to get a mate to play with???

I'd certainly say that Scotscraig is a must if your in the area.

 

[richart]

Steve, where are you going to get a mate to play with???

I'd certainly say that Scotscraig is a must if your in the area.

Three courses sorted, St Andrews Old and New and Scotscraig. Now just need one more. Must admit i prefer the more traditional courses with all the history, and am leaning towards Elie. Did hear that the greens were not so good this year, but hopefully this is not the case.

All comments welcome

 

[Adi2Dassler]

I'd go with either Leven or Lundin to make up your trip.

As for Kingsbarns, I played there last week (for the second time)and was not as overwhelmed as I was the first.It's a real cracker no doubt, but even at the Scottish resident rate it's not worth it and I'll not be going back.

Oh, and avoid the kittocks at the fairmont, it's shite.

 

[richart]

I'd go with either Leven or Lundin to make up your trip.

As for Kingsbarns, I played there last week (for the second time)and was not as overwhelmed as I was the first.It's a real cracker no doubt, but even at the Scottish resident rate it's not worth it and I'll not be going back.

Oh, and avoid the kittocks at the fairmont, it's shite.

Thanks for that. Will save some money and not bother with Kingsbarns.

 

[sawtooth]

I dont mean to hijack this thread but I'm in St. Andrews weekend 25/26th Sept. I'm playing the Eden on the Sunday and hopefully the old course on the Saturday. If I dont get on the old I will be looking to play somewhere else. Scotscraig sounds good. How much for a Saturday and if you are not around to play with can I get on without a member?

 

[doubletripledouble]

I'd maybe go the extra mile to Montrose Medal if you want traditional.

 

[Dodger]

Play the Jubilee....better than the New IMO and the New is good....

 

[heronsghyll]

I know I am late to the postings - apologies I only check the forum occasionally. However, if you are not sorted yet, could I propose you consider Crail? Just along the coast from St Andrews an outstanding venue and my personal favourite of the area. 2 x courses an old and a new, both used as Open Qualifiers, both Links courses and BOTH worth a game. Absolutely stunning and very reasonable cost.

If I lived in the area, this is the club I would join. I have played all the courses in the region and this is my favourite. Do yourself a favour, buy a day ticket and play both courses, have lunch and enjoy the best the area has to offer.