How Many Courses Are There At St Andrews?

St Andrews is most famous for its historic Old Course, but the Home of Golf has no fewer than seven courses. From a beginner-friendly nine-hole par 3 to the various challenges of its Championship courses, every course has its own character and identity. Let’s take a look at them.

With its vast fairways, famous shared greens, Swilcan Bridge, Valley of Sin and many intimidating bunkers, including the legendary Hell Bunker, The Old Course is one of the most distinctive and celebrated courses in the world. Couple that with the sheer history attached it, including legends who’ve won the Claret Jug there, including Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, and there’s little wonder the oldest course in the world is one of the most revered.

Nowadays, The New Course is anything but – it was built in 1895 by the legendary Old Tom Morris and was given the name purely to differentiate it from its more celebrated neighbour. Rolling fairways and challenging, undulating greens are prominent throughout the 6,625-yard par 71 course, although not to the extent of The Old Course. Situated adjacent to The Old Course, it is neither as expansive nor quite as well regarded. Still, many locals prefer it, perhaps as it offers a quieter round with less waiting than its permanently in-demand sibling.

The 6,742 par 72 Jubilee Course is the Home of Golf’s third Championship course and many people’s idea of the most difficult. Named after Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897 it opened the same year as a beginner and ladies course, but its location between The New Course and the sea saw its status elevated to Championship layout in 1988. Dunes come into play while it’s also hillier than The New Course or Old