St Andrews Links

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St Andrews Links
St Andrews Links.png St Andrews Links & Town from the air.jpg
West Sands Beach running along the coast to the left with the St Andrews Links and the town of St Andrews to the right
Club information
Coordinates 56°21′06″N2°49′05″W / 56.35167°N 2.81806°W / 56.35167; -2.81806
Location St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
EstablishedOver 6 centuries
TypePublic
Operated bySt Andrews Links Trust
Events hosted The Open Championship
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
St Andrews Links Trophy
Old Course
Par 72
Length6,721 yards (6,146 m)
Course record61; Ross Fisher (2017) [1]
The Castle Course
Par 71
Length6,759 yards (6,180 m)
New Course
Par 71
Length6,625 yards (6,058 m)
Jubilee Course
Par 72
Length6,742 yards (6,165 m)
Eden Course
Par 70
Length6,250 yards (5,720 m)
Strathtyrum Course
Par 69
Length5,620 yards (5,140 m)
Balgove Course
Par 30
Length1,520 yards (1,390 m)

St Andrews Links in the town of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, is regarded as the "Home of Golf". It has one of the oldest courses in the world, where the game has been played since the 15th century. Today there are seven public golf courses: the Balgove, Eden, Jubilee, Strathtyrum, New, and the Old Course all on the links, and The Castle Course, a mile to the east of the town. The Old Course is widely considered one of the finest, and certainly the most famous and traditional course in the world. The courses of St Andrews Links are owned by the local authorities and operated by St Andrews Links Trust, a charitable organization.

Contents

In general, St Andrews is a popular hub for golf tourism, as there is a high density of links and heathland courses in the area. In addition to the public courses there are two courses at the privately owned Fairmont Hotel (Torrance and Kittocks) to the south of the town; and the Duke's and Drumoig, both inland parkland courses to the west. A few miles further South are the modern links of Kingsbarns and the traditional Balcomie links at Crail. Also nearby are the courses at Elie, Lundin, Leven, Scotscraig and Anstruther. Within 45 minutes drive are Monifieth, Downfield, Carnoustie and Panmure.

St Andrews is also home to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the most prestigious golf clubs and, until 2004, one of the two rule-making authorities of golf.

History

St Andrews Links Clubhouse which is open to the public and serves the Jubilee, the New, and the Old Course St Andrews Links Clubhouse 5708118 8c03b04c.jpg
St Andrews Links Clubhouse which is open to the public and serves the Jubilee, the New, and the Old Course
The St Andrews Links crest on the Old Course starter's hut St Andrews Links Crest 2679075 e8fb6e66.jpg
The St Andrews Links crest on the Old Course starter's hut

The history of St Andrews Links goes back to 1552 when John Hamilton was granted a charter to establish a rabbit warren to the north of the links. [2] The St Andrews Links Charter refers to the public ownership of the links and the right of the people of St Andrews to play golf and other games. [3] The right to play golf on the links were subsequently confirmed in local and royal charters. [3]

St. Andrews Links Act 1894
Act of Parliament
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022).svg
Long title An Act to empower the Commissioners of the city and royal burgh of St. Andrews to acquire the Links of St. Andrews for a public park and recreation ground and for other purposes.
Citation 57 & 58 Vict. c. lxxxiv
Dates
Royal assent 20 July 1894
Other legislation
Repealed by St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Status: Repealed
St. Andrews Burgh Extension and Links Order Confirmation Act 1913
Act of Parliament
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (1901-1952).svg
Long title An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Burgh Extension and Links.
Citation 3 & 4 Geo. 5. c. xxviii
Dates
Royal assent 4 July 1913
Other legislation
Amended by
  • St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1932
  • St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1946
  • St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Status: Amended
St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1924
Act of Parliament
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (1901-1952).svg
Long title An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Links.
Citation 14 & 15 Geo. 5. c. xii
Dates
Royal assent 29 May 1924
Other legislation
Repealed by St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted
St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1932
Act of Parliament
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (1901-1952).svg
Long title An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1899 relating to St. Andrews Links and adjoining lands.
Dates
Royal assent 16 June 1932
Other legislation
Amended bySt. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1946
Act of Parliament
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom (1901-1952).svg
Long title An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 relating to St. Andrews Links.
Citation 10 & 11 Geo. 6. c. i
Other legislation
Repealed by St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted
St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974
Act of Parliament
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022).svg
Long title An Act to confirm a Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936, relating to St. Andrews Links.
Citation 1974 c. iii
Dates
Royal assent 10 April 1974
Other legislation
Repeals/revokes
  • St. Andrews Links Act 1894
Status: Current legislation
Text of statute as originally enacted

The land was acquired by James Cheape, owner of the adjacent Strathtyrum estate, in 1821 and sold by his brother's grandson, also named James Cheape, to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1893. [4] [5] [6] Control of St Andrews Links was regulated by the St. Andrews Links Act 1894 and St. Andrews Links Order Confirmation Act 1974 which resulted in the creation of the St Andrews Links Trust. [7]

Public courses

Balgove Course

The Balgove Course, named after the farm on which it was built, [8] is a 1,520 yard, par 30, nine-hole course. It was originally opened in 1972 and remodeled in 1993. [9]

The Balgove Course [10]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
Par443334333304433343333060
WhiteM: 57.0 / 79
W: 57.6 / 80
220219104194161298103116105152022021910419416129810311610515203040

The Castle Course

The Castle Course opened in June 2008, becoming the seventh public course at St Andrews. It is set on a rugged-cliff top a mile to the east of St Andrews with extensive views over the town, and was designed by the architect David McLay Kidd. [11] The course is a par 71 and measures 6,759 yards from the back tees. [12]

The Castle Course [13]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
Par443554434363443454353571
BlackM: 73.6 / 139346404202540536421456141381342716740245417940058540618455533326759
BlueM: 71.7 / 137337394179518504399429129351324015438541515437655539017453331366376
GreenM: 67.3 / 126
W: 73.0 / 131
300344145476446355341122314284313028934011931250934614243026175460

Eden Course

The Eden Course opened in 1914 after demand on the existing courses grew. It was designed by Harry Colt, and alterations in 1989 by Donald Steel maintain Colt's standards. [14] It was named after the Eden estuary by which it resides, as the profits from mussels collected there once made up an important part of the St Andrews economy. [8]

The Eden Course [15]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
ParMen/Women44/54/543443535/373444/54354435/3670/73
BlackM: 70.6 / 125
W: 76.0 / 129
326449417273144407346178505304519637534142235017056843235132056250
BlueM: 68.9 / 121
W: 73.9 / 125
301438402251125376307155484283918736432640433415152340733430305869
GreenM: 67.9 / 119
W: 72.1 / 122
270438402240119371291139466273614832728340431610843337831727145450

Jubilee Course

The Jubilee Course is the third championship golf course at the Home of Golf. It was named after Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1897. [16]

Originally intended for Victorian dressed ladies, and other golf beginners, it has evolved into one of the hardest courses at St Andrews Links. The course is commonly used to test junior and amateur golfers for the British Mid-Amateur Golf Championship, as well as the St Andrews Links Trophy. [17]

Initially a 12-hole course, [18] it was expanded to 18 holes in 1905. The course has seen considerable developments under the management of Willie Auchterlonie, Donald Steel, David Wilson and Graeme Taylor. It now plays at around 6,745 yards, and is host to the St Andrews Links Trophy. The Jubilee is one of several courses in Scotland that are under threat from erosion. [19]

The Jubilee Course [20]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
ParMen/Women4454354433645534/544/53436/3872/74
BlackM: 72.6 / 131367360546371162498373369192323841149753818843835642821143735046742
BlueM: 71.2 / 127337352524349141480341344182305040348851617642334641819940533746424
GreenM: 69.2 / 123
W: 74.6 / 128
318271506332132422329326139277538747047914741534140918037232005975

Strathtyrum Course

The Strathtyrum Course, opened in July 1993, became the first new 18 hole layout at St Andrews in nearly 80 years. [21] It was built on land that was previously part of the Strathtyrum estate and sold to the St Andrews Links Trust by Mrs Gladys Cheape in 1986. [4] [22]

The Strathtyrum Course [23]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
ParMen/Women44345/4343434/334543443443569/68
BlackM: 66.2 / 107
W: 71.7 / 116
332350154298497125331183366263633851238916835030013737641429845620
BlueM: 63.4 / 101
W: 68.2 / 108
327319149256451120290160340241229244231214331226512032138525925004
GreenM: 62.0 / 99
W: 66.8 / 105
315312140248384110284154334228128840130813326425711431434524244705

Old Course

The Old Course, believed to be the oldest golf course in the world, dates back more than 600 years. [24]

Old Course [25]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
ParMen/Women44/544/55443436/384344/55444/5436/3872/76
SI Men/Women10/126/1416/88/6212/10414/1818/1615/137/1731119/513/95/717/15
BlackM: 73.1 / 132376411370419514374359166347333634017431641853041438145535733856721
BlueM: 71.4 / 129355395337411514360349154289316431116430438852339134543636132236387
GreenM: 69.9 / 125
W: 75.5 / 138
339375321401454325335145261295629615030437748736932542634230766032

New Course

The New Course, located adjacent to the Old Course, was paid for and commissioned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club who asked Old Tom Morris to be designer. The New Course opened for play in 1895. [26]

The New Course [27]
Tee Rating/Slope 123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
ParMen/Women445434/545336/374/5453444/534/535/3871/75
BlackM: 72.8 / 127336367511369180445356481225327046436851815738639443122940833556625
BlueM: 71.6 / 125299367511351167433336472225316145733149314737037941621139732016362
GreenM: 69.9 / 121
W: 75.4 / 128
282356500351158401320464204303642730844713336331238819238629565992

See also

Related Research Articles

The following is a partial timeline of the history of golf:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Andrews</span> Town in Fife, Scotland

St Andrews is a town on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, 10 miles southeast of Dundee and 30 miles northeast of Edinburgh. St Andrews had a recorded population of 16,800 as of 2011, making it Fife's fourth-largest settlement and 45th most populous settlement in Scotland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews</span> Golf club in Scotland

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. It is a private members-only club based in St Andrews in Scotland. It was previously known colloquially as "The R&A", but in 2004, a new organisation known as The R&A was spun off, assuming the club's functions as one of the governing authorities of the game and organiser of tournaments such as The Open Championship. Despite this legal separation, one of the club's objectives remains to contribute, through its members, to the governance, championship organisation, and golf development roles now carried out by The R&A.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Course at St Andrews</span> Golf course in St Andrews, Scotland

The Old Course at St Andrews, also known as the Old Lady or the Grand Old Lady, is considered the oldest golf course in the world. It is a public course over common land in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and is held in trust by the St Andrews Links Trust under an act of Parliament. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews clubhouse sits adjacent to the first tee, although it is but one of many clubs that have playing privileges on the course, along with some other non-clubhouse owning clubs and the general public. Originally known as the "golfing grounds" of St Andrews, it was not until the New Course was opened in 1895 that it became known as the Old Course.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Tom Morris</span> Scottish professional golfer (1821–1908)

Thomas Mitchell Morris, otherwise known as Old Tom Morris, and The Grand Old Man of Golf, was a Scottish golfer. He was born in St Andrews, Fife, the "home of golf" and location of the St Andrews Links, and died there as well. Young Tom Morris, also a golfer, was his son.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young Tom Morris</span> Scottish professional golfer (1851–1875)

Thomas Morris, known as Tom Morris Junior, Young Tom Morris and also Tommy Morris, was a Scottish professional golfer. He is considered one of the pioneers of professional golf, and was the first young prodigy in golf history. He won four consecutive titles in the Open Championship, and did this by the age of 21.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Fernie (golfer)</span> Scottish golfer and golf course architect

William Fernie was a Scottish professional golfer and golf course architect from St Andrews. He won the 1883 Open Championship at Musselburgh Links. The tournament was scheduled to last four rounds of the nine-hole course on a Friday in November. Fernie tied with defending champion Bob Ferguson, with both men shooting 158. The following day Fernie won a playoff by a single stroke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles B. Macdonald</span> American golf pioneer (1855–1939)

Charles Blair Macdonald was a major figure in early American golf. He built the first 18-hole course in the United States, was a driving force in the founding of the United States Golf Association, won the first U.S. Amateur championship, and later built some of the most influential golf courses in the United States, to the extent that he is considered the father of American golf course architecture. He is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

National Golf Links of America is a prestigious links-style golf course in Southampton, New York, located on Long Island between Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and Peconic Bay. Though the course is noted for hosting the initial Walker Cup in 1922, which the United States won 8 and 4, it has never hosted a major men's championship. The Walker Cup was again held at the National in 2013. The private club has been called "America's snootiest golf course" due to its exclusive nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golf in Scotland</span> Overview of golf in Scotland

Golf in Scotland was first recorded in the Scottish late Middle Ages, and the modern game of golf was first developed and established in the country. The game plays a key role in the national sporting consciousness.

Donald Maclennan Arklay Steel is a former golfer and is a noted golf course designer, as well as being a writer and journalist. Educated at Fettes College and Christ's College, Cambridge, he has designed a large number of golf courses or modifications to existing courses, mostly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Several late 20th century and early 21st century golf course architects worked under Steel in their early careers, among them Martin Ebert, Jonathan Gaunt, Tom Mackenzie.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Andrews Links Trophy</span> Scottish amateur golf tournament

The St Andrews Links Trophy is an international amateur golf tournament contested on the St Andrews Links in Scotland. It has been played annually since 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Andrews Golf Club</span>

St Andrews Golf Club, originally known as St Andrews Mechanics Golf Club, is a private members’ golf club located in St Andrews, Scotland. The club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, having been established in 1843.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strathtyrum</span> Country estate in Scotland

Strathtyrum is a 400-acre (160 ha) country estate in the north-western outskirts of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is accessed via the A91.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The New Golf Club</span>

The New Golf Club is an exclusive golf club in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is one of the three senior men's clubs in St Andrews, along with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the St Andrews Golf Club. The club was founded in 1902. The club does not own a golf course of its own, and consequently members play on the seven public links courses at the St Andrews Links including the Old Course.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Andrews Ladies' Putting Club</span>

St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club, originally known as the St Andrews Ladies Golf Club when it was first established in 1867 for female golf players to use, now the club is also known as the Ladies’ Putting Club of St Andrews, or simply the Putting Club. The club is still a ladies only golf club based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is generally known to visitors as The Himalayas putting course, which is where the club's members and visitors play, and is thought to be the first minigolf course ever made. The Himalayas name comes about from the peaks and troughs on the course. It has both 9 and 18-hole courses, and is open to men, women and children visitors alike for a nominal fee. The club is the world’s oldest ladies’ golf club.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The St Rule Club</span> Sports organization

The St Rule Club is a woman's golf and social club based in St Andrews, Scotland, and was established at the end of 1896, although it was not until 1898 when the golf section was established.

References

  1. Herrington, Ryan. "Ross Fisher breaks the Old Course scoring record ... in disappointing fashion - Golf Digest". Golf Digest. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  2. "Royal and Ancient Golf Club House, The Scores, Golf Place". Historic Environment Scotland . Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  3. 1 2 "1574 St Andrews - The Student Golfer". Golfiana Caledonia. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  4. 1 2 Hagen, John Peter (2011). Play Away Please: The Tale of the Sale of Golf's Greatest Icon – The St Andrews Old Course Starter's Box. Random House. ISBN   9781907195754 . Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  5. Malcolm, David (2011). Tom Morris of St Andrews the Colossus of Golf 1821-1908. Edinburgh: Birlinn. ISBN   9780857901071 . Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  6. Slovick, Lyle (September 2012). "The St Andrews 'Rabbit Wars' of 1801–1821" (PDF). Through the Green. British Golf Collectors Society. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  7. Peper, George (2008). Two Years in St. Andrews: At Home on the 18th Hole. Simon and Schuster. pp. 170–171. ISBN   9781416534310 . Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  8. 1 2 "St Andrews Links Trust - Golf". Archived from the original on 8 September 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2008.
  9. "The Balgove Course". St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 6 June 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  10. "The Balgove Course Scorecard" (PDF).
  11. "The Castle Course: the Seventh Course at the Home of Golf". St Andrews Links. 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  12. Ian Wood (1 June 2008). "Castle course Poses Sternest of Tests". The Scotsman. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  13. "The Castle Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  14. "The Eden Course". St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  15. "The Eden Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  16. "Jubilee Course at St Andrews" (web). 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2008.
  17. "Jubilee Course at St Andrews" (web). 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2008.
  18. Charles Hillinger (6 December 1987). "Where the Games Began". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  19. Ellen Hale (17 July 2001). "Erosion Threatens Legendary British Golf Courses". USA Today. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  20. "The Jubilee Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  21. "The Strathtyrum Course". St Andrews Links. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  22. Glen, Duncan (1998). Illustrious Fife: Literary, Historical & Architectural Pathways & Walks. Kirkcaldy, Scotland: Akros. p. 14. ISBN   9780861420872 . Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  23. "The Strathtyrum Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  24. "The Old Course". St Andrews Links. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  25. "The Old Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  26. "The Old Course". St Andrews Links. Retrieved 9 June 2008.
  27. "The New Course scorecard" . Retrieved 2 October 2021.