Designed by five times Open Champion Peter Thompson and owned by the Old Course Hotel, The Dukes Course is a classic inland Scottish course and is the perfect complement to St. Andrews famous links. Situated two miles from St. Andrews, the elevated parkland setting of The Dukes Course provides majestic views over the coastline to Arbroath and the countryside to the Highlands.
Spurred by the ever-growing demand for tee times at St. Andrews, the Old Course Hotel secured the purchase of the former Craigtoun Hospital and 330 acres of surrounding farmland in 1992. The project to build an 18-hole championship golf course began in earnest in 1993, when on September 1st, the first sod was turned in the mission to build what is certainly one of the finest inland courses in Europe. Opened for limited play in 1995 and for general play by 1996, Dukes has become another sparkling jewel in the St. Andrews' golfing crown.
Being a stout admirer of the work of renowned designer Alistair Mackenzie, Thompson has succeeded in creating an enjoyable, tempting, relatively torment free golf course, very much in the Mackenzie mould of design. Beautifully sculpted holes exploit the natural features of the stunning parkland setting and the course lends itself ideally to the pitch and run game. The fairways are characterised by many small undulations and groups of bunkers and while the greens are constructed not to punish but charm, do not underestimate the challenge imposed by what is a long and difficult golf course.
The Craigtoun estate, which has sported rich, fertile grassland for centuries, presents the ideal location for a modern course. Boasting plantations of mature trees, the layout pitches and rolls through bracken, over burns and around ponds, generally alien to golf in St. Andrews. The venue has long contained a golf course in the fantasies of local golfers. Now that fantasy has become reality and the end result has surpassed even the greatest of expectations.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
An excellent golf course in its own right, the Dukes Course is ideal for those wanting a break from the demands of links golf. But don't expect an easy ride. The par 72 layout measures over 6,700 yards from the normal medal tees and is a stiff test.
Situated a few hundred yards from St. Andrews, approximately 50 miles northeast of Edinburgh and 13 miles southeast of Dundee.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Rufflets Garden Restaurant, Strathkinness Low Road, St Andrews KY16 9TX
Tel: + 44 1334 472594. Email: reservations@rufflets.co.uk.
This elegant restaurant overlooks the formal gardens. The daily-changing menu offers four courses and Modern Scottish cooking majors on stunning, cutting-edge presentation.
St Andrews Golf Hotel, 40 The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AS
Tel: + 44 1334 472611. Email: reception@standrews-golf.co.uk.
Offering spectacular views over the bay, the three-course lunch offers good value, while the evening menu provides half a dozen options from fillet of salmon to braised quail.
The Grill, Old Course Hotel, St Andrews KY16 9SP
Tel: + 44 1334 474371. Email: info@oldcoursehotel.co.uk.
Enjoy some fine dining at this traditional grill serving elegant British combinations from an open plan kitchen. The beautiful views over the golf course and bay add to the occasion.
The Inn at Lathones, Largoward, St Andrews KY9 1JE
Tel: + 44 1334 840494. Email: lathones@theinn.co.uk.
Full of character, this cosy restaurant boasts a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. Diners can select from one of three menus, all of which offer modern Scottish and European cuisine.
The Peat Inn, Peat Inn, Cupar, KY15 5LH
Tel: + 44 1334 840206. Email: reception@thepeatinn.co.uk.
In a restaurant, which would not be out of place in a French village, the menu reflects the best of local Scottish produce at any given time. The wine-list, by the way, is a real treat.
Designed by five times Open Champion Peter Thompson and owned by the Old Course Hotel, The Dukes Course is a classic inland Scottish course and is the perfect complement to St. Andrews famous links. Situated two miles from St. Andrews, the elevated parkland setting of The Dukes Course provides majestic views over the coastline to Arbroath and the countryside to the Highlands.
