The St. Andrews Society of Golfers, forerunner to the Royal & Ancient Club played the leading role in the foundation of Scotscraig Golf Club in 1817. Following a meeting called by William Dalgleish, certain members of the St. Andrews Society, seeking more golf than presently afforded them, decided to form a new club called Scotscraig. And though golf had been played for a long time over this six-hole course prior to the formation of Scotscraig, the club went into temporary abeyance in 1835 having been for some reason ploughed up. Resurrected again in 1887, golf was played over an adjacent nine-hole site for a period of time and it wasn't until additional ground was obtained that the course was extended to 18 holes in 1905. Scotscraig was further improved with the help of James Braid in 1923 and has developed over the years into the fine links that it is today.
Located ten mile north of St. Andrews, Scotscraig Golf Club is another course, which plays frequent host to final qualifying for the British Open, when the event is played at the Old Course. There is little doubt that its fine links turf and smooth, fast greens make it a truly worthy venue. Although very close to the sea and despite being correctly classified as a links course, Scotscraig is somewhat parkland in nature with far more trees in evidence than on most links. With copious numbers of whin bushes and the rolling nature of the fairways, Scotscraig is oft times demanding but always interesting.
The links offers many intriguing holes but two of the most memorable holes include the par four 4th and the par five 14th. The fourth, though of average length at 366 yards, provides a formidable finish over heather covered terrain to a plateau green that is very difficult to hit and hold. A more lengthy challenge is offered by the 523-yard fourteenth, where precise positioning is required in order to reach the well-guarded green in regulation.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Not one of the world-renowned Scottish courses, Scotscraig, an Open Qualifying venue in 2000, is still held in very high regard. Though classified as a links, the course is heathland in nature and exerts different demands than the traditional links game.
Situated just off the B945 route, less than a mile south of Tayport and approximately ten miles northwest of St. Andrews.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Sandford Country House, Newpton Hill, Wormit, Dundee DD6 8RG
Tel: + 44 1382 541802. Email: sandford.hotel@btinternet.com.
Offering glorious views, Scottish patriotism rules supreme here with log fires, artefacts depicting the area's heritage and a kitchen, which offers the best of local cuisine.
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 St. Andrews Society of Golfers, forerunner to the Royal & Ancient Club played the leading role in the foundation of Scotscraig Golf Club in 1817. Following a meeting called by William Dalgleish, certain members of the St. Andrews Society, seeking more golf than presently afforded them, decided to form a new club called Scotscraig. And though golf had been played for a long time over this six-hole course prior to the formation of Scotscraig, the club went into temporary abeyance in 1835 having been for some reason ploughed up. Resurrected again in 1887, golf was played over an adjacent nine-hole site for a period of time and it wasn't until additional ground was obtained that the course was extended to 18 holes in 1905. Scotscraig was further improved with the help of James Braid in 1923 and has developed over the years into the fine links that it is today.
