There is no doubt that St. Andrews is recognised throughout the world as a true golfing Mecca and given the fact that there are eight excellent golf courses in or very near the town itself, it's not hard to understand why this is the case. St. Andrews Links contributes five of these courses (the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course and Strathtyrum Course), while it also offers the par-30 Balgove Course, which is ideal for beginners and children. Opened for play on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on June 22nd 1897, the St. Andrews Jubilee Course is one of just three of these courses with their roots in the 19th century.
There are some golf courses that thrive on the reputation of its surroundings but this is far from the case with the Jubilee Course, which is widely regarded as being the toughest of all the links in St. Andrews. Created on a narrow strip of land between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee Course started life as a 12-hole layout and was extended to 18 holes in 1905. The layout was radically altered from 1939 to 1946 under the supervision of 1893 Open Champion, Willie Auchterlonie, while further changes made by Donald Steel in 1988. In its present format, Curtis Strange officially opened the course in 1989 and it has since hosted many major events, including the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship in 1993 and 1999.
With a par of 72 and a standard scratch of 73, the 6,742-yard layout of the Jubilee Course offers a stern challenge to even the most accomplished golfers. The outward nine is significantly shorter than the homeward stretch and this is reflected by the fact that the longest of the five par fours on the front nine is just 373 yards. Following a reasonable start, the 546-yard, 3rd hole is an interesting one. You should not relax because you see an ample landing zone, while the second shot to the fairway is the critical one, with two bunkers waiting to punish any over-optimistic or careless shots. Out of bounds to the right can cause an inconvenience on the par four, 4th hole, while the key to the par five, 6th hole, is your approach to a green protected by five bunkers.
The inward journey, which is characterised by a marked increase in length, starts with the first par four of over 400 yards in length and you should also be wary of the out of bounds to the left. Accuracy is key at the tough par three, 13th hole, where the green is only 20 yards wide, while you must again be wary of the out of bounds (and gorse) on the 14th, the longest par four on the course. A fine run of holes culminates with a fine closing par four of 437 yards. Your drive must be either accurate or long enough to clear the narrow chute of fairway, lined by out of bounds on both sides, while your approach, should be long rather than anywhere else (other than the putting surface).
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It is easy to understand why visitors to St. Andrews all want to play the Old Course but you ignore the merits of the Jubilee Course at your own expense. It is a superb links course and arguably the toughest in St. Andrews.
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.
There is no doubt that St. Andrews is recognised throughout the world as a true golfing Mecca and given the fact that there are eight excellent golf courses in or very near the town itself, it's not hard to understand why this is the case. St. Andrews Links contributes five of these courses (the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course and Strathtyrum Course), while it also offers the par-30 Balgove Course, which is ideal for beginners and children. Opened for play on Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on June 22nd 1897, the St. Andrews Jubilee Course is one of just three of these courses with their roots in the 19th century.
