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. The New Course at St. Andrews Links opened for play in 1895 and as such, it is the second oldest of all the courses in St. Andrews.
Given that the championship length of just over 6,600 yards is matched by a par of only 71, with the standard scratch being 73, it is quite clear that as well as everything else; adequate length is also a factor in the successful negotiation of the New Course. Opened in response to the increasing demand for golf at St. Andrews, from both the locals and the visitors, who by the late 19th century, were flocking to the town on the recently constructed railway, the construction of the course was funded by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. As part of this arrangement, members of the R&A still have rights to starting times on the New Course.
It is frequently said that if the New Course at St. Andrews were not located so close to the revered Old Course then its star would have shone with a far greater degree of brilliance. This much is very true, as the New Course is a truly classic links and a first class golfing experience. It has a traditional out and back layout, shared fairways, and in the great St. Andrews tradition, it also has shared greens - on the 3rd and 15th holes. Although designed by a civil engineer from Edinburgh, W. Hall Blyth, the layout was in the hands of Old Tom Morris and his assistant, David Honeyman. So good in fact, was the original layout, that only the 15th hole has ever been significantly altered.
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
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.
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
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.
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. The New Course at St. Andrews Links opened for play in 1895 and as such, it is the second oldest of all the courses in St. Andrews.
