Superb golf courses have always been synonymous with St Andrews but the two recent additions at St. Andrews Bay have added an extra dimension to golfing in the region. Combining a luxurious modern hotel with two excellent golf courses in the Devlin Course and Torrance Course, St Andrews Bay perches on a breathtaking cliff-top location, just minutes from the town of St. Andrews. And though neither course is a links in the truest sense of the term, both golf courses are of links style layout and offer dramatic views of the historic St. Andrews skyline and of the North Sea. As to which of the two championship layouts is better, well that's purely a matter of personal opinion but the newer Devlin Course is probably the more difficult test.
A real challenge for the low handicap golfer; the Devlin Course at St Andrews Bay was designed by the Australian Bruce Devlin, winner of eight PGA Tour Tournaments. The Devlin Course takes full advantage of the unique cliff-top location and many of its greens are perched on the very edge of the cliff, almost creating the impression of being suspended in mid air. Approach shots are often made only with the sea and horizon in view and given the associated fear of overshooting the greens, club selection becomes a very difficult, yet highly important matter. The beautifully sculpted greens are undulating throughout, while the ever-rolling fairways are liberally peppered with traditional pot bunkers. Intimidating and unique, the Devlin Course is special.
One of the major pluses of both the Devlin Course and the Torrance Course, is that, though they are links in style, they offer a very different experience than the more traditional links of St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the likes. Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship stakes, you are more likely to play it from the still testing 6,612-yard medal tees. This largely undiscovered gem may begin by innocently easing the golfer into a false sense of security, offering wide, manicured fairways but the extent of the challenge soon hits home.
The walk to the tee on the par five, 7th hole signals the beginning of the roller-coaster style ride up, over and around the wilderness of Kittock's Den. From here on, the holes open up to the panorama of the white water crashing on the rocky shoreline below and the views heighten the overall experience for the golfer. The par four, 9th hugs the natural curve of the coastline, while the 11th offers a tantalizing choice between taking the tight route via the fairway on the right or the longer but safer line to the left. The excitement mounts along the closing stretch but it is the 17th hole that will linger longest in the memory, where after a solid drive, you are faced with a precarious second to a cliff-edge green, guarded by slopes and strategically placed bunkers.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It may be the most recently built of the great courses in the St Andrews area but the Devlin Course is destined for great things and will only grow in terms of international recognition. It offers an excellent and different test than the more traditional links.
Situated approximately two miles southeast of the town of St. Andrews on the A917 route to Kingsbarns and Crail.
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.
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.
Superb golf courses have always been synonymous with St Andrews but the two recent additions at St. Andrews Bay have added an extra dimension to golfing in the region. Combining a luxurious modern hotel with two excellent golf courses in the Devlin Course and Torrance Course, St Andrews Bay perches on a breathtaking cliff-top location, just minutes from the town of St. Andrews. And though neither course is a links in the truest sense of the term, both golf courses are of links style layout and offer dramatic views of the historic St. Andrews skyline and of the North Sea. As to which of the two championship layouts is better, well that's purely a matter of personal opinion but the newer Devlin Course is probably the more difficult test.
