St Andrews (Castle) in Scotland has been ranked number 90 in Golf Monthly’s top 100 UK & Ireland golf courses 2015/16.
90. St Andrews (Castle): Top 100 Courses UK Ireland 2015/16
By St Andrews, KY16 8PL
T: 01334 466 718
GF: £120 per round
Architect: David McLay Kidd
Visitor Information: Advance bookings can be made at least seven days ahead – the full green fee is payable in advance
Catering Options: Full catering in its own clubhouse
2012 Ranking: Up 1
Work Undertaken since 2012 ranking: Modifications to the approach to the 9th green, and the left side of the 3rd green has been elevated to provide more balance
The Castle Course has courted its fair share of controversy in the six years since opening; some of it based on the fact that it is so different from the town’s other more traditional offerings.
There have also been concerns about the number of blind shots and the severity of David McLay Kidd’s greens, but some of the extremes have been softened and the town’s 7th course now provides a healthy alternative with wonderful elevated views back over the historic buildings of St Andrews.
The 6th is a lovely hole back down to the edge of the rock face, and the final three holes of the front nine hug the clifftop and return you to a double green that is shared with the 18th.
The back nine is equally strong, with the signature hole being the truly spectacular 17th – a real do-or-die par 3 played over a rocky inlet from high up along the clifftop.
The closing hole is a glorious, sweeping par 5 that leads you back to the spacious, informal clubhouse from which there are excellent views.
Putting aside any purist and conservative views, the Castle Course is challenging, spectacular, inspiring and charming in equal measure from start to finish.
+ Excellent alternative to the historic links of St Andrews
- A little contrived in places
Panellist Comments
“Great new addition in golf’s Mecca.”
“Deserves its place amongst the other great courses in the area.”
“Leave the scorecard in the bag and prepare yourself for a fun mix of great links holes and goofy greens – don’t forget your camera!”
Next course: 91. Parkstone: Top 100 Courses UK Ireland 2015/16
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