St. Andrews New Course

Having become ingrained on the face of the oldest and most famous golfing landscape in the world, the New Course is a unique, natural challenge

Despite its name, the New Course at St. Andrews is 109 years old. Having become ingrained on the face of the oldest and most famous golfing landscape in the world, the New Course is a unique, natural challenge to thrill anyone.

The flat links layout will usually be guarded by fairly strong winds. The first real test comes at the third - a long 511 yard par-five which dog legs from right to left towards a double green. The putting surface is narrow from front to back and requires a deadly accurate approach shot to avoid leaving yourself in three putt territory. The sixth hole is one of the hardest of any of the six St. Andrews courses, playing 445 yards back into the wind. The fairway is guarded by gorse right and left and requires an accurate drive to offer the chance of a long iron approach to the green.

The back nine is by far the tougher of the two and the final two holes present a serious threat to a decent score. The 17th is a 229 yard par three that plays directly into the prevailing wind, requiring an accurate long iron to a narrow, well-bunkered green, nice. The final hole is a 408 yard par four that plays towards the clubhouse. When choosing the club for your approach, play for the front of the green - out of bounds lies within a few feet of the back, waiting to spoil a good score. For post-match refreshments the Jigger Inn is a beautiful old pub situated just off the 17th fairway of the Old Course that serves up an excellent pint.

Best Hole: The par-3 9th is right next to the beach ? a healthy hook could even find the sea.

Location: West Sands Rd, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9XL

Green fees: April-October £55 Adult, (£27 Under 16), November-March £38 Adult, (£19 Under 16)

Tel: 01334 466666

Web: www.standrews.org.uk

Click here for our guide to Fife

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X