Golf galore

Golf galore

If you’re looking for the ultimate golf getaway, there’s one destination that surpasses all others: St Andrews, the ‘home of golf’. The beautiful game has been played on the Old Course since 1552, when Archbishop John Hamilton signed the ‘Golfer’s Charter’, recognising the right of the townspeople to play golf, shooting, and all games on the Links.

From these humble beginnings, the presence and prestige of golf has grown exponentially — both in St Andrews and across the world. Today, there are not one, not two, but seven Links courses in the town — if you book a week’s holiday here, you could play a different course every day! And, on each round, you’ll be following in the footsteps of the golfing greats. The town recently hosted The 150th Open Championship, welcoming big name players like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnston, and the tournament winner, Cameron Smith to play on the hallowed ground of the St Andrews Links.

And, if you’re not yet sold on St Andrews as a great holiday destination, you’ll also be able to soak up the heritage of the game whilst staying in the town. The quaint, winding streets are steeped in golfing history. You’ll be able to visit the birthplace of Old Tom Morris, peruse exhibitions exploring the past, present, and future of golf at the R&A World Golf Museum, relax over a pint at The Dunvegan, the golfers’ drinks destination of choice, and enjoy delicious food at Forgan’s, a restaurant housed in a building which, until 1963, was the oldest manufacturer of golf clubs in the world.

Ooft. St Andrews really is a dreamy destination for golf-lovers.

So, what are your next steps?

1. Find some fabulous accommodation. Iconic and historic, St Andrews really is the destination for golfing enthusiasts. And that’s where we come in. At Premier Stays, we’ve got a portfolio of wonderful properties — from luxury lodges to town centre apartments, coastal cottages, dog-friendly digs, and hot tub havens. Check out our portfolio of properties and book now to avoid disappointment.
2. Book travel. St Andrews is just an hour from Edinburgh International Airport, and a 25 minute drive from Dundee Airport. Leuchars Railway Station is approximately 15 minutes from the town, and there are good bus links and taxi services connecting these transport hubs.
3. Make an itinerary. There are so many wonderful attractions, eateries, and excursions in and around St Andrews. Here are a few of our ‘must-dos’ for first-time visitors to the town.
   • It might sound obvious, but whatever your handicap make sure you bring your clubs and make the most of the wonderful golfing opportunities in the East Neuk. St Andrews boasts seven Links courses: Old, New, Strathtyrum, Castle, Jubilee, Eden, and The Balgove, as well as several other great options in the surrounding area. Check out the St Andrews Links page for their lowdown on each course. You might also want to book tee times at Kingsbarns and Elie, two other beautiful courses in the area. If you’re willing to travel a bit further afield, Carnoustie is another championship course within easy reach of St Andrews.
   • If you want to delve deeper into the history of the beautiful game, visit the R&A World Golf Museum, just a stone’s throw from the R&A Clubhouse. The five-star museum brings the past, present, and future of golf to life through interactive displays and exhibitions. It’s an ideal morning out for golf enthusiasts, families, and history buffs!
   • For more golfing history, visit the birthplace of Old Tom Morris. The house is no longer there, but the spot is commemorated by a plaque next to the Old Picture Theatre cinema. Later in his life, Old Tom lived above a shop opposite the 18th green of The Old Course — now Flat 7, The Links. Last, but by no means least, you could make a pilgrimage to his resting place in the walls of the cathedral — his grave is located on the far right by the south wall.

• Whilst in the town, why not wander out to the famous Swilcan Bridge and have your picture taken against this iconic backdrop? You’ll have this framed to remember your wonderful holiday in no time!

4. Practise, practise, practise. You’ll want to be on top form when you play the courses in St Andrews, so head to the putting green, visit the driving range, and pack in practice rounds in the months before your trip. Plus, if you book one of our properties at Stewarts Resort, you’ll be able to book sessions in our on-site golf simulator to refine your swing between rounds!
5. Get excited. Your stay in St Andrews will be unforgettable!

Speaking about the Old Course, the golfing great Jack Nicklaus famously said, ‘I fell in love with it

the first day I played it. There’s just no other golf course that is even remotely close.’

We know you’ll feel exactly the same way, and be booking a return trip before you leave. The great news is you can get ahead of the game and secure somewhere to stay in future years on our website. Check out our advanced bookings now — dates are available up until January 2025!