The Craigtoun Course
St Andrews
The Craigtoun Course is a fantastic addition to any St Andrews golf holiday, offering a completely different test to the famous coastal links in town. Formerly known as The Duke’s Course, this elevated inland layout sits just outside St Andrews and is now part of the St Andrews Links family, giving golfers another excellent reason to spend a few days in the Home of Golf.
Designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson and later refined by Tim Liddy, The Craigtoun Course brings heathland golf to St Andrews, with rolling fairways, mature trees, gorse, heather and wide views back across the town and coastline. It is scenic, strategic and full of variety, making it a strong choice for golfers who want something beyond traditional links golf during their Scotland trip.
The course has a real risk-and-reward feel, with several holes asking players to think carefully from the tee rather than simply reaching for driver. With five tee positions and two loops of nine holes, it can be set up to suit a wide range of golfers, from confident low handicappers to holiday golfers looking for an enjoyable but proper challenge. The natural setting also gives the round a peaceful feel, away from the busier town centre courses.
After golf, visitors can enjoy food and drink at The Craigtoun clubhouse, head into St Andrews for pubs, restaurants and golf history, or explore nearby attractions including West Sands Beach, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle and the World Golf Museum. It also works beautifully as part of a wider Fife itinerary, with Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie Links, Crail and the other St Andrews Links courses all within easy reach.
Edinburgh Airport
80km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
£ (British Pound)
Temperature:
0°C - 22°C
Cost of a Beer:
£5.50
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£40
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
The Mornington Peninsula sits just south of Melbourne and is one of Australia’s premier golf regions, combining a dense collection of top-ranked courses with coastal scenery, wineries and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Often considered an extension of Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt, the peninsula offers firm playing conditions, strategic design and a variety of layouts within a compact area.
One of the standout venues is The National Golf Club, home to multiple world-class courses including the Old Course, Moonah and Gunnamatta. Each layout offers a distinct challenge, from classic links-style holes to more modern designs routed through natural dune systems. Nearby, Moonah Links Golf Course provides two championship courses that regularly host professional events, featuring rolling fairways, natural bunkering and open, wind-influenced terrain. Another highlight is St Andrews Beach Golf Course, a Tom Doak design that blends seamlessly with the coastal landscape and is widely praised for its playability and strategic interest.
Golf on the Mornington Peninsula benefits from a temperate coastal climate, with the best conditions typically in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when courses are firm and the weather is comfortable.
Off the course, the peninsula is renowned for its wineries, boutique breweries and coastal villages. Beach walks, cliff-top views and spa retreats offer relaxation between rounds, while nearby Melbourne provides world-class dining and cultural experiences just over an hour away.
For golfers seeking high-quality course variety, coastal links-style golf and a destination that blends championship play with food, wine and relaxation, the Mornington Peninsula delivers one of Australia’s most complete and rewarding golf escapes.
