Old Course
St Andrews
The Old Course at St Andrews is the ultimate bucket-list experience for golfers visiting Scotland. Widely regarded as the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, it sits at the heart of St Andrews Links and has hosted The Open Championship more often than any other venue.
Unlike a modern course created by one architect, the Old Course has evolved naturally over centuries. Its 18-hole, par-72 layout features broad shared fairways, seven double greens and more than 100 bunkers, giving golfers numerous ways to approach each hole. The course may appear open from the tee, but success depends on choosing the right lines and avoiding hazards that have challenged generations of the game’s greatest players.
Famous landmarks appear throughout the round. Golfers must negotiate the enormous Hell Bunker on the 14th before facing the legendary Road Hole at the 17th, where the tee shot is played over part of the Old Course Hotel. The closing hole then crosses the Swilcan Burn and passes the iconic Swilcan Bridge before finishing beneath the historic Royal and Ancient Clubhouse.
Wind plays a major part in the experience, changing the course’s difficulty and placing extra importance on ball flight, imagination and course management. Firm links turf allows golfers to use running approaches and the natural contours, while a caddie can provide valuable advice about hidden bunkers and unfamiliar lines.
After golf, visitors can explore the World Golf Museum, walk along West Sands Beach or visit the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The town is also filled with traditional pubs, restaurants, golf shops and historic streets, creating an atmosphere that every golfer should experience at least once.
For golfers seeking unmatched history, iconic holes and the chance to follow in the footsteps of golfing legends, the Old Course is the centrepiece of any St Andrews golf holiday.
Edinburgh Airport
79km
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.
