The Balgove Course
St Andrews
The Balgove Course is the most welcoming and accessible layout at St Andrews Links, offering a relaxed way to enjoy golf in the world-famous Home of Golf. This compact nine-hole course is particularly popular with beginners, junior golfers and families, but it is also a useful option for experienced players wanting to sharpen their short game or enjoy a quicker round during a busy St Andrews golf holiday.
Playing to a par of 30 and measuring approximately 1,520 yards, the Balgove features proper tees, bunkers and putting surfaces within a manageable layout. The fairways are relatively open, while the shallow bunkers and gently undulating greens introduce golfers to the challenges of links-style golf without making the course feel intimidating. Its shorter holes place more emphasis on accurate iron shots, distance control and confident putting than power from the tee.
The course is a brilliant choice for mixed-ability groups, particularly when some members are new to golf or do not want to tackle a full championship layout. It can also work well as a relaxed opening round after arriving in St Andrews, a family activity or an extra nine holes alongside one of the longer St Andrews Links courses.
After golf, visitors can enjoy food and drink at the nearby St Andrews Links facilities or head into the centre of town. St Andrews is packed with traditional pubs, restaurants, cafés and independent shops, as well as centuries of golfing history. Away from the fairways, golfers can visit the World Golf Museum, walk along West Sands Beach or explore the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral.
For golfers looking for an enjoyable, informal and beginner-friendly experience in one of the world’s greatest golfing destinations, the Balgove Course is a lovely addition to a St Andrews break.
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.
