The Castle Course
St Andrews
The Castle Course offers one of the most dramatic rounds in St Andrews, with a spectacular clifftop setting overlooking the town, St Andrews Bay and the North Sea. Opened in 2008 as the seventh course at St Andrews Links, it gives golfers a modern and visually striking alternative to the traditional links found closer to the centre of the Home of Golf.
Designed by David McLay Kidd, the 18-hole, par-71 layout stretches to 6,749 yards from the back tees. The course follows the rugged coastline across the former Kinkell Castle farmland, using the natural slopes and contours of the headland to create a memorable test. Wide views, exposed fairways and ever-changing coastal winds give the round a genuine sense of adventure.
Much of the challenge comes around the greens. Large slopes, raised putting surfaces and multiple tiers demand accurate approach shots and plenty of imagination with the short game. Golfers may have several ways to play the same shot, using the contours to feed the ball towards the hole or choosing a more direct aerial route. Multiple teeing options mean the course can still be enjoyed by a wide range of handicaps, although careful course management is essential when the wind strengthens.
The glass-fronted clubhouse is an excellent place to relax after the round, with panoramic coastal views and a choice of food and drinks. Golfers can then head into St Andrews to explore its historic streets, traditional pubs, restaurants and golf shops. Other popular activities include walking along West Sands Beach, visiting the World Golf Museum and exploring the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral.
For golfers seeking dramatic scenery, modern links design and a serious test of their game, The Castle Course is an outstanding addition to a St Andrews golf holiday.
Edinburgh Airport
85km
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.
