Fairmont St Andrews | Torrance & Kittocks Courses
Fairmont St Andrews | Torrance & Kittocks Courses
Perched high above the North Sea, the Fairmont St Andrews resort offers two of Scotland’s most striking modern courses—the Torrance and the Kittocks. Together they frame sweeping views of the Auld Grey Toon, the cathedral ruins, and the rugged Fife coastline, blending contemporary design with timeless Scottish scenery. At Fairmont St Andrews, luxury accommodations and refined hospitality meet world-class golf, making it an essential addition to any Scotland itinerary.
Course Stats | Torrance Course
The Torrance Course, crafted by Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance with input from Gene Sarazen, is a masterclass in “manufactured links.” Stone walls, rolling fairways, and cliff-edge greens give it the look and feel of a course that has always belonged on this land. Its finishing stretch, particularly the greens perched precariously above the sea, provides a dramatic close worthy of any golf journey.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,230 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 75.1
Slope Rating: 138
Designer: Sam Torrance (with Gene Sarazen) – Opened 2001
Type: Modern links-style, clifftop
Signature Holes: 17th & 18th – dramatic finish along the cliffs; 14th green perched above the sea
Championships: Final Qualifying for The Open (2010); European Tour events (Scottish Senior Open, Scottish Championship 2020)
Course Stats | Kittocks Course
The Kittocks Course, by contrast, is clifftop golf in its purest form—severe, breathtaking, and unrelenting. With holes that tumble along the edge of the coastline and vistas rivaling Pebble Beach, it is both a challenge and a spectacle. Thankfully, carts are available, but the rewards come in every view, every shot, and every step across this unforgettable setting.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,192 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 75.3
Slope Rating: 139
Designer: Bruce Devlin & Gene Sarazen – Opened 2001
Type: Clifftop links-style with dramatic elevation changes
Signature Holes: 15th–17th — holes tracing the clifftops with sweeping North Sea views; coastal greens rivaling Pebble Beach in drama
Championships: Hosted Scottish Senior Open; select European Tour events
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
April – May: Shoulder season, fewer crowds, crisp spring air, blooming gorse; courses firming up.
June – August: Peak season. Long daylight (up to 18 hours), warmer temps (60s–70s °F / 15–22 °C). Highest demand for Old Course & championship tee times.
September: Often considered the “sweet spot.” Still mild, fewer crowds, softer light, photogenic golf.
October: Shoulder season again. Unpredictable weather, but great value and atmosphere.
November – March: Off-season. Courses may be open but with shorter daylight, more rain, and winter greens. Generally not recommended for luxury travelers unless paired with whisky/castle tours.
Best Months for Luxury & Upscale Trips: May–September, with June–early September delivering the most reliable weather and longest playing days.
