The Castle Course At St Andrews
The Castle Course | St Andrews
Opened in 2008 as the seventh course in the St Andrews Links portfolio, The Castle Course is a bold and modern addition to the Home of Golf. Perched dramatically on cliffs east of town, it delivers sweeping views of St Andrews Bay, the North Sea, and the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Architect David McLay Kidd transformed rolling farmland into a course defined by undulating fairways, daring contours, and some of the most photogenic holes in Scotland.
Unlike its historic neighbors, The Castle Course was designed to surprise and challenge. The greens, once considered unforgiving, have since been softened, making the course more inviting without losing its edge. Highlights include the heroic par-3 17th, where a long carry over a yawning chasm tests nerve and skill, and the par-5 18th, a dramatic finisher tracing the cliffs back toward the clubhouse.
With its spectacular setting and modern flair, The Castle Course offers a completely different perspective on St Andrews golf—one that blends visual drama with unforgettable shot-making. It may be the youngest course in the Links family, but it has quickly earned a place on every golfer’s must-play list.
Course Stats | The Castle Course
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,759 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 72.1
Slope Rating: 143
Designer: David McLay Kidd – Opened 2008
Type: Modern links-style, clifftop
Signature Holes:
17th: Heroic par 3 requiring a long carry over a cliffside chasm — one of Scotland’s most dramatic one-shotters.
18th: Risk-reward par 5 finishing along the cliffs, offering both beauty and danger.
Championships: While not yet an Open venue, it has hosted elite amateur and professional events; part of the St Andrews Links Trust portfolio.
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Prime months with long daylight and excellent course conditioning.
June – August: Warmest stretch, stunning North Sea views at their most vibrant.
September: Still mild with fewer crowds — ideal for luxury golf travelers.
