The Best Places to Play Golf near St. Andrews
St. Andrews is famous for its prestigious full 18 hole golf courses but within its borders sits the Balgove Course, the only 9-hole course at the ‘Home of Golf’. [1] The Himalayas (otherwise known as the St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club) uniquely offer 9-hole and 18-hole putting between the Old Course and West Sands. [5] [11] 10 miles from St. Andrews is Kingarrock Hickory Golf, the only remaining hickory golf course in the UK, first established in 1924. [16] [9] 11 miles south of St. Andrews, Anstruther Golf Club has a demanding fifth hole, known as the ‘Rockies,’ touted as being one of the most difficult in golf. [9] [13]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near St. Andrews
- The Balgove Course at St. Andrews Links was opened in February 1972 but had a short life as part of it was taken over in the 1989-90 remodeling of the Eden Course. [6]
- Kingarrock Hickory Golf’s history stretches back to 1906 when wealthy jute magnate Frederick Sharp first brought his family to Hill of Tarvit, attracted by its proximity to famous St Andrews Royal & Ancient Golf Club. [16]
- Anstruther Golf Club was founded in 1890 as a 7-hole course. [13]
- The first competition at The Himalayas was in 1867 – 45 holes and 3 rounds with the first prize of a gold locket!. The second prize was a silver pebble brooch and both these prizes are still at the club are played for every year.
- Every Wednesday, the course at the Himalayas Putting Green is changed. [5]
- The Himalayas Putting Green has been voted number two in The Courier “country days out”. [11]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf course near St. Andrews?
Anstruther Golf Club was founded in 1890 as a 7-hole course. [13]
Which 9-hole course near St. Andrews is best for beginners?
Balgove Course at St. Andrews Links is the only 9-hole course at the ‘Home of Golf’ and is great for families, children and beginners. It still has bunkers though and a double green (one green with two holes!) [1]
What makes Kingarrock Hickory Golf unique?
Kingarrock Hickory Golf is the only remaining hickory golf course in the UK, where players use original hickory clubs from the 1910-1930 era. [7] [16]
Where is the Himalayas Putting Green?
Not in the Himalayas! The Himalayas Putting Green is located between the famous Old Course and the spectacular West Sands, only a ten-minute walk from the town centre of St. Andrews. [5] [11]
References
[1] https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/st-andrews-links-balgove-course-p260481 [5] https://www.stayinstandrews.com/blog/the-himalayas-putting-greens.php [6] https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/17189-st-andrews-links-balgove-course [7] https://www.hickorygolfers.com/courses-for-the-hickory-soul-kingarrock-st-andrews-fife-scotland/ [9] https://www.visitfifegolf.com/16-golf-courses-near-st-andrews/ [11] https://www.standrewsputtingclub.com [12] https://www.visitfifegolf.com/st-andrews-links-balgove-course/ [13] https://www.explore-st-andrews.com/things-to-do/st-andrews-golf/24-golf-courses-around-st-andrews/ [16] https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/hill-of-tarvit-mansion/highlights/kingarrock-hickory-golf