There are literally dozens — perhaps even hundreds — of reasons to travel to Scotland and experience St. Andrews. You could write a book about them. Some people already have. So when GolfWRX asked Golfbreaks.com to come up with a few, we took a deep breath and tried to condense the Auld Grey Toon, which could be considered a country within a small town, into just 10 memorable soundbites that encapsulate what the hype is all about.

Kate, Wills and The Tingle…

St. Andrews University.

St Andrews town is a living, breathing monument. Its revered university (yes, the one where Prince William and Kate met) is the third oldest in the English-speaking world, while the striking castle and cathedral date back to medieval times. There is a tangible sense of period to St. Andrews, contrasting with the youthful and vibrant population during the academic year and summer, which provides the town with a unique feeling and atmosphere that visitors find extremely alluring.

The Old Course and Walking in the Footsteps of Legends

When the words history and St. Andrews are mentioned in the same breath, most knowledgeable students of the game don’t immediately think of those old buildings with a violent past. They conjure up thoughts of the Old Course, Tom Morris, and all of those Open Championships.

Golf’s oldest major has been played at the legendary venue on a record 29 occasions, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Sam Snead, and Bobby Jones all lifting the Claret Jug on that most hallowed of turf. When playing the Old Lady, you are literally walking in the footsteps of those legends and all of those that have come since. It really is quite special.

With the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse situated behind the first tee, and Old Tom Morris’ original golf store still open for business across from the 18^th tee, you are surrounded by the origins of the game. This is where golf, as we know it to be now, was born. Why does your standard course comprise of 18 holes? That is what the Old Course has. Just imagine how long a round would take if the original 22-hole layout remained intact?

Champions, the game, memories… were, and still are, created here. Now, THAT is history worth celebrating.

That Moment… On The 1^st Tee

No. 1 at St. Andrews (Old Course).

Oh, yes, standing on the first tee waiting to begin your walk with destiny is more excruciating than preparing to enter your dream job interview, or in the minutes leading up to your wedding. The anticipation and nervous excitement is palpable, but that energy is released with a crushing drive down the gigantic fairway, beginning your stroll with the legends, the most memorable round of your life. Just to experience this moment justifies making the trip to St Andrews.

The Links Trust… and In Golf We Trust!

Eden Course, St. Andrews.

Don’t forget that there are six other fantastic courses (apart from the Old Course) in the town under the Links Trust umbrella, with the New, adjacent to the Old, being the best known of the lot. The course was designed by that bearded doyen of St. Andrews, Old Tom, in the late 19^th century, and although the name does seem a little ironic these days, The New remains a fresh and thoroughly satisfying test. It is also frequently cited as a favorite of the locals.

The Jubilee, whose 18-hole layout was remodeled only a few decades ago, is to be found next to the New and runs alongside the dunes to the edge of the West Sands beach, where a famous scene from the 1981 British movie Chariots of Fire was filmed. It’s also, if you believe him, where nine-time major champion Gary Player slept during the 1957 Open Championship.

The Eden, arguably the most testing of the Trust’s courses along with the Jubilee, can be found on the other side of the Old. Although shorter than its sibling, it’s a thrillingly enjoyable challenge and its imaginative Harry Colt-designed greens require you to have a sharp short game.

Just outside of the town, you’ll discover the modern Castle Course, an undulating and craftily envisaged layout that boasts stunning views and some crazily fun holes. It can be just a little infuriating to play with a card in your hand, though!

10 Courses in One Small Town

No. 17 at the Torrence Course.

In total, there are 10 18-hole courses within a mile of the town, none of which can be sniffed at. Outside of the seven at the Links Trust, the Kohler-owned Dukes, a heathland layout, provides the only alternative to the seaside fare on offer elsewhere. And remember not to overlook the two top-class links courses, the Torrance and Kittocks, on the town’s boundaries at the Fairmont Hotel.

In fact, staying in St Andrews is like being in a multiplex cinema that is only showing classic movies. The town breathes golf and the game has largely defined its worldwide identity. It’s a intoxicating atmosphere for any lover of the game.

Test Yourself Against the Very Best

No. 11 at St. Andrews (Old Course).

For serious golfers, the chance to experience links golf at its purest should be an absolute thrill. Demanding the ability to create shots for each situation on the course, having to judge the bounce and roll on those firm fairways, and to play for the wind, there is never a dull moment.

The key to success on a seaside layout is to ultimately accept those conditions as your friend, rather than as something to fear. There are enough individual elements to St. Andrews that are intimidating, not the least the fearsome Road Hole, which is likely the best known in the game, and certainly among the most enduringly challenging.

On the Old Course, the par-three 11^th and par-five 14^th, which features the ominous Hell Bunker, are also among the highlights. Additionally, both the ninth and 10th holes of the New Course are equally as formidable. Playing these holes well, and escaping the innumerable traps, could be considered as an achievement in itself.

Lifetime Bragging Rights

No. 9 at St. Andrews (New Course).

We all like to impress (and annoy) our golfing friends with tales of success or grandeur. We regale them with tales of the great five-iron you played to the last hole, or the 40-foot eagle putt on a par-five that is unreachable for most. Spending time in St. Andrews and playing the Old Course is just about the ultimate thing to brag about for a golfer.

Enthral (and bore) your buddies with a shot-by-shot recount of your round, that adrenaline boosted drive down the first fairway, or the extraordinary par you made on the Road Hole, before striding up the last to hole a sweeping putt for birdie… sending the on-looking, fish-and-chip munching crowd into rapturous applause. Tell them how great the beer was at the Jigger Inn, how it surprisingly didn’t rain once, and how beautiful the sunset was every evening. Although we can’t guarantee that last bit, sadly.

And finally, show them the obligatory Swilcan Bridge picture.

Get that Priceless Picture on the Swilcan Bridge

The Swilcan Bridge.

Everyone has done it. The key is trying to make that most famous image in golf as unique for you as possible. Will you go for the Nicklaus pose? Or the Arnold Palmer wave? Or perhaps something of your own. The possibilities are endless. Just keep your clothes on. Trust me.

With the most photographed skyline in the game right behind you, the centuries old bridge has been crossed by all the greats, so stopping time for that brief moment is the perfect way to close out a round on the most iconic of courses. Capturing that treasured picture is worth the trip alone.

Experience the Pubs (…and pub golf)

Once you’ve taken that iconic photo, holed the final putt, and shook hands, it’s probably time for a pint or whiskey to help loosen the tongue for a post-round discussion. The obvious haunts are the famous Jigger Inn, situated alongside the Road Hole, or the popular and welcoming Dunvegan Hotel, which is one of the most revered 19-holes to be found anywhere in the world.

If pub golf is your agenda, then other watering holes include the Keys, or even Rascals, situated next to the cinema, which younger visitors in particular will enjoy. The good news is that there are more than enough pubs to satisfy the most seasoned of drinkers…. and a full 18, if you have the stamina!

The Gateway to Great Golf and More…

No. 18 at Kingsbarns.

Situated only 50 miles from Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh, St. Andrews is easy to reach and an ideal base for embarking on a golfing and cultural expedition of your own. The great city is among the most picturesque in Europe, with enough attractions to satisfy a trip of its own.

From a golf perspective, Kingsbarns, the breath-taking modern classic now considered to be one of the world’s finest courses, is only a short drive from the town, while the likes of Crail and Scotscraig are also within the surrounding area.

However, it is slightly farther afield where you will discover the ultimate gems. Carnoustie, the famed Open Championship venue, is just a 40-minute drive away, while East Lothian (Scotland’s Golf Coast) is less than two hours to the south, where Muirfield, Gullane, North Berwick and Kilspindie can all be ticked off the proverbial bucket list.

If you travel a similar distance north you’ll come to the city of Aberdeen, which boasts some of the country’s best on its doorstep, including the Balgownie Links of Royal Aberdeen, Murcar, and the enchanting Cruden Bay; now a cult favourite with visitors worldwide.

St. Andrews is not only the ultimate destination, but also the perfect gateway to Scotland’s other world class golf destinations.

By now we should have convinced you that St. Andrews is a golfing mecca to which every golfer must come at least once in their lifetime. Just one trip won’t however be enough, but every golfer deserves to have at least a taste. So, if it is not already on your bucket list… then stop, pull out a pen and ink it in!

Fortunately Golfbreaks.com is at hand to make that trip a reality, and, we’ll do all the work for you as well as save you time and money! Simply send us an inquiry by contacting our Golf Vacation Specialists at usa.golfbreaks.com or by calling (+1) 855.699.5853 Toll Free. Golfbreaks.com’s UK and Irish 4-night, 4-round golf tours start from just $640 pp.