St Andrews New Course Key Information
It will always be impossible for this very strong, traditional links not to be overshadowed by its older sibling. Regardless, it is still very much the real deal in its own right, an out-and-back links that asks plenty of questions and offers a lesson in strong design. If it wasn’t for the Old Course, this would be the Old Course!
Reasons To Play The New Course
– A challenging, championship-standard, traditional links
– A chance to compare with the Old Course and for less than half the green fee
– The par-3 ninth is one of the best holes at St Andrews
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24- 75
Designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, St Andrews New Course dates back to 1895. Despite sitting immediately beside the Old Course, the most famous course in the world, it is very much a leading links in its own right and is one of the best golf courses in Scotland.
The Links Trust describes this as “The oldest ‘new’ course in the world.” Some enthusiasts even go so far as to suggest that it is better strategically than the Old! Regardless, it certainly has plenty of strong holes and would be a stand-out course if it were situated elsewhere on its own.
After a reasonably gentle start, particularly on a less windy day, the test of golf really kicks in at the stroke index one, par-4 6th. This runs in the opposite direction to the rest of the front nine, facing back towards the town, and is a full 445 yards with an extremely narrow fairway. If you manage to avoid the gorse lining either side, you still face a long approach towards a difficult green with a tricky run-off to the left.
Many people consider the standout hole to be the excellent, long par-3 which closes the front nine. This tough ‘short’ hole skirts the water’s edge on its way to a partially sunken green. Anything heading too far left from the tee is likely to disappear onto the beach or into the sea.
If you’ve managed a par here, you immediately face another of the toughest two-shotters on the course. All the way, the holes are lined by the trademark St Andrews gorse, there are more scarily narrow fairways in places, plenty of pot bunkers and some tricky, sloping greens.
As with all of the courses at St Andrews, the New is presented in superb condition just about all year. The playing surfaces are consistently as good as you will find at any links course in the country. It may be overlooked a little due to its superstar neighbour, but St Andrews New is a very fine test that more than deserves to be treated with respect.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
With views of the historic town throughout, plus the surrounding courses (the Old and the Jubilee), plus the Eden Estuary and sea, this is course with great visual appeal. A great course in its own right with many of the characteristics of the Old.
Good if not great, save for a few standout holes, the surroundings pull this up at least a few places and help give it the recognition it deserves. It’s a great example of links golf, always in great condition - even in winter - and worth playing over several other high-profile venues in this part of the world.
A good use of the land and excellent bunkering make this an interesting course. Some of the second shots are exacting. The New is a delightful test and one that should be savoured with any visit to the Auld Grey toon.
St Andrews Location
St Andrews New Course Green Fees
St Andrews New Course Scorecard
Best Courses Close to St Andrews
Best Places To Stay Close to St Andrews
The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews - Book now at Booking.com
Overlooking the famous Road Hole on the Old Course, this fine hotel features a luxury spa and award-winning restaurant. The refurbished bedrooms have sumptuous décor and modern bathrooms.
Fairmont St Andrews - Book now at Booking.com
This 5-star hotel has two very enjoyable courses of its own, the Torrance and the Kittocks, and there is a complimentary shuttle service to the town centre. The large rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and modern bathrooms with heated floors.
St Andrews New Course Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 - 75
- 2021/22 - 70
- 2019/20 - 65
- 2017/18 - 65
- 2015/16 - 67
- 2013/14 - 66
- 2011/12 - 60
- 2009/10 - 54
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Andrews New a good alternative to the Old Course?
Any course that is in the Top 100, or indeed the Next 100, is more than worth a game. St Andrews New is considered by some locals to be a better, fairer test, and it also comes with a more affordable green fee.
Who designed the New Course at St Andrews
Old Tom Morris is synonymous with the birth of golf course design having previously won The Open on four occasions. Many of his designs, or modifications thereof, remain in play all over Scotland and further afield.
