St. Andrews New Course

Despite its name, the New Course at St. Andrews is 109 years old. Having become ingrained on the face of the oldest and most famous golfing landscape in the world, the New Course is a unique, natural challenge to thrill anyone.

The flat links layout will usually be guarded by fairly strong winds. The first real test comes at the third - a long 511 yard par-five which dog legs from right to left towards a double green. The putting surface is narrow from front to back and requires a deadly accurate approach shot to avoid leaving yourself in three putt territory. The sixth hole is one of the hardest of any of the six St. Andrews courses, playing 445 yards back into the wind. The fairway is guarded by gorse right and left and requires an accurate drive to offer the chance of a long iron approach to the green.

The back nine is by far the tougher of the two and the final two holes present a serious threat to a decent score. The 17th is a 229 yard par three that plays directly into the prevailing wind, requiring an accurate long iron to a narrow, well-bunkered green, nice. The final hole is a 408 yard par four that plays towards the clubhouse. When choosing the club for your approach, play for the front of the green - out of bounds lies within a few feet of the back, waiting to spoil a good score. For post-match refreshments the Jigger Inn is a beautiful old pub situated just off the 17th fairway of the Old Course that serves up an excellent pint.

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Green fees: April-October £55 Adult, (£27 Under 16), November-March £38 Adult, (£19 Under 16)

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.