The Old Course at St Andrews Links is not just the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world but also a sacred site where the game of golf has been played for over 600 years. Located in the historic town of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, the Old Course is widely considered the "Home of Golf," where playing a round is akin to making a pilgrimage for golf enthusiasts from around the globe.

This par-72 course, stretching over 6,721 yards, is famous for its unique layout, featuring double greens, deep pot bunkers, and the infamous Hell Bunker and Road Hole. The course's design, which has evolved naturally over centuries, offers wide fairways that belie the strategic complexity of playing the correct angles and navigating the ever-present winds off the North Sea.

The Old Course is renowned for its starting and finishing holes that run alongside the historic Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, providing a dramatic backdrop for golfers beginning and concluding their rounds. The 1st hole, with the Swilcan Bridge and the imposing R&A clubhouse in the background, is one of the most iconic opening holes in golf. Conversely, the 18th hole, leading back into the heart of St Andrews, offers a finish that is as memorable as it is challenging, with the Valley of Sin lying in wait in front of the green.

One of the Old Course's most distinctive features is its large double greens, where seven greens are shared between two holes each, a unique characteristic that adds to the course's charm and complexity. Additionally, the course's 112 bunkers, each with its own name and history, including the notorious Road Hole Bunker on the 17th, present formidable obstacles that require skill and strategy to overcome.

The Old Course has hosted more Open Championships than any other venue, and its place in golf history is unparalleled. Legends of the game have walked its fairways, contributing to its lore and mystique. The course is a testament to the enduring appeal of golf, offering a challenge that has stood the test of time, appealing to amateurs and professionals alike.

Playing the Old Course is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes beyond the round itself. It's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and traditions of the game, from crossing the Swilcan Bridge to enjoying the unmatched atmosphere of St Andrews, where golf is a way of life.

The Old Course at St Andrews Links remains a beacon for golfers worldwide, embodying the spirit, history, and enduring challenge of the game like no other course on earth.

Beyond Golf Tours works with other tour operators in IAGTO to get guaranteed tee times on the Old Course.