This may be my favourite place on the planet. There’s no better feeling than driving in and getting that first glimpse of the Old Course – seeing that 18th green wedged right into the town.
But the unique setting of St Andrews doesn’t merely extend to what’s happening on the course. If you love this sport, your wallet is in for a serious workout.
The Auld Grey Toun lives and breathes golf so if you’re looking to do a little bit of shopping you won’t find anywhere to match it
If you’ve got limited time between rounds, though, where is best to go? Purely in the name of research – though my bank balance may say otherwise – I’ve been out and about to find the best spots…
Auchterlonies of St Andrews
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There’s plenty of pedigree about our first stop. It was founded in 1895 by Open champion Willie Auchterlonie and it’s an absolute warren inside. It takes up half of Golf Place and that doesn’t include the separate ladies’ shop.
Every big brand is represented here. If you’ve broken a club, need a set of waterproofs or just fancy gandering at gear, this is the only place to go.
Best for… clubs, bags, gloves – whatever you might need to play the game.
The Open Shop
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Better known as Old Tom Morris’s shop and worth a visit if only to mooch around where the Grand Old Man of Golf used to ply his trade. If you’ve ever been around the huge merchandise building at The Open, you’ll be familiar with what’s on offer.
Best for… anything with a Claret Jug emblazoned on it.
St Andrews Golf Company
An absolute treasure trove for anyone who likes their golf heritage. They still make hickory clubs here and they are works of art. You can pick up everything from vintage balls – that won’t break the bank – to a limited edition set of clubs that will set you back thousands.
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The hand-drawn depictions of the Old Course holes are also worth an investment and spending five minutes in here is like gloriously stepping back in time.
Best for… the classic commemorative vintage ball you can get your hands on for £37
The Old Course Shop
Run by the St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the seven courses, this is as touristy as it gets. Ball markers, headcovers, clothing – all marked with the Trust’s distinctive logo.
For many of you, given its prime spot right by the 18th hole, it will be your first port of call for golf merchandise.
It’s huge too, so if you’re looking to get rid of 20 minutes then you’ll find plenty to browse. If you can escape without picking up a signature pin flag, you are a better person than me.
Best for… anyone who needs to return home with a gift.
Topping & Company Booksellers
It’s not a golf shop! You’re right but I’m going to allow it because this Greyfriars Garden emporium has the best collection of golf books I – and you – will ever see.
No more dropping in, and going straight out, because there’s one volume on the shelves. Even though you might expect it in St Andrews, there is row after row to browse. You won’t fail to find something that suits your fancy.
Best for… golf course architecture tomes and anything that’s a bit out of the mainstream.
The Pro Shop
You’ll find probably the cheapest but, in my mind anyway, a most interesting piece of merch here – the Caddies Professional Course guide that opens up the secrets of the Old Course. At just £3, if you’re spinning around the hallowed turf, why wouldn’t you tap into the knowledge of the people who know it best?
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Best for… towels and headcovers in a stupefying range of options.
The Golf Shop of St Andrews
Their kit bears a pretty distinctive logo, which you will see EVERYWHERE throughout St Andrews. So why would you be different to everyone else?
Best for… the signature logo sweater that was going out of the doors in stupid numbers during Open week.
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