Is there a better place in the world to play golf?
Best golf courses near St Andrews: 10. Lundin
Founded in 1868 and is a Tom Morris original that was redesigned by James Braid.
Boasts slender fairways, burns, internal out of bounds (a railway line), and devilish pot bunkers.
As a result, it tested even the pros when it has hosted qualifying for the Open.
Best golf courses near St Andrews: 9. Leven
Generally flat links with low-running dune ridges separating the rippling fairways, it is a course that is easy to love.
The last is slightly out of character, given it is one of the toughest closing holes in Scotland, but is nevertheless an outstanding way to end a first-rate seaside course.
Best golf courses near St Andrews: 8. Ladybank
Regarded by many as being comfortably good enough to appear in the ‘Next 100’ of GB&I Top 100 lists, but is often significantly under-exposed and under-rated.
In this region of famous links, this is a tree-lined heathland-parkland that charms rather than punishes you.
It does however have teeth, by virtue of the tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy off the tee and small greens that insist on the same with your approaches.
The firm turf is immaculate and it is one of Scotland’s finest inland courses.
Best golf courses near St Andrews: 7. Crail (Balcomie)
Another clifftop course, but this time one that dates back to Old Tom times. Laid out by by the great man in 1895, it offers thrilling shots and terrific views.
It incorporates three par 5s, six par 3s and nine par 4s for a tough par of 69.
Expect daring shots over rocky bays, dramatic approaches to greens perched on the bluffs, and holes that follow the line of the cliffs with sand below.
Best golf courses near St Andrews: 6. St Andrews (Jubilee)
Gaining a little more attention these days but it still flies significantly under the radar despite many experienced judges believing it to be the Auld Grey Toun’s toughest track.
Donald Steel’s late 1980s alterations completed the transition from 12-hole ‘starter’ course to 18-hole challenge, especially as it’s closest to the coast so is buffeted by more wind.
Who is going to get the coveted No. 1 spot? Turn the page as the countdown continues…
Chris Bertram
Chris Bertram is a specialist in all things golf courses.
He was born and brought up in Dumfriesshire and has been a sports journalist since 1996, initially as a junior writer with National Club Golfer magazine.
Chris then spent four years writing about football and rugby union for the Press Association but returned to be Editor and then Publisher of NCG.
He has been freelance since 2010 and spends the majority of his time playing golf and writing about the world’s finest golf courses.
