Where is Fairmont?
Just a few miles south-east of St Andrews town itself.
Reason for going
A Titleist product launch
What to expect
Stunning views across the sea and back towards the town of St Andrews. The front nine heads a bit away from the coast into what seems like old farm land but the back nine has a real seaside links feel without having the turf conditions.
It’s fairly long off the white tees and silly long off the backs but more than playable off the yellows for all abilities.
The course itself, although great fun, isn’t quite in the same league as others in the area but the surroundings are enough to make it a special experience.
The hotel is fantastic too.
My best bit
The whole of the back nine is great but final three holes are quality. The downhill 16th plays directly towards the sea and offers the best views of the round when you get to the green.
The 17th is then a really tough par-3 with out-of-bounds left and a well-guarded green. Finally 18 offers the chance to open your shoulders on a par-5 which can be reached in two for big hitters but be happy to make the green in three.
Watch out for
If into wind, the drive on 10 is as tough a shot as you’ll face all day. On a few holes theres some sneaky out-of-bounds walls which aren’t visible from the tee.
When I go back…
I’ll hopefully play it the right way around as I played the back nine first. This then made the front nine seem a bit ordinary. Playing it the right way round saves the best stuff until last.
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