St Andrews is renowned worldwide as “The Home of Golf” with 11 courses in the immediate area and more than 30 within a half-hour’s drive.The Old Course Hotel’s own championship course, The Duke’s is St Andrews’ only heathland course, and ranked 80th in the Top100 UK golf course rankings.
With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship course at The Duke’s gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea.
The Duke’s is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a must-play course for any golfer. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges, which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke’s has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level, with the venue being chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the four majors in the world of amateur golf.
The Duke’s Golf Academy at St Andrews offers comprehensive golf teaching services. First-class facilities include a driving range, putting green, and chipping and bunker area. Lesson and course types are suitable for everyone from complete beginners to more experienced players and include a variety of coaching classes.
In the words of DG SCOTLAND 2018 Editor, Kevin Markham:
*The Duke’s is not part of the St Andrews Links Trust, nor is it a links, but neither fact should detract from the quality and intrigue of a course opened in 1995, and designed by five time Open winner, Peter Thomson. The Duke’s lies inland and is best described as a muscular heathland course, routed through gentle hills overlooking the town. The views are impressive but your focus needs to be on the course. Recently revitalised, the goal was to take it back to a bygone era and the 118 jagged bunkers certainly help in that regard. They come in all shapes and sizes and are never far away as you move over the rumpled, gorse-drenched landscape. Their white sand is startling as you stand on the tee or shape up for an approach. They add so much shape and drama to the holes and plotting your way through them is hugely rewarding. Trees also frame the course giving it a very different appearance, feel and challenge to courses nearby. It’s a charming respite from non-stop links golf. An impressive clubhouse awaits and the balcony offers wonderful views over the course, towards St Andrews and the North Sea. Everything about Duke’s is big… especially the golf experience. There are five tees so choose with care.*
https://www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/golf/the-dukes
The Duke’s – A Championship Heathland Course (St Andrews, Scotland)
