THE DUKE’S
DG SCOTLAND 2024 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, when they arrive, but this is not a course where you want to get distracted.
Considerable work in recent years has given the course the feel of a bygone era and the 118 jagged bunkers certainly help in that regard. The white sand is startling, especially as you stand on the tee, and they add tremendous shape and drama to holes. Plotting
your way through them is hugely rewarding. Trees also frame holes constantly and it is a charming respite from non-stop links golf nearby. 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 – the golf experience most of all.
Did You Know?
The Duke’s is owned by the famous Old Course Hotel, over and
around which many of the world’s greatest golfers have played
their 17th tee shot on the Old Course.