Golf Tourism: The Castle Course St Andrews Scotland

Golf tourism is by definition the combination of two of my favorite things. To golf is to play a game in which clubs that have wooden or metal heads are used to strike a small white ball into a series of holes, usually 9 or 18, situated at various distances over a course having natural and artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible. Tourism is the activity or practice of touring, especially for pleasure.

Now that the definition of golf tourism has clearly been explained what better place to be a golf tourist than to the home of golf, St. Andrews in Scotland! St. Andrews has added a seventh course to it’s line up and I need to know more about the Castle Course.

I contacted Stephenie Simpson, Marketing Officer, with St. Andrews Links Trust to tell me more. Here is what Stephenie had to say.

GolfBistro:  St. Andrews has added a seventh course to it's already outstanding menu of golf. Please share with us the highlights of The Castle Course.

Stephenie Simpson: The views from The Castle Course are spectacular. The course overlooks the ancient town of St Andrews and as the course stretches along more than one mile of shoreline, there are views of the sea from every hole. The 17th is probably one of the main highlights of the course. This dramatic par 3 plays directly across a rocky chasm, which can seem intimidating but is very playable if you aim to the left of the green.

GolfBistro: Are there any restrictions at The Castle Course, that golfers should be aware of when booking a tee time, such as minimum handicap index, the use of buggies or minimum number in golfers required to book a tee time.

Stephenie Simpson: There is no handicap restriction in place at The Castle Course. In fact, there are five tees to suit most levels of ability. Buggies are provided for players who hold a disabled certificate only, and this must be mentioned at the time of booking. As with the other course at St Andrews Links, you need a minimum of two players to book a round in advance. Single players can go to the clubhouse reception on the day and wait to be joined with a two or three-ball.

GolfBistro: With seven courses available at St. Andrews what advice would you give a golfer who is planning their golf vacation of a lifetime?

Stephenie Simpson: I would recommend to anyone planning a trip here to check our website www.standrews.org.uk for detailed information on how to book. We open for advance reservations on the first Wednesday in September the year before you want to play. To book the Old Course you will need to be very quick of mark. However, around 50% of all tee-times on the Old Course are reserved for the Daily Ballot, a lottery style draw which is entered the day before you want to play. Single players can queue at the starter in the morning to be joined with the first available two or three-ball. Visitors should also bear in mind that The Castle Course will be open from April to October for the first few years.

GolfBistro: The Open Championship is coming back to The Old Course in 2010. Is there a possibility that The Castle Course will host any amateur or professional tournaments in the future?

Stephenie Simpson: There are no plans to hold any amateur or professional tournaments at this time.

GolfBistro: Is there anything you would like to share about the St. Andrews Links Trust and their contribution to the game of golf for future generations of golfers?

Stephenie Simpson: As a charity, surpluses are reinvested into the maintenance of the course and facilities. It is the responsibility of St Andrews Links Trust to maintain and preserve the Links for future generations.

St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association has also introduced over 1000 juniors to the game, with over 300 children enrolling each year.  

To book online tee times, please click here for the Linksnet System:
http://www.linksnet.co.uk/

For more information on St Andrews Links Trust please click here
http://www.standrews.org.uk/

To view the Castle Course please click here
http://www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/course_no7.html

Photographs are provided by and are copyright of St Andrews Links Trust