My family and I will be in Scotland this June for a week. I plan on making a day trip to St. Andrews from Edinburgh before we head to Oban. I've read that on Sundays the Old Course is closed to golfers however it is open for people to go and walk around the course. There is a tour of hole 1-17-18 for 10 pounds a person, my question is do you have to do the tour or am anyone justgo and walk around the course freely? I have no issue with taking the paid tour except time restraints. The tour is offer at 11:00 and 14:00 and we will be leaving St. Andrews driving to Oban
Posted by
Boston MA
1 posts
Jared, I would suggest there isn't really a need to take a tour as you can see all three holes from the walkways or roads just beside the course. The tour would likely give you the history of the course but if you are a golfer, you may already know it.
Posted by
Pacific Grove, CA
15 posts
Hi Jared, No need to sign up for a tour if you just want to stroll the course at your leisure any time on Sunday. Have fun!
Posted by
3123 posts
I took the tour w/my hubby, a lifelong golfer and experienced caddy. For him it was absolute heaven. We got a chance for me to take his photo standing on the Swilcan Bridge. He really bonded with our tour guide, a man about his own age. After the tour you end up in the gift shop and if I remember correctly your tour ticket entitles you to some free goodies, like St Andrews logo balls. Don't quote me, but we may have also gotten a merchandise discount. Had I taken the tour alone, I probably would have been somewhat bored as it mainly consists of standing around on the 1st / 18th holes, listening to golf jargon and anecdotes about famous golfers and noteworthy tournaments, all delivered in a strong Scottish accent.
Right across is the British Golf Museum, which is fascinating whether or not you have a great interest in golf, and it has a lovely cafe upstairs overlooking the 1st / 18th holes. You can also play the "Himalayas" (officially Ladies' Putting Green) mini golf for a nominal fee -- be aware there are no lockers or other facilities to hold your belongings while you play. You don't have to wear golf shoes, but high heels are forbidden.
A day trip from Edinburgh will limit how much time you have to spend in St. Andrews. You have a long drive all the way from St Andrews to Oban -- or do you mean you're driving from Edinburgh to Oban on a different day? In any case, personally I wouldn't want to be on the highland roads en route to Oban in the dark. The days are long in June so you're in luck.