St Andrews Old Course History Tour
Description
These are bucket list award-winning tours with professional local guides. Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about the origins and the development of both the game and the Old Course through a timeline spanning the 13th to 20th century, plus Open and Dunhill history, finishing with a photo shoot on the iconic Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days). Hear memorable Road Hole moments and gain recommendations for a few more things on the bucket list to do while here, including the Himalayas and the Jigger Inn. Round off your tour by the Old Course Jigger Inn. Sundays - Walk on the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days) No tours from November to February inclusive *Check the booking calendar for availability Tours endorsed by famed Golf historian David Joy and RIck Steves.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet Richard outside front of hotel for the start of your shared tour. Please don't be late as these public tours will not wait. Tour start: Gain an overview of town history leading to 1123 Links charter.
Discover the origins and early development of the game of golf, from 13th-century stick and ball in the Low Countries to Edinburgh in 1744 and why St Andrews is the Home of Golf.
Learn about how Old Course development also developed the game of golf, where fairways and bunkers come from, golfing moments, Old Tom and the old Caddie Shack!
The Open Championship, Dunhill Cup, further course development from 12, 10 to 18 holes and important sites around the 18th.
The 1st/18th fairway and farmers, Rusacks Hotel, the Mannings, original 1st tee and 18th hole, how early caddies and ladies caused Old Tom to create the world's first putting green!
Photo shoot on one of the most iconic landmarks in the game of golf, and one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Excludes tournament days - Dunhill, Open etc.
Hear about some of the jaw-dropping golfing moments at the Road Hole - the 17th green of the Old Course, then finish the tour near the famed Old Course Jigger Inn for refreshments (not included).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Tours not suitable for under 5s
- A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
- Not suitable for strollers/carriages
- Not suitable for Crutches, walking frames, mobility scooters
- There is nowhere to leave any of the above and golf clubs etc while on tour, so make alternative arrangements
- Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.
Reviews(205)
We booked this trip last minute with the weather being good, and we were the only two on the tour! Mike was really informative and enthusiastic and allowed lots of picture stops!! The meeting point was really easy to find and the end point at the jogger inn was a great stop to finish! I would definitely recommend for golf enthusiasts who like the history of the game!
Erin was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable and entertaining.
What a delightful experience. Even if you do not play golf the history of the game and the beautiful course is well worth a visit.
Excellent tour by a person who clearly loves the game of golf. He kept our teenage boys entertained with his stories. Well worth the time and money!
Funny guy, great stories. Made St Andrew’s come to life.
The guide was very knowledgeable and the tour was excellent The experience was very satisfying and all golfers will enjoy.
Our guide, Graham, was exceptional! He was very knowledgeable and engaging with everyone on the tour. He shared so many wonderful tidbits and new information with the group, not only about golf, but about St. Andrews and Scotland as a whole. We learned so much on this tour. It was definitely one of the highlights of our whole trip. He was also great at answering questions and made sure everyone was keeping up and that they could hear him. We would definitely recommend this tour! Ask for Graham!
My wife and I visited St Andrews for a 5 day visit. We stayed at Six Murray Park, a B&B located in the heart of the city. Great location walking to shops, restaurant and golf. Tony and El were the perfect hosts and we loved our room, breakfasts and stay. Would definitely stay there again. The history of the city was fascinating and golf at the Castle Course and the Old Course were once in a lifetime experiences. Worth getting a caddie for any golf rounds in St Andrews. Great trip.
A 50-minute tour, very hurried. Dear young guide but it was not what we expected...
The tour was informative about St. Andrew’s as a town. Not as much information about golf. Not really a “golfer” tour.
