Food Focus: St Andrews, Scotland

As well as being a world famous destination for golfing aficionados, did you know that St. Andrews is also a must visit destination for any serious food lover?

With over 60 restaurants and cafes to choose from, St. Andrews has something to suit every taste bud.  Here is just a few of the many restaurants to visit when in The Home of Golf:

The Seafood Ristorante:

Are you crazy for crab, a sucker for squid or just fancy some fish?  Why not indulge yourself in the Seafood Ristorante, a stone’s throw from the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, where you can take in the awesome views of the sea courtesy of the floor to ceiling windows.  Fulfil your fishy fantasies at this fantastic restaurant.

The Seafood Ristorante

Rocca Restaurant:

Located adjacent to the 18^th fairway of the world famous Old Course, this elegant restaurant serves locally sourced Italian and Scottish cuisine.  This is the ideal restaurant to reflect upon your round on the Old Course as you gaze out over the Valley of Sin and remember the highlights of your round just gone, or reflect on what might have been…

The Adamson:

Located in the heart of the historic town of St. Andrews, this classic brasserie style restaurant can boast of being crowned Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year in 2015 & Casual Restaurant of the Year in 2016.

Balgove Larder Steak Barn

The Jigger Inn:

Perhaps the most famous 19^th Hole in all of golf, this historic lodge dates back to the 1850s where you can wile away the hours with the locals as you admire the many items of golfing memorabilia contained within.  Why not partake in some wonderful home cooked food, washed down with one of the many Scottish beers on offer.

The Balgove Larder Steak Barn:

If a fine steak is your thing, look no further than The Steak barn at Balgove Larder.  Set in a former sawmill, this restaurant clings to its rustic past, with walls of potato boxes and rough hewn communal tables handmade on the farm by the resident joiner.  A meat lovers feast awaits you as your meat is cooked to order on a massive wood fired barbeque.

This October, why not indulge both your golfing and dining desires by visiting St. Andrews and participating in the inaugural Executive Golf & Leisure International Pairs Championship.  Come and play The Old Course, The Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarns Golf Links, and sample the rich and varied array of fine restaurants that St. Andrews has to offer.

View and book our International Pairs Championship here.

Private Advance Old Course Tee Times 2019 Open Now until 5th of September, 2018

2019 Old Course Tee Times applications are open now until the 5th of September, 12:00 a.m. (British Summer Time).

Once all applications have been received a Ballot (lottery) will be drawn for each category to determine the order of allocation. Applicants will receive an email confirming whether or not their advanced application was successful or unsuccessful by mid October, 2018.

Free to apply. Apply now for your chance to golf the Old Course in 2019.

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Accepted or not, it's a Win Win!

Successful Old Course Tee Time Applicants:

Yay, you made it! Now what?

Once you have been successful, our luxury travel consultants can help you build your dream golf tour of St Andrews. Our team will support you with the finest accommodation closest to the course, ground or private air transportation, dinner reservations, caddie requests, spa reservations, sightseeing suggestions and more!

Build Your Dream Vacation to St Andrews Now and make your Old Course golfing dream a reality in 2019.

For unsuccessful applicants:

Fret not, you still have options!

You can still golf the Old Course! As an authorised provider, we are one of the few golf tour operators who have access to guaranteed tee times on the much coveted Old Course in St Andrews. We have a range of packages for you to choose from. Or, we can help assist you with booking one of the many other prestigious courses Scotland has to offer.

View our Packages and Guaranteed Tee Times here.

The Home of Golf: 3 Reasons Why You Should Play the Old Course St Andrews in October

The Old Course St. Andrews, otherwise referred to as ‘The Home of Golf’ is a course full of history and prestige. The Old Course was founded in 1764 (18 holes) and was designed by both Mother Nature and Daw Anderson, Dr Alister MacKenzie and the great Old Tom Morris. The Old Course originally consisted of twenty-two holes, eleven out and eleven back. The player would tee up 2 club lengths away from the previous hole making use of a pile of sand to tee up the ball. It was not until 1764, the Society of St Andrews Golfers, which later became the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, decided that some holes were too short and combined them. This reduced the course to eighteen holes and created what became the standard round of golf throughout the world.

All avid golfers should make the pilgrimage to golf these special links at least once in their lifetime. While it is one thing wanting to play here, getting an impromptu tee time is a difficult task. Tee times fill up fast during the May-September months to golf the world’s most famous golf links. For golfers eager to experience the Old Course St Andrews, sometimes the off-season is your only option.

Here are our top three reasons why you should play the Old Course St Andrews this October:

1. More availability 

Ask anyone who has golfed The Old Course during the height of Scottish summer and they will tell you that it is packed. Finding a spare tee time is comparable to finding the holy grail and you can forget about do-overs if you show up late. Golfing in October allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy more rounds of golf due to increased availability.

Many of our customers have a much more enjoyable golf experience on the Old Course during the quieter periods because they can play at their own pace. As an added bonus, off-season rates are lower, so you can reallocate your budget to seeing more of the magnificent sights and attractions Scotland has to offer, such as touring the renowned Edinburgh Castle, dining in one of our many 5-Star restaurants and taking a private helicopter tour over to the Macallan distillery or overhead of some of our natural beauties such as the Isle of Skye, Isla and Loch Ness.

2. The condition of the course is just the same as it is during the high season

Golf has been played over these links for hundreds of years rain or shine. By October, the Old Course has grown through the summer and is still uncut before winter course maintenance commences. The course conditions are actually just as outstanding in October as it is during the high season months. 

For Scotland, unpredictable weather can occur anytime throughout the year. As long as the occasional rain spell does not scare you off, there is no reason why you should miss out on a chance to golf the Old Course in October. It is definitely an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

Left: Huey Lewis, Tico Torres, Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia pose for a photo on the Swilken Bridge on the 18th hole, Old Course St Andrews, Scotland. Top right: Samuel L. Jackson. Bottom right: Hugh Grant. Both golfing at past Dunhill Championships. Images sourced from Zimbio.

3. You can follow the footsteps of Hollywood stars and the best golfers in the world

Did you know that The Open Championship was first played on the Old Course at St. Andrews in 1873 and is the oldest major golf championship? The Old Course has hosted this major 29 times since 1873, most recently in 2015 and has hosted as one of the three rotation courses for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship every year since 2001. The Dunhill Championship has been deemed one of the richest golf tournaments on the European Tour and is played on The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnousite Golf Links (where the 2018 Open Championship was hosted) and Kingsbarns Golf Links. The Championship takes place on the 4th until the 7th of October 2018 during the off-season this year and has attracted Hollywood stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, Hugh Grant and Kevin Costner over the years.

In a way, golfing the Old Course after Dunhill is pretty much our Scottish equivalent of the Hollywood walk of fame, except golfers from around the world come to fall in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest players. Some of the previous winners include Tyrrel Hatton who won the last two years (2016 and 2017), Martin Kaymer, a two-time major champion, and Padraig Harrington, two time Dunhill winner and three time major champion. Famous Scots such as Colin Montgomerie, Stephen Gallacher and Paul Lawrie have also taken home the lucrative $5 Million Dollar Prize. Bottom line if you have got the chance to golf the old course any time you can you should because it is a once lifetime experience for any genuine golfer.

One of our clients even said: “I have dreamed of playing golf in Scotland for many years and it was everything I had imagined and more. Everything was first class all the way. I can’t wait to go back again.” – Steve Abelman, Hampshire Greens Golf Club, Maryland

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We hope you enjoyed our three reasons why you should play the Old Course St Andrews in October blog. If you are looking to fulfill your bucket list tour to St Andrews, Executive Golf & Leisure still have some availability in the month of October 2018 with some fantastic packages to choose from, see below for details starting from only £769!

Click here to view our October 2018 Old Course Packages.

Our team of experienced golf tour coordinators are all golf enthusiasts and between them and have first-hand knowledge of your desired courses. Leave the hard work of creating your tour to us and all you have to do is to practice your putts and look forward to your golf tour.

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5 Scottish and Irish Golf Courses on Every Golfer’s Bucket List

Whether you’re a seasoned professional golfer or a social player enthusiastic about the game, you’re likely to have a links golf bucket list – a collection of must-visit courses you simply have to play before you’re no longer able to swing a club. While this bucket list might vary from golfer to golfer, there are certain golfing destinations that are often common across the board - such as the Old Course at St Andrews, widely considered to be the holy grail of golf links and top of our recommended Scottish and Irish bucket list.

Golf has been played in Scotland and Ireland for centuries and is, particularly in Scotland and in line with the country’s egalitarian tradition, a pastime enjoyed right across the social spectrum. In Ireland, golf has a rich and colourful history and the country is currently one of the nations with the most golf courses per capita in the world. Both destinations offer some of the best links in the world with settings, scenery and hospitality second to none.

Even if you’ve got your bucket list set in stone, don’t discard any of these courses we feel should join your list of top golfing experiences to tick off.

The Old Course at St Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland is considered to be the "home of golf"; historic records show that golf has been played at St Andrews for more than 600 years. This prestigious golfing destination is steeped in history and boasts iconic landmarks such as The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and Swilken Bridge.

Considered by many as the holy grail of tee-offs, St Andrews’ iconic Old Course is open to the public (with advance booking, of course) and offers golf enthusiasts the chance to truly follow in the footsteps of legends. St Andrews also offers guided tours of the facilities and links which allow you to soak up the rich history of the game and the fame of this esteemed location. Executive Golf & Leisure takes the prestige one step further, offering guaranteed tee times and  the opportunity to travel to St Andrews by helicopter.

Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale

Located in County Cork on the Southwest Coast of Ireland, Old Head Golf Links is a truly spectacular creation with the course jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1997, members and guests of this exclusive club can enjoy unparalleled luxury in the 5 star accommodation and spa facilities.

The Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land framed by unspoilt cliffs, archetypical of Ireland’s rugged coastline, with splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean from all eighteen holes. Nine of the holes are played along the cliff tops and, with the ever-changing sea breezes, the Old Head course provides a stern challenge to even pro golfers who visit here.

The Royal County Down Golf Club

Located in Newcastle, County Down in Northern Ireland, The Royal County Down Golf Club is one of the oldest golfing destinations in Ireland, having opened its doors in 1889. It is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve with the Mountains of Mourne as a stunning backdrop. Royal County Down has two 18-hole courses, the Annesley Links and the Championship Course which stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, offering a different vista from every hole.

The Championship Course is famous for its ‘bearded’ bunkers which feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather, as well as its ninth hole which is among the most photographed in the world because of the panoramic view from the large mound at which golfers tee off, some 60 feet above the tee.

The Annesley Links at Royal County Down shares the same magnificent setting as the Championship Links and, although it is shorter, it is still a very challenging course and offers magnificent views of the sea, sand dunes and surrounding mountains.

Muirfield

Muirfield is a privately owned links situated in the golfing village of Gullane, East Lothian, only 30 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh. Muirfield is home to ‘The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’, the oldest organised golf club in the world and responsible for the original 13 rules of golf.  Originally designed by Old Tom Morris in 1891, further land was secured over the years and the course was adjusted by Harry Colt and Tom Simpson in 1928. Unique in terms of layout for traditional links golf, Muirfield consists of two concentric rings of 9 holes, meaning you never play in the same direction for more than 2 consecutive holes. This is a design that has stood the test of time and it is widely opined that Muirfield provides the fairest examination of championship golf among all the great and historic courses of the British Isles.

Muirfield has hosted the Open Championship on sixteen occasions with Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo (twice), Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus leading the list of world class winners.

The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry

TrumpTurnberry is a golf resort located on the rugged South Ayrshire coastline in southwest Scotland. Acquired by Donald Trump in 2014, the resort boasts three links golf courses, a golf academy, and a five-star hotel, making it a popular destination for golfers from around the world.

The iconic Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry has hosted the Open Championship four times and has also played host to other important golf tournaments including the Ricoh  Women’s British Open and the Walker Cup. The course is named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the land on which it was built. Probably the most scenic of the Open Championship venues, nobody can forget the famous ‘duel in the sun’ played out by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977, the first time the course hosted the tournament.

Stimulated by the Trump investment, the Ailsa course was recently remodelled by renowned architect Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert, a multi-million pound project which improved the course and emphasised the spectacular coastal views and the beauty of the Arran and Ailsa Craig backdrop. The Ailsa links now features five of the world’s best par 3’s and is considered one of the finest golfing destinations in the world, worthy of feature on any bucket list.

Etiquette at the Old Course, St Andrews

How to fit in at the Old Course, St Andrews

If you’re going to be following in the footsteps of legends and teeing off on one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the world, you want to look and act the part.

The Old Course at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland is considered to be the "home of golf". Historic records show that golf has been played in St Andrews for more than 600 years although many believe the game's origins here date back to the 12th Century. Steeped in history and boasting iconic landmarks like The Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, the Old Course at St Andrews is open to public golfers six days a week, although you will need to be patient when securing a tee time – the course is fully booked months in advance.

Once your reservation is set, it is most sportsmanlike to acquaint yourself with the etiquette required when playing, not only on a course as iconic as the Old Course at St Andrews, but on any course for that matter. Etiquette is an integral part of the game of golf and following it ensures maximum enjoyment for all. It boils down to having respect for the course, respect for your fellow players and respect for the game of golf.

Here are a few rules of etiquette to follow when playing the Old Course at St Andrews, as well as a few other handy tips for your visit:

Before your tee time

Preparation is key when playing a new course for the first time, and fortunately, the St Andrews Links website is full of helpful information. They have also launched a free smartphone app which boasts a variety of marvellous features and allows you to preview the Old Course and visualise your upcoming game. The interactive planner also keeps you up to date with the latest news from the St Andrews Links and includes weather forecasts.

Detailed information about the Old Course is available on the St Andrews website, as well as a useful video series on how to play the course, presented by Steve North, the Director of Instruction at St Andrews Links.

Remember to bring along your current handicap certificate as the starter has the right to request it prior to play.

Arrive at the starters box 20 mins prior to your tee time and meet your representative from Executive Golf & Leisure who will assist you with your check in procedure. There is a putting green located alongside the 1st tee so take a few minutes to practice your putts before you tee off.

At over 6,700 yards long, The Old Course is a fair stretch so be sure to use the restrooms before you tee off, and take plenty of water with you. It’s also advisable to book a caddie in advance. Many of St Andrews caddies have worked on the course for years and their experience and knowledge is indispensable.

If you’re in need of a warm up before playing the course, why not visit the practice range at the state-of-the-art St Andrews Links Golf Academy?


Etiquette while playing

Care for the course

The overarching principle of respecting the course and fellow players extends to how you carry yourself on the course and take care of the green.

Ensure that you repair any pitch marks on the green, whether they are yours or not. Irish professional golfer, Pádraig Harrington says “If all golfers did this, problems with pitch marks would be a thing of the past”. Along with ball marks, take care to repair divots or ensure your caddie does this for you and always cover shoe marks before leaving the green.

Greenkeepers work hard to maintain the course in tip top shape; at the very least you can help keep it that way.

When leaving the bunker carefully smooth over footprints, using a rake if one is available.

Take care when handling the flagstick and removing the ball from the hole and never use your club-head to remove the ball. Do not lean on your club on the putting green and remember to replace the flagstick in the centre of the hole before leaving the putting green.

Keeping pace

Slow play can easily detract from the enjoyment of the game for the group behind, so be sure to play at a good place and keep up with the group in front of you.

It is considered good etiquette to invite the group behind you, irrespective of their number, to play through if your group has lost a clear hole. Where your group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind you can play faster, you should also invite them to play through.

Pace can be maintained by being ready to play as soon as it’s your turn, and playing a provisional ball when your ball is lost out of bounds. If someone in your group is struggling to find a lost ball you should signal the players in the group behind you to play through.

Consideration for others

Always show consideration for others and do not distract players who are making a stroke.
You should also ensure that any electronic devices taken onto the course don't disturb other players.

Do not stand too close to the ball, directly behind it or behind the hole when a player is about to swing. The same applies when on the putting green; and be careful not to cast a shadow over another player’s line of putt.  Remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Safety on the course

In order for any game to be enjoyed fully, certain safety precautions must be taken. With golf there are no exceptions. Be mindful of other people on the course and ensure no one is in a position to be hit by the club or ball. Alert any greenkeepers in range before making a stroke. If your ball is heading in a direction where it might endanger someone, shout a warning immediately. The traditional word of warning is “fore!”.

After your round

Before leaving the course ensure that you have all your belongings with you and you’ve repaired any pitch marks, divots and shoe marks on the final green.

St Andrews offers golfers plenty of opportunities to dine or reflect on their game over a whisky at any one of their clubhouses. There is also a shop to purchase some memorabilia of your noteworthy round of golf, and you can sign up for guided walking tours of the courses.


Play the Old Course at St Andrews this summer

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