I am often asked by my clients which course I like best in St Andrews. It’s usually quite a hard one and I usually qualify by saying of course we have the Old. And that is still true because of course the Old Lady is the Old Lady and will always be. It’s what St Andrews and the mecca and pilgrimage here is fundamentally about. But….
This year the St Andrews Links Trust took over the Craigtoun Course on the southern outskirts of the town on the pine-laden heathland rising above the spires and the sea and the magic that is the ancient town of St Andrews. And wow what a gem of a place it is.
It is now categorically my go-to course in St Andrews. It’s heaven. The beauty of the surrounds are exceptional. It’s a piece of God’s country in the Kingdom. It’s paradise and a golfing wonder.
The clubhouse sits handsomely with views over the town and nestled above the fir-strewn fairways. If this was in California it would be a very-high end country club. It is exquisite. It is faultless.
We had lunch yesterday courtesy of the very impressive manager, Ayden Robert-Jones, who invited me up after I was a bit critical of my first visit when it was teething. He was unbelievably professional and courteous and I must say that I have never had a customer services experience like this. Again wow. And thank you Ayden and team. The food was excellent, a very tasty burger and fresh and succulent St Monans fish and chips. Also the staff were so friendly and professional. This is going to be the crowning glory of the St Andrews golfing experience may I say.
The course again is superb with so many wonderfully designed holes (Peter Thomson the 5 times Open champion was the original architect). A challenge yes but inspired and so pretty.
So watch this space. The St Andrews Links Trust has pulled off a complete masterstroke here in negotiating the lease of the Craigtoun Course off the Old Course Hotel and now putting it firmly on the map.
Rush to put it on your itinerary .