Style and sporting history
Built in 1968, the Old Course Golf Resort and Spa combines the tradition and history of the home of golf with modern amenities and features.
The stylish hotel has recently undergone a series of renovations, including an expansion of the Hall of Champions which has almost doubled its capacity to 450 and an extended conservatory. The resort has expanded to include an additional 31 guest rooms, along with a penthouse on the fourth floor. As well as spa facilities and a fitness centre, the hotel has recently opened a new 74-cover restaurant and bar overlooking The Jigger Inn and 17th hole.
As well as being within walking distance to one of Scotland’s most historic towns, St Andrews, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from Dundee and a 10-minute journey from Leuchars train station. The five-star hotel is unrivalled for sporting history, with the Old Course, which has hosted golfers since the 1500s, a stone’s throw away.
Hidden gems
While many will descend on St Andrews to play the historic Old Course, a ‘hidden gem’ of a course is The Dukes. The 18-hole course, which is set in two loops of nine holes, is owned by the Old Course Hotel and originally designed by Open Champions Peter Thomson and was revised in 2006. The course offers five separate playing positions, making it highly flexible in terms of course length and difficulty. Guests at the Old Course Hotel can enjoy a complimentary concierge offering a drop-off and pick up service. The Dukes also offers a host of food and drinks options for visitors.
Food with a view
Guests have a range of food options but few food options will offer as stunning a view as The Road Hole Restaurant. Set against the backdrop of the Old Course, the 3 AA Rosette Awarded restaurant offers views of the Swilcan Bridge and the Hamilton Grand, the red sandstone building that has provided the backdrop to some of the most famous moments in golf history. The restaurant offers a range of fresh seafood and local meats as well as an extensive ranger of whiskies. The restaurant also offers afternoon tea and a Sunday lunch menu.
Drinks aplenty
For those wanting to enjoy a series of cocktails or whiskies, the Road Hole Bar offers backdrops of the Old Course and West Sands beach, offering more than 20 whiskies. Wines, cocktails and champagne are available to guests who can browse the menu using a QR code. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the 19th hole, The Jigger Inn. The former stationmaster’s lodge offers hearty food as well as its own beer, Jigger Ale.
About the area
For keen golfers, St Andrews is home to 11 courses, including seven of champions class. Green fees are priced at £195 with a host of options for those wishing to play the Old Course, including a ballot or joining overnight queues. The hotel is a mere 5-minute walk from the coast. As well as impressive vistas on walks along the West Sands or the Fife Coastal Path, St Andrews has a host of notable shops and sights, with J&G Innes book shop and Jannettas Gelateria not to be missed. The town centre is a short walk from the hotel. If you opt to go a little further, you can also visit the historic university grounds of St Andrews.
Room rates start at £460 per night in high season (April - October) and £220 per night in low season (October - March)
Stephen McIlkenny
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