1 Night, 2 Rounds
Established in 1817 by members of the St Andrews Society of Golfers (later The Royal and Ancient Golf Club), Scotscraig is a proper piece of Scottish golfing history. Designed by Old Tom Morris and James Braid, it holds a unique distinction: the oldest course in the world still owned and played by its founding club.
The credentials match the heritage. Six-time Open Championship Final Qualifying venue, qualifying site for the 2018 Senior Open Championship and host to the Scottish PGA Championship, Scotscraig has tested world-class professionals for decades.
What makes it stand out is the blend. You get plenty of links turf underfoot with firm running ground, but there are subtle heathland traits in the look and the way the holes ask you to think. It rewards placement and imagination more than brute force, especially when the breeze is doing what a Scottish breeze tends to do. Fast, true greens and strong turf quality ensure the round feels both historic and contemporary, a rare combination that keeps golfers coming back.
It is not long by modern standards, but when the wind gets up you will hit plenty of proper golf shots. Keep it in play, take your medicine when you are out of position and the course feels wonderfully fair. Club selection becomes as much about feel as it does yardage, and the greens demand careful reading and a deft touch.
If you are building a Fife or St Andrews-based itinerary, Scotscraig is an easy add-on and a cracking contrast to the headline links nearby. Include Scotscraig on your next Scotland golf break with Your Golf Travel.
Who is this for?
Golfers who appreciate history, crisp conditions and a strategic test that does not rely on length.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy plotting their way round, plus groups building a Fife or St Andrews itinerary who want a classic, characterful day out. Mixed-ability groups can still have a great time by choosing the right tees and keeping the ball below the wind.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Scotscraig measures 6,669 yards from the back tees at par 71, routed in a traditional two-loop configuration. The terrain is gently undulating with sand-based soil throughout, producing firm, fast conditions during summer months when the layout plays with distinctly links-like pace, despite its unique blend of links and heathland characteristics. Dense gorse and heather frame many fairways, rewarding accuracy over raw power.
The large rolling greens are a signature of Braid's 1923 design — well-positioned bunkers define approach angles throughout, and the two-shot holes reward placement over power.
The fourth hole, known as 'Westward Ho', is the most architecturally significant on the course, as the inspiration for the Knoll template hole popularised by C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor in America. Braid positioned the green atop a small hill — a knoll — on this dogleg par-4, a deviation from the convention of siting greens in hollows for rainfall collection. This layout now features in course across the world, most notably at Piping Rock Golf Club in New York.
Scotscraig is a genuine historical heavyweight with its roots in St Andrews more than 200 years ago. It carries undisputable Open Qualifying credentials, and sits within 20 minutes of the Old Course. Significant recent investment and thoughtful restoration has reinforced both its place in history and its impact on the sport worldwide.
David
✓7 Jun 2026
great course and staff
WIlliam
✓10 Sep 2024
Very enjoyable - didn't make us feel special like Panmure but course was great
Simon
✓2 Oct 2023
A nice, simple municipal golf course. Overall decent condition - layout a bit odd with crossing fairways and tee boxes. Would not play it again simply because it is an average municipal course. But glad we got the chance.
Andre
✓26 Apr 2023
Carol
✓4 Jul 2021
Front nine seemed harder than the back nine. Very fast fairways due to dry weather.
Brian
✓18 Jun 2019
Also excellent golf course, again just pipped by Panmure
