Throughout the year, there are times when the world-renowned Old Course is closed. When it comes to Sundays, no golf is played here, and there are periods in May and September when the Old Course is closed for the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (the R&A) to hold their Spring and Autumn meetings for town locals and members. Furthermore, the famous Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes place annually, so closure can be anticipated then too. St Andrews is home to so many incredible championship courses, you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to golf here, aside from the Old Course. Here’s a select few of the Old Course’s neighbours…

The Jubilee Course: A Test of Strategy and Skill

Measuring at 6,742 yards and nestled along the rugged coastline of St Andrews is the Jubilee Course. Since its opening in 1897, it has been widely regarded as the toughest of the St Andrews links; the Jubilee doesn't just ask for skill and spirit, it very much demands it.

Precision, patience, and unshakable focus are the currency here, even for the most seasoned players. What’s more, the sea is a constant companion; its restless winds shape each shot, turning fairways into puzzles and greens into quiet battlegrounds.

Every hole whispers a challenge. Every breeze dares you to adapt. And for those who do rise to the occasion, the reward is more than a scorecard - it’s a deep, lasting sense of triumph. The Jubilee Course doesn’t just test your game, it reveals your grit. You simply won’t just ‘play’ this course, you’ll have to persevere as this championship course is, without doubt, a pilgrimage worth making!

The New Course: Authenticity at its finest

Let’s get something cleared up here; don’t let the name fool you for this course! Despite being in the shadow of its older sibling, the New Course, which opened in 1895, quietly yet confidently asserts its own legacy and is not “new” by any modern standard. Its enduring design speaks volumes of its timeless appeal.

Here, subtlety reigns. The fairways roll with natural grace, the bunkers are placed with cunning intent, and the greens demand a surgeon’s touch. It’s a course that doesn’t shout - it whispers. And those who listen closely will discover a layout as pure and honest as the game itself.

Unlike the drama of the Jubilee or the fame of the Old, the New Course tests not with spectacle, but with quiet sophistication. The ever-present winds dance across the dunes, turning even the most routine shots into decisions that need careful thought. A truly delightful and authentic links experience is guaranteed at the New Course!

Crail Balcomie Links: A love letter to golf

Perhaps lesser known amongst the three courses in this piece, making it one of St Andrews’ best-kept secrets – Balcomie Links is certainly one to head to. This links has the most unique charm, as it hums with a vibrant, untamed energy.

Balcomie Links, designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, opened back in 1895. The course is not long by modern standards, but don’t be fooled: Balcomie’s true test lies in its cunning layout, devilish bunkers, and ever-changing winds that can turn a gentle par into a thrilling battle.

Here, every hole tells a story. Clifftop tees offer breathtaking views over the North Sea, while tight fairways and sloping greens demand thought, touch, and a deep respect for the game’s traditional roots. There’s mischief in the design; short par 4s tempt and tease, blind shots challenge your faith, and seaside holes will see your ball carry into the surf where there is a stray gust.

Balcomie is the kind of course that lingers in your memory long after the final putt drops, because it doesn’t just ask you to play the game; it invites you to feel it.

When it comes to planning a trip to St Andrews, The Experience Golf very much know how to do it. We have offered tee times in the mecca of golf since 1995, and our years of expertise in the industry ensure that each and every visitor of ours leaves St Andrews with an overflowing amount of lifetime memories. St Andrews is also a place to visit and spend time in off the course, meaning its beauty stretches further than the game we know and love. You can read more about St Andrews for the non-golfer here.