Every April, something rather special happens at the Home of Golf with us.
Father and son duos arrive in St Andrews from all four corners of the globe, clubs over shoulders and stories already forming, ready to share a week where competition, connection and tradition walk hand in hand.
In 2026, The Experience Golf’s Father & Son Tournament returns for its 24th edition, and as ever, it promises to be far more than just a golf tournament. Inspired by the enduring bond of Old Tom Morris and his son Tommy, our iconic Father and Son Tournament has become one of the most cherished events in our calendar. Over more than two decades, it has grown into a pilgrimage for families who see golf not just as a sport, but as a shared language, as they head to the spiritual home of the game, in a bid to come out as champions and lift the silverware!
24 Editions, Countless Memories
At its heart, Father and Son is about legacy; it’s about shared fairways and shared moments, the quiet pride of a well played shot, the laughter after a missed putt, the stories retold long after the final green once all have returned home. From 18 April, our 22 pairs will once again take on 72 holes across some of the world’s most revered links, including Kingsbarns, Carnoustie Championship Course, the New Course, and of course, the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, with some even warming up ahead of the tournament with a practice round on Dumbarnie Links. The setting? Timeless. The atmosphere? Unforgettable. Whilst this is a tournament that is proudly steeped in tradition, it also continues to evolve, as we have some exciting new additions to add to the itinerary this year!
Honouring the Past, Welcoming the New
As the tournament enters its 24th year, a few new traditions are being thoughtfully introduced - small touches designed to enhance what already makes this week so meaningful. For first-time teams, the Rookie Reception offers a relaxed welcome to the Father and Son family. Held in the Conservatory, it’s a chance to meet fellow debutants, enjoy drinks and canapés, and ease any of those pre-Old Course nerves!
The Experience Golf team will be close by, keen to hear how that first round felt and what the week has meant already. For returning duos, the Clan Dinner celebrates something equally special. Hosted at 18 Rooftop Bar & Grill at the 5* Rusacks St Andrews, this evening brings together those who have competed more than once over the past 20 years. It’s a relaxed gathering - good food, familiar faces, and stories that span generations - a quiet thank you, to those who have helped shape the history of the event and into the event we know and love today.
Elevated Experiences, On and Off the Course
As always, attention to detail plays a huge role in setting our tours and events apart. In 2026, guests can also look forward to a range of exciting partnerships and activations, adding another layer to the experience. Throughout the week, Bushnell/Foresight Sports will be bringing technology to life, with pop up simulator experiences, on course activations and some special gifts for our guests. There’s even a little extra competitive incentive, with launch monitors up for grabs…
Whilst The Experience Golf team are wet-weather ready thanks to their recently announced partnership with HLINC, our guests will also be kitted out in HLINC bucket hats, so they're well prepared for the true links experience!
Travelling in style is a given, and thanks to Stitch, guests will receive a premium birdie travel bag and rain jacket ahead of their journey - the kind of gear designed for many links adventures to come. Vessel will be creating fantastic opportunities to connect with us throughout the week, through gifting our competitors, alongside luxurious prizes for our daily winners. Pine Coast will ensure scorecards and yardage books are suitably housed, bando will be keeping things practical (and stylish of course!) whilst also staying eco-conscious, with gifted towels made from recycled materials, and ECCO will be adding even more excitement with nearest the pin prizes and a shoe care kit for every guest.
None of it overshadows the golf - but all of it enhances the incredible week ahead.
More Than a Tournament
What truly defines Father & Son is not found on the leaderboard; it’s found in moments between the shots. A walk up the 18th at the Old Course together, a shared wave of fierce competition, a conversation over dinner that starts with golf and ends somewhere far deeper.
For some, it’s a once in a lifetime journey, and we are so excited to make their journey the most special it can be. For others, it’s an annual tradition they return to time and time again. But for everyone involved, it becomes part of the family story.
As the 24th edition approaches, our anticipation is building once more. And in April, when the first tee shots are struck and old fairways welcome new memories, the next chapter for our Father and Son tournament begins – game on!
