Course: St. Andrews Golf Course (Jubilee) - St. Andrews

While there is no denying the fact that the Old Course at St. Andrews is the track all golf pilgrims want to pay their regards to, the nearby Jubilee Course at St. Andrews holds its own with aplomb. Out of all the five courses at the club, the Jubilee Course is regarded as being the toughest and certainly not hidden under the shadow of its more prominent precursor.

The Jubilee course started out life as a 12-hole track, opening for play on Queen Victorias Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and hence getting its name - Jubilee. Originally designed by John Angus, the Jubilee Course boasted of proper 18-holes by 1905. The layout was radically altered by Willie Auchterlonie in 1946 and finally raised to championship standards by Donald Steel in 1988.

Carved out of a narrow sliver of land between the Sea and The Old Course, the Jubilee Course has hosted major events like Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship during the 1990s. Its layout spread over 6,742 yards plays for a par of 72 and proves a worthy adversary to even the most skilled player. Set in the traditional out and back layout, the front nine is significantly different and shorter in length than the back nine. However, there is no dearth of interesting holes here and the 3rd, 4th and 6th pose a tough challenge. Well kept greens are protected by heavy bunkering and a wayward shot is sure to get a rap on the knuckles.

The homeward bound nine are placed on rolling but tight fairways that could easily lead your ball into an out of bounds patch in several places. There is variety in holes that demand accuracy in some places and brutal long shots in others. The accompanying scenic view of the St. Andrews Bay from the raised tees is fascinating and the layout is beautiful with a strong personality making it a pleasurable experience.