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

The Old Course at St. Andrews has always been one of the most sought after tracks worldwide. But when in the late 19th century, a newly constructed railway service made it easier for golfers to flock the Old Course, things got a little out of hand. To accommodate this teeming crowd milling outside the gates of the Royal & Ancient the club decided to invest in the construction of a new course. This sponsorship was based on an understanding that the members of the R&A would have rights to starting times on the New Course. These rights were legalized by an Act of Parliament that still exits.

Old Tom Morris and B Hall Blyth did the honors of designing the layout and the New Course opened for play in 1895. Sitting right next door to the esteemed Old Course, the New Course at St. Andrews rapidly gained in popularity with the locals and visitors alike. A big reason for this, of course, was the availability of tee times but more importantly, the New Course offered a tighter layout with a well defined set of holes. There are several inevitable similarities to the Old Course including shared fairways and a double green at the 3rd and 15th but the New Course is still largely an independent entity.

Measuring a little more than 6,600 yards and set in the traditional nine out and back layout, the New Course boasts of widely undulating fairways, immaculate greens protected by bunkers and large expanses of flowering gorse. The initial, outward nine is not too difficult and allows the golfer to play at a leisurely pace. The back nine is more challenging as it meanders its way through huge sand dunes and leads to the finishing hole just near the club house.

It is often said that had it not been for the close proximity with the Old Course, the New at St. Andrews would have shone brighter. For a flock of faithful, the New Course is bright enough to keep returning to this classic links course.