When golfers think about the Home of Golf, their minds immediately turn to St. Andrews and its legendary Old Course. Playing the Old Course is on every golfer’s bucket list, but St Andrews and the stunning Fife coastline offer so much more than the revered links within the town itself. For those seeking an unforgettable golfing experience with luxury, breathtaking scenery, and first-class hospitality, Fairmont St Andrews should be your destination of choice.
A Prestigious Golfing Retreat
Located just two miles outside of St Andrews, Fairmont St Andrews is a world-class golf resort nestled within a sprawling 520-acre estate. The resort boasts unparalleled views of the North Sea, the rolling Scottish countryside, and the historic town of St Andrews itself. Since opening in 2001, it has established itself as a premier golfing destination, featuring two championship courses: The Torrance and The Kittocks.
Championship Golf Courses with a Legacy
Designed by golfing greats Sam Torrance and Bruce Devlin, with insight from the legendary Gene Sarazen, both courses offer a unique challenge for golfers of all abilities. The Torrance course is a par 72 championship course which measures over 7,200 yards from the back tees. Choose the tees to suit your game. We played from the white tees at close to 6,650 yards, but in hindsight, due to the weather, we should have chosen the Yellow course at 6,050 yards. You live and learn!
Both the front and back nines are evenly proportioned with two par 5’s and two par 3’s on each nine. The first 8 holes are played on the hillside and around the hotel. The next ten holes are across the road next to the Kittocks course.
Our favourite holes
Our favourite holes on the front nine were the stretch from 6 to 9. The 6th is an uphill par 5, and it took 3 good shots to reach the green, which is perched on a plateau. The 7th is a short par 4, which plays downhill and is drivable depending on the conditions. A classic risk/reward hole. The 8th is a picturesque par 3 which has the hotel as its backdrop. The 9th is a medium-length par 4 where the green drops off sharply on the left, so beware of a left pin.
Your approach to the 12th green
On the back nine, the 12th hole is another challenging par 5, and again, it plays slightly uphill. Two solid shots leave you a pitch to a green, which is wide and protected by a ditch before the green.
The 17th hole.
The 17th is the signature hole and a cracking par 3 where the green sits above you at an angle. The photo above doesn’t do the hole justice as you can’t see the dry stone dyke running parallel to and just short of the green or the steep run-off area to the left of the green. The 18th is another stong par 5. At 527 yards, it takes three good shots to reach a green that sits above you. Make sure you don’t go long, as there is an out-of-bounds wall just behind the green.
We apologise for the lack of photos of the Torrance Course. We couldn’t take any due to the breeze and constant drizzle. The photos we have were provided by the resort.
The Kittocks Course
The Kittocks is a par 71 championship course which can stretch to almost 7,200 yards, but on a cool day in April, playing off the white tees at 6,700 yards was probably still too much of a challenge for us. So much for learning from our experience the previous day…
The front nine has a par of 36 with two par fives and two par 3’s. Both par 5’s, the first and the fifth played over 520 yards and were definite three shot holes for us. This was more than compensated with both par 3’s, the 3rd and the 6th, playing around 140 yards.
The 2nd green
Our favourite holes on the front were the 2nd and the 7th. The 2nd hole is a dogleg left with water in play all down the left side. Although not long at 366 yards, it was into the breeze and required a well-struck 6 iron into the green to make par.
The 7th hole
The 7th plays just over 400 yards and is a beautiful-looking hole from the tee. With the North Sea on your left and three large bunkers on the right of the fairway, finding the fairway left us a 7 iron to the green, even though it’s 40 yards shorter than the 2nd. That just shows how elevation and wind direction can make such a difference!
The Picturesque Back Nine
The back nine holes are slightly longer in yardage yet have only one par 5 and two par 3’s. This nine was our favourite due to a number of the holes having fantastic views out into the North Sea and 16 and 17 having the town of St. Andrews in the background.
The 10th Hole
The 10th was a short par 4 with a dogleg fairway. Finding the fairway here is imperative to having a chance at a birdie, and we recorded our first birdie of the day at this hole. The 11th is the longest hole on the course, playing 556 yards from the white tees. It took three good shots to reach the green, and a 25-foot putt yielded our second and last birdie of the day.
The second shot to the 15th green
The 15th is a stunning hole. A dogleg right and a good tee shot still leaves a medium to long iron into a green that visually looks as if it’s sitting at the top of a cliff. The 16th tee is to the right of the 15th green, and it’s an uphill par 3 with a green protected by bunkers on the right side.
The approach to the 17th hole
The 17th is probably the signature hole on the Kittocks. It’s a strong par 4 at almost 450 yards, with the second shot played over a gully and bunkers to a wide green with St.Andrews in the background. The closing hole is a difficult 450-yard par 4 and a fitting end to a challenging golf course.
On reflection, it’s probably the scenic views and closeness to the sea that, in our view, gives the Kittocks the edge over the Torrance course. Both courses are excellent and will test your golf game, especially if it’s windy.
Mastering Links Golf: A Few Tips
Playing golf in Scotland, especially on the coast, requires adaptability. Wind and weather conditions play a significant role, often rendering traditional yardages meaningless. Controlling ball flight, favoring low-trajectory shots, and embracing the ground game are key strategies. A 130-yard approach might call for a 6-iron rather than a wedge, and links golf often demands creativity over distance precision.
Luxury Beyond the Fairways
Fairmont St Andrews is not just about world-class golf—it is a haven of relaxation and indulgence.
Accommodations Our stay in a sea-view corner suite was nothing short of spectacular. With sweeping vistas of the North Sea, a spacious seating area, a luxurious bathroom with a walk-in shower and deep bathtub, and a plush king-sized bed, it provided the perfect retreat after a day on the course.
Spa & Wellness The resort’s spa is a sanctuary of rejuvenation, offering a range of treatments from massages to facials. Guests can also enjoy a 17-meter indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Whether recovering from a long round of golf or simply seeking relaxation, the wellness facilities are world-class.
Culinary Delights
Dining at Fairmont St Andrews is a delight, with a variety of options catering to all tastes.
- Kittocks Den – An informal bar and dining area, perfect for pre-round sustenance or post-round relaxation. We highly recommend the Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish smoked fish soup that was both hearty and delicious.
- La Cucina – The resort’s Italian restaurant, serving exquisite dishes in an elegant setting. Our meal here was superb, with impeccable service from staff, including the ever-attentive Shizuka, a St Andrews University student working at the restaurant.
- The Squire Restaurant – The primary dining venue, offering buffet-style breakfasts and lunches.
- Zephyr Sports Bar – A lively spot featuring multiple screens, darts, pool, foosball, and even a full-sized golf simulator for those who can’t get enough of the game.
Exploring St Andrews and Beyond
While Fairmont St Andrews offers everything a golfer could desire, no visit to this part of Scotland is complete without exploring its rich history and vibrant local culture.
- St Andrews Town – Steeped in history, the town is home to Scotland’s oldest university, which was founded in 1413. Other historic landmarks are St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.
- The Old Course – Even if you don’t get the chance to play it, walking the iconic Swilcan Bridge and visiting the Old Course’s famous 18th hole is a must.
- Fife Coastal Path – For those who enjoy scenic walks, this stunning trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to soak in the raw beauty of the Scottish coastline.
- Local Distilleries – Whisky lovers can venture to nearby distilleries such as Kingsbarns Distillery for a taste of Scotland’s most famous export.
A Golfing Destination Unlike Any Other
Fairmont St Andrews is more than just a golf resort—it is an experience. Whether you’re testing your skills on championship courses, unwinding in a luxurious spa, or exploring the historic charm of St Andrews, this destination has something for every golfer. While it may not be the cheapest getaway, excellence rarely is. What Fairmont St Andrews guarantees, however, is a truly memorable stay in the heart of Scotland’s golfing paradise.
Thank you to Callum Nicoll, Director of Golf and Estates, for organizing our stay and providing some of the incredible course and hotel photos featured in this article.
At a Glance:
- Two championship golf courses
- Full practice facilities, including chipping and putting greens
- A well-stocked pro shop and golfers’ clubhouse
- Luxury accommodations with breathtaking views
- World-class spa and fitness center
- Multiple dining options, from fine dining to casual fare
- Shuttle service to St Andrews town center
- Visit the Fairmont St. Andrews website here
If you’re planning a Scottish golf adventure, Fairmont St Andrews is a destination that should be at the top of your list. Whether you come for the golf, the luxury, or simply the stunning coastal setting, you’re sure to leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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