When you picture golf in St Andrews, your mind is likely to conjure up images of the iconic Swilcan Bridge, the vast sweeping double greens of the Old Course, the pot bunkers of the New, or the dunes that frame much of the Jubilee, but there is another prominent layout on the edge of town that deserves your attention.
You may have previously heard of the Duke's, which was managed for years by the Old Course Hotel, but it has recently taken on an entirely fresh identity, being now under the auspices of the St Andrews Links Trust and joining their celebrated portfolio of golf courses.
The St Andrews Links Trust Has a New Golf Course
Renamed as the Craigtoun Course (after the neighbouring country park) earlier this year, this change was ultimately more than a simple rebrand, it was the signal for an ambitious vision that has sought to transform this undeniably impressive property into an alternative destination for golfers making a pilgrimage to the game's spiritual home.
Given the vast number of visitors who make their way to this magical corner of Fife each season, the pressure of trying to accommodate them alongside meeting the demands of local ticketholders (numbering in the thousands) who are all jostling for tee times, the addition of the Craigtoun has instantly helped to alleviate some of the heavy traffic.
Links golf will always be the primary draw for St Andrews, that will naturally remain the same, but much like the entertaining clifftop Castle Course that made its debut back in 2008, there is no reason why the Craigtoun cannot etch its own cherished place within the golfing menu of the Auld Grey Toun.
Becoming the eighth venue overseen by the Links Trust has given this jewel an opportunity to finally fulfil its significant potential.
The Craigtoun Golf Experience is Special
Positioned roughly three miles from the famous first tee of the Old Course, a drive through imposing gates and a narrow tree-lined road builds up a sense of anticipation before you reach the impressive clubhouse at Craigtoun, which boasts spectacularly panoramic views over several key holes and many a landmark on the horizon as you're looking down from above at the legendary town.
That offers a sense of place. You may be just outside St Andrews, but it's there before you, the spires of the university and cathedral are visible, as is the red sandstone of the Hamilton Grand that overlooks the 18th of the Old.
But given the consuming experience you have around you, somehow what's elsewhere becomes an afterthought.
Whereas being down in the heart of the town and the relentless pace of trade can feel like being on a transactional conveyer belt from clubhouse to starter's hut and first tee, things are far more personal at Craigtoun, the staff have time to engage with you directly, which (like the similarly remote Castle Course) just heightens customer satisfaction.
What You Need to Know About The Craigtoun Course
This is a challenging course that can play long depending on your choice of tees. With several long walks between a few holes, buggies are widely available to hire and would be recommended for those golfers who don't want to strain themselves physically.
Originally designed by five-time Champion Golfer of the Year Peter Thomson and first opened in 1995, notable tweaks were made by architect Tim Liddy 20 years ago, with the result being a varied creation that leans on a myriad of influences.
Much of the visually striking bunkering resembles what you might see on the Melbourne Sandbelt or the classic heathlands of southern England, with recent and future improvements scheduled to restore the Craigtoun to a more consistent vision.
Extensive drainage will continue to harden fairways that had taken on an increasingly parkland style, while rebuilt bunkers, wider landing areas, larger approach windows into greens (introducing more of the ground game), and longer rough will all further enhance the strategic qualities of the course and make it a real treat for golfers of all standards.
That's not to say what is currently in place isn't worth playing. It certainly is. This is a layout packed with variety, there isn't a dull moment to endure, with several holes sure to be instantly printed into your memory.
The Best Holes to Play at Craigtoun
Presenting a fabulous vista of St Andrews and the surrounding area, the mostly downhill par 4 fourth hole (Braw View) is a highlight, but a particular favourite was the sixth (Steading), which is a par 4 that flows from right to left before an approach to an uphill green.
The ninth is a demanding hole, but it has the unique feature of the former Craigtoun Hospital in the background. This formidable Category B listed building is currently abandoned, but the architecture of this mansion is distinctive and certainly leaves an impression as you complete the opening half of the course.
Keen observers may recognise the trees that frame the 13th green as being the inspiration for the course's new logo, but this is also one of several strong holes on the back nine, with the 16th being an especially sturdy visual test.
Playing up to the challenging 18th puts you in view of the clubhouse balcony, meaning that there is a likelihood that your difficulties around a narrow green will be watched by a captivated gallery.
But the great thing is that afterwards you can reciprocate and observe those golfers coming in behind you.
Why You Need to Play The Craigtoun Course
There is a hint of grandeur to the Craigtoun that makes it stand out from most courses you are likely to visit. That is courtesy of its setting and the course itself, but also the supreme hospitality and warm welcome offered by the dedicated team who are based there.
For visiting golfers, the Craigtoun is an option that you really ought to consider if you are putting together your own St Andrews itinerary and fancy tasting a different blend of golf alongside the Old or New.
Maybe you are searching for a singularly memorable experience, and given the whole package that is available here, it's a day out worth committing to, especially for Fife residents and Scottish residents who can take advantage of reduced green fee rates.
Regardless of where you have journeyed from to get here, whether it be from near or far, you will leave with a story worth telling as the Craigtoun Course will help you write an unexpectedly memorable chapter to your St Andrews golf experience.
If you would like to know more, please visit https://standrews.com/golf/courses/the-craigtoun-course.
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