Destination Golf Scotland 2021
Fairmont Kittocks
Kittocks ( Fairmont St Andrews )
Of Fairmont resort ’ s two courses , Kittocks boasts the greater shape and elevation . From the clubhouse and on the way to the 1st tee you will get a real taste for this with several holes on display … but you still haven ’ t seen the best the course has to offer as they are hidden away beyond a deep fissure , known as Kittock ’ s Den , and even closer to the sea . Course maintenance is fabulous , the sleeperfaced bunkers look the part , as does the golden fescue , and the two double greens are a smart tip of the hat to the Old Course . After a smooth start , the thrills quickly build as holes move from higher ground down to the low cliffs . The closing four holes , next to the clubhouse and overlooking the North Sea , promise an exhilarating finish .
St Andrews ( New )
Another of the misnomers , the ‘ New ’ course was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895 . The courses at St Andrews do not present many elevation changes and that is true here , but there are plenty of other challenges because greens are small and the gorse still creates blind shots … which means that navigating your way around these tight fairways calls for precision . The New sits alongside the Old , and while the terrain and out and back layout demonstrate similarities the two offer unique experiences . The Old feels more open and forgiving but here accuracy is key , and many locals prefer to play it for that reason and its prettier characteristics : the gorse adds colour and depth , while the dunes out at the turn are home to the shapeliest holes … where the par three 9th green sits in a bowl , next to the Eden Estuary .
Torrance ( Fairmont St Andrews )
The name says it all , although Sam Torrance didn ’ t do it alone … being ably assisted by Denis Griffiths and Gene Sarazen . You get a wonderful flavour as you drive passed the hotel and see several holes . It ’ s a strong appetiser and while the opening holes are on the higher slopes , near the hotel , the back nine stretches away towards St Andrews and down to the clifftops . Fairmont ’ s two courses bear similarities ( conditioning and the golden grasses , most notably ), but some deep revetted bunkers and slippery greens make the Torrance a tougher proposition than the Kittocks . Smart routing makes the back nine an interesting affair , especially when you play the downhill par four 16th . Pause for a moment and look towards St Andrews – it ’ s an impressive site . There are plenty of stone walls on the Torrance , too , and they frame the par three 17th perfectly .
Duke ’ s ( St Andrews )
The Duke ’ s is not part of the St Andrews Links Trust , nor is it a links , but neither fact should detract from the quality and intrigue of a course opened in 1995 , and designed by five time Open winner , Peter Thomson . The Duke ’ s lies inland and is best described as a muscular heathland course , routed through gentle hills overlooking the town . The essence here is to take the course back to a bygone era and the 118 jagged bunkers certainly help in that regard . They add shape and drama to holes and plotting your way through them is hugely rewarding . Trees also frame the course and it is a charming respite from non-stop links golf nearby . An impressive clubhouse awaits and the balcony offers wonderful views over the course , towards St Andrews and the North Sea .
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