Golf in St Andrews and Fife from the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel

Links Trust Courses

St Andrews golf courses

Join us at Rusacks to play golf in St Andrews on the world famous St Andrews Links Trust golf courses.

Golfing heaven is just a few feet away from Rusacks, St Andrews' leading 4-star hotel.

Rusacks can arrange tee-times for the Old Course from January to mid April 2011, subject to availability.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

The Old Course at St Andrews

"Without a doubt I like it the best of all the Open venues. It's my favourite course in the world." Tiger Woods

Few golfers would disagree with Tiger Woods. The oldest golf course in the world easily justifies its place as the greatest course in the world. A magnificent location, 600 years of golfing history and 18 testing holes combine to make this a golfer's heaven.

It remains a true test of golf for today's champions but also accommodates the many amateurs who play on it every year. The Old Course features many remarkable tests including 112 unforgiving bunkers such as the infamous Hell on the long 14th. The 17th or Road Hole is probably the most famous hole in golf due to its 'in play' road running hard against the back edge of the green.
The Old Course boasts double greens where the outward and inward holes are cut on the same putting surface. These greens are so large that golfers can be faced with putts of almost 100 yards. Starting and finishing within putting distance of the Rusacks Hotel, the Old Course, backed by the magnificent sweep of the West Sands, is the course ever golfer dreams of playing.

In 2010 the British Open returns to St Andrews Old Course between July 15th and 18th 2010.

Rusacks can arrange tee-times for the Old Course from January to mid April 2011, subject to availability.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: On your doorstep
Further information: www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/old_course.html

The Eden Course

The Eden Course was the fourth of St Andrews' world-renowned courses to be built. By the early 1900s playing golf in St Andrews had become extremely popular. This pressure for play on the Old, New and Jubilee courses led the Links Trust to commission Harry S Colt to design his version of Eden.
Opened for play in 1914, the Eden course is an example of what would now be thought of as environmentally-friendly design. Colt's use of natural features and of partially buried field boundary walls gives the course an entirely natural feel. Alterations completed in 1989 under the direction of golf course architect Donald Steel maintain the high standards set by Mr Colt. The result is a course of character but slightly less testing and more forgiving than the three courses lying on its seaward side.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: Less than 1 mile
Further information: www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/eden_course.html

The Jubilee Course

The Jubilee Course lies on a narrow strip of prime golfing land between the New Course and the sea. In just over a century it has developed from a ladies and beginners' course into what many consider to be the toughest test of golf at St Andrews.

The Jubilee was laid out by John Angus junior and made ready in only three months. The course was named in honour of Queen Victoria, whose Diamond Jubilee fell in 1897. It opened on a day of jubilee celebrations in St Andrews. Mary Macgregor, wife of the then Provost John Macgregor, struck the first drive with a commemorative club made by Old Tom Morris.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: Less than 1 mile
Further information: www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/jubilee_course.html

The New Course

The heritage surrounding St Andrews' courses can be seen by the fact that the 'New' Course is already 114 years old. Sitting in the shadow of its illustrious Old Course neighbour it can be considered one of St Andrews' best kept secrets. Built in response to an increasing demand for golf at St Andrews, the New Course was designed by B Hall Blyth, an Edinburgh civil engineer and laid out by Old Tom Morris and his right-hand man David Honeyman.

This classic links course has a traditional out and back layout, with the 18th green just to the right of the first tee. It also has, in the great St Andrews tradition, shared fairways and even a double green at the 3rd and 15th holes.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: Less than 1 mile
Further information: www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/new_course.html

The Castle Course

The latest addition to St Andrews Links Trust's magnificent seven courses, the Castle follows the coastline east of St Andrews. Work began early in 2005 on a course which typifies a true Scottish golfing experience. Designed by David McLay Kidd, creator of Bandon Dunes on the West Coast of America, each hole has a choice of five tees and the course will be playable between about 5300-7200 yards.

The course is open 1 April to 1 November. The Castle Course can be booked on its own or as part of the two course policy operating when booking the Old Course.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: Less than 3 miles
Further information: www.standrews.org.uk/golf/the_courses/course_no7.html

The St Andrews Links Trust also presides over the Strathtyrum and Balgove courses.

Kingsbarns

The Kingsbarns Golf Links site has long been known for its intimate connection with the sea. Its golf origins date back to 1793 and the attributes of the site foster ideal conditions for links turf to flourish amid interesting natural terrain. This unique part of East Fife has sandy soils, undulating ridges and hollows, Cambo burn running into the sea, all set immediately against the rugged coastline of the North Sea.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: Less than 7 miles
Further information: www.kingsbarns.com

Fairmont, Kittocks Course

From October 2008 the former Devlin course at Fairmont St Andrews, became the Kittocks Course. Fairmont St Andrews is a 5 star cliff top hotel, and Kittocks is one of its two championship golf courses. Both have panoramic views over the golden beaches and medieval sky line of St Andrews, the home of golf. Breathtaking views and excellent design make the 7, 192 yard Kittocks one of Fife's most prestigious courses.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 1 mile
Further information: www.fairmontgolf.com/standrews/

Fairmont, Torrance

The 36 hole Torrance Course reopened in July ready for its role as final qualifying venue for the 2010 Open. Designed by Sam Torrance, one of Scotland's greatest golfers, the 7,230 yard course forms part of Fairmont's 5-star golfing resort. Torrance has hosted many internationally recognised events, including the Vaglino Trophy, the NCAA Championship, the European Tours, Scottish Seniors Open and will host the pre-qualifying for the 2010 Open Championship.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 1 mile
Further information: www.fairmontgolf.com/standrews/

Fife Golf Courses

Golf courses in fife offer exceptional playing conditions and breathtaking
views you expect from links golf in Scotland. The Torrance, Kingsbarns, Ladybank and Scotscraig are all Open qualifying venues for the 2010 and will provide stern tests for golfers. Lundin Links, Elie and Crail are historic courses with plenty of character within a short drive of St Andrews.

A little further up the coast lies the Open venue of Carnoustie, just one of a range of famous courses within easy reach of St Andrews. The British Open will be staged at one of these, Muirfield, close to the Macdonald Marine Hotel, in 2013.

Lundin Links

Lundin Links is well known throughout the golfing world as a course of rare quality. Founded in 1868, on a Tom Morris course it was extensively redesigned by five times Open Champion James Braid, in 1909. Fine links fairways and excellent greens have ensured that it has been regularly selected as a final qualifying golf course for the Open Championship. Narrow fairways, bunkers, burns, and ever-changing winds guarantee a testing but rewarding golfing experience.

Lundin Links will be an Open qualifying course in 2010.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 12 miles
Further information: www.lundingolfclub.co.uk

Scotscraig

R & A Officals have announced that Scotscraig will be one of the four local
qualifying venues for the 2010 Open Championship. This impressive links course north east of St Andrews will play host to a field of 72 competitors.
Guests at Rusacks have the opportunity to play Scotscraig as part of an exclusive golf package. Take the chance to master this formidable course before a host of professionals begin their quest for the Claret Jug in 2010.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 11 miles
Further information: www.scotscraiggolfclub.com

Crail Balcomie

Crail is the 7th oldest golf club in the world. Members and guests have been enjoying some of the finest links golf in Scotland - many say the world - since 1786. Golfing legend Old Tom Morris laid out the original nine holes at Balcomie in 1895 and in 1998 a second course, Craighead Links, was designed by Gil Hanse.

Crail Balcomie will be a final open qualifying venue in 2010.Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 11 miles
Further information: www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk

Leven

A true test of golf in every respect, you'll enjoy the challenge of playing Leven's classic links course. This has been one of the qualifying courses used when the Open is held at St Andrews. Two prestigious Scottish amateur golf titles are contested each season at Leven and hosted by Leven Golfing Society. The Scottish Champion of Champions event kicks off the year in April, followed in August by the world's oldest amateur stroke play contest, the Standard Life Amateur Champion Gold Medal, which was established in 1870.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 12 miles
Further information: www.leven-links.com

Elie

Formed in 1875, only a handful of clubs in Scotland are older than Elie, and the course is a classic example of links golf. From the opening hole, where a blind tee shot requires the starter to use a 30ft periscope from HMS Excalibur to ensure the way is clear, the course's idiosyncratic charm becomes apparent. Five times Open winner James Braid was born and brought up in Earlsferry which adjoins Elie. He asserted that the 13th at Elie was "the finest in all the country".

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 10 miles
Further information: www.golfhouseclub.co.uk

The Duke's Course

With a spectacular setting above St Andrews, the championship Duke's gives magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea.
The Duke's is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a 'must play' course for any golfer. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke's has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level.Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 2 miles
Further information: www.oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/golf/dukes_landing.html

Carnoustie Links

Golf has been played at Carnoustie since around the days of Christopher Columbus. Anyone who's anyone in golf has played the Championship Course. The great Open Champions here are testament to that very fact, Tommy Armour, Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie and most recently Padraig Harrington in 2007. Regarded as the fairest yet sternest test of golf anywhere Ernie Els said of the Championship Course "You've really got to have your wits with you to play the golf course. Every links shot you can imagine gets tested here. It's got everything as far as I am concerned".
In 2011 the Ricoh Women's British Open will be played at Carnoustie.

Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 11 miles
Further information: www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

Ladybank Golf Club

Ladybank Golf Club was established in 1879. The architect of the original 6-hole course, Old Tom Morris, played in the Autumn Meeting that year as a 'stranger'. Old Tom won, despite his handicap of +3 strokes. In 1910 a circular 9 holes was formed with holes varying in length from 330 to 400 yards, including 'two short sporting' holes at the fourth and seventh. In 1961 a further 9 holes were incorporated to form the current 18 hole course.Make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136

Distance from the Rusacks Hotel: 12 miles
Further information: www.ladybankgolf.co.uk

Green fees in Fife

The Rusacks Hotel can book tee times for the Old Course at St Andrews and a range of Fife's finest courses. We have long established links with the St Andrews Links Trust and our golf reservations team can make bookings for all of St Andrews' courses. Throughout the winter we provide guaranteed Old Course tee times (see breaks and offers). Special rates are available for open qualifying venues Lundin Links, Scotscraig and Crail Balcomie. Use our green fees in Fife information to compare the fees at a range of golf courses in St Andrews and Fife.

Once you have decided on the course, make a booking enquiry

St Andrews Golf Courses

Winter Green Fees 2009/10

*special packages may be available through the Macdonald Rusacks Hotel.

The Old Course, St Andrews *£64
The Eden Course, St Andrews £20
The Jubilee Course, St Andrews £32
The New Course, St Andrews £32
The Strathtyrum Course, St Andrews £12
The Castle Course, St Andrews Closed
Lundin Links £27.50
Scotscraig £30
Crail Balcomie £30
Crail Craighead £30
Leven Links £22.50
Elie Golf House £33
The Duke's, St Andrews £55

The One Under Gastro Pub

Play golf on the Old Course in St Andrews then relax in The One Under Gastro Pub. Opened in Dec 09 you can enjoy the inviting atmosphere of this gastro pub in easy reach of the world's most famous golf course. Our version of the 19th hole has been designed so that golfers can relax with their clubs and spikes, take a shower or get changed before enjoying a drink or meal with friends. Bustling during championship events, The One Under is the perfect St Andrews venue to relax in during the 2010 Open.

Rusacks Hotel is world famous for its service, history and first-class cuisine. You'll find contemporary food and drink and 4-star accommodation in St Andrews at the Rusacks Hotel. Stunning views of the Old Course and West Sands make the conservatory one of St Andrews most sought-after places to meet. Joe Austen's magnificent golfing portrait of Jack Nicklaus lights up a room already blessed with abundant sunlight. The Rocca Bar and Grill is perched on the very edge of the Old Course, with views across to the 1st tee and 18th green and the magical Fife coastline

Corporate Golf in St Andrews

Where better to combine business with pleasure than with a corporate golf event in St Andrews, the home of golf. The Rusacks Hotel's extensive meeting and events facilities and magnificent golf links make this the ideal venue for business. Golf packages in St Andrews can include three nights' bed and breakfast and guaranteed tee times on the Old Course. You can also choose to play 2 rounds at the St Andrews Links Trust courses, the Eden, Jubilee, New and Castle. So reward colleagues and impress clients with an unforgettable corporate golf day in St Andrews.

For further information and costs please make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

2010 winter golf packages in St Andrews at the Rusacks Hotel (PDF)

Society Golf

Society golf in St Andrews and Fife

If you are member of a golfing society you can take advantage of the Rusacks Hotel's contacts in St Andrews and Fife. Our golf reservations can liaise with all of the major Fife and St Andrews clubs. We'll help you make the most of golf's reciprocal society golf links for some unforgettable golf in St Andrews.

For further details, please make an enquiry or call 0844 879 9136.

Tuition

Tuition and golf lessons in St Andrews

If you're keen to improve your game, we would be delighted to book you in for golf lessons in St Andrews. St Andrews offers a superb range of golfing tuition and expert advice on improving your swing. This is the ideal way to enhance your long and short game techniques and improve your pitching, chipping, putting and bunker play. Then, put it into practice on the world's most famous links courses in St Andrews.

Many companies provide complimentary travel to their premises close to the Rusacks Hotel. Expert tuition and the latest in golfing technology are used to make the changes needed to bring your handicap down. Golf academies use Video Analysis Software to help improve your technique with the option of receiving a personalised DVD for future reference.

Our golf reservations team can not only point you but also provide expert tuition at the best practice facilities in St Andrews.

For further details, please make an enquiry or contact 0844 879 9136.

The St Andrews Golf Academy www.scotlandforgolf.co.uk
St Andrews Links Golf Academy www.standrewslinksgolfacademy.com
St Andrews Golf Academy www.standrewsgolf.org/golf-academy.asp

Play the Himalayas!
Even the most experienced golfers can practice their putting at St Andrews' world famous Himalayas. This public putting surface is a real St Andrews highlight. Open to the public even at peak times, it rises from the dunes next to the R & A's most historic course. So roll in a thirty footer against the backdrop of the West Sands, the Old Course's 18th green and Rusacks itself.

Breaks and events

Golf breaks at the Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews

The Macdonald Rusacks Hotel is the ultimate 4-star golf break hotel in St Andrews. Our superb range of golf packages enable you to play the Old Course at St Andrews and Open qualifying venues Scotscraig, Lundin Links and Crail. Discover Fife's hidden golfing gems or play on one of the seven St Andrews Links Trust courses from a luxurious base in the heart of St Andrews.

Ideally priced for groups of two or more, we can cater for your appetite for golf, excellent accommodation and superb food and drink. Take advantage of our links with St Andrews Golf Academy and experience excellent practice facilities and professional coaching in unbeatable surroundings. The Macdonald Rusacks Hotel offers the perfect golf break in Fife for all levels of golfer.

2010 winter golf packages in St Andrews at the Rusacks Hotel (PDF)

Send us an enquiry form or call 0844 879 9136

Golf events and fixtures in Fife and St Andrews

From 15th to 18th July 2010, the 150th Open Golf Championship
at St Andrews, will attract all the worlds best players.

Join us at Rusacks to see if 2009's epic battle between Stewart Cink and Tom Watson can be repeated. The winner will lift the Claret Jug last won at St Andrews in 2005 by Tiger Woods. The Open dominates events in Fife in July with The Torrance, Kingsbarns, Ladybank and Scotscraig all hosting final qualifying events.

St Andrews and Fife courses regularly host a range of world-class golfing events. The Alfred Links Dunhill Golf Championship will take place from 7th -
10th October 2010. In 2011 Carnoustie hosts the Ricoh British Women's Open. All year round you can find amateur, professional and club events to take part in. Make sure you join us for Scotland's major golfing events in 2010 and 2011.

St Andrews Links tournaments and events 2010
www.standrews.org.uk/events/index.html

Search for golf events in Scotland
http://golf.visitscotland.com/events/

See our latest golf special offers