[Colin Wilson]

As an Australian who looks likely to have a week for golf in the St Andrews area (Scotland that is, not the beach outside Melbourne!) in May 2004, what courses would those in the know here advise me to play?

What about lesser-known courses that are not A$200 for green fees? Are there any "hidden gems" from an architectural point of view (or is that hoping too much?).  

I'm a "club golfer" playing off 9, and like some pleasant but out-of-the-way courses that are not super-costly.

[Andrew Summerell]

Colin,

Being an Aussie myself I'm no expert of the area, but I do know a little.

Apart from all the St. Andrew's courses - Old, New, Eden, Jubilee, which are all worth a hit, can I suggest:

Kingsbarns - A brilliant Kyle Phillips design. 6 holes right up against the North Sea. 12th hole very tempting.

The Golf House Club at Elie - An Old Tom Morris course that's quite quirky.

Crail Golfing Society (Both courses - Balcomie & Craighead links) Balcomie is an Old Tom Morris layout. Craighead is their new course designed by Gil Hanse.

Lundin Golf Club - Great land right next to the beach. (of sorts)

Levin Links Golf Club - Not far from Lundin GC.

The green fees at most of these courses aren't too bad. Kingsbarns will be the dearest at about 125 pound per round, but it is well worth it. TOC is about 90 pound per round.

I think you can still get a weekly ticket for all the St A courses (New, Eden, Jubilee, Strathtyrum, Balgove), except the Old, for about 190 pound.

I hope that helps.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

I would not pay the Eden but many say one of the nines is good. Please do not forget Carnoustee and Panmure which are 45 minutes away. I especially like Crail(Balcomie) for a second round of the day. It is not tough but fun and beautiful. It is a great place in the late afternoon.

[Matthew Delahunty]

Colin,

I was going to suggest a few courses but Andrew and Tiger got in first. Scotscraig, about 15 mins north is one they didn't mention (38/44 pounds per round). Ladybank, an inland course (40 pounds), is another.

As another Aussie, I was over in Scotland in August.

TOC is 105 pounds. The New is about 50. I'm assuming Crail, Elie, Lundin, Leven are all around the 40-50 pound mark. Just do a Google search for their websites which will have charges, booking info, etc.

Carnoustie is 95 pounds excl VAT. As Tiger said it's only about 45 mins away. You can get a combination ticket with their Burnside course for 110. If the price tag for the Championship course is too much then the Burnside is probably worth playing for 30 pounds and you can have a good look around the Championship as they intermingle a bit. Panmure is about 48 pounds. There's also Monifieth nearby which would be similarly priced.

Remember that within just over an hour's drive you can probably play another dozen top courses (eg Montrose to the north, or south to North Berwick, Gullane, Dunbar, etc).

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