The Strathtyrum Course

On 1 July 1993, the Strathtyrum Course became the first new 18 hole layout to come into play at St Andrews for almost 80 years. The course was opened simulataneously with the Golf Practice Centre. Tornado jet fighters flew over the first tee as local farmer, John Steven, who had won a competition in a local newspaper, struck the first drive.

The course takes its name from the adjacent Strathtyrum Estate, from which the land was purchased.

Designed by Donald Steel to offer enjoyable golf, the course complements the tougher, championship layouts at the Home of Golf. It is shorter and, with only 15 bunkers, has less hazards facing the golfer.

Although few in number, the bunkers are cunningly placed and the moundings around the greens place a considerable emphasis on iron play accuracy. The greens themselves are large and have slopes and borrows which can test even the most confident putters.

A great deal of sand has been added to the fairways and greens in recent years to give them a links-like firmness. Green surrounds have been recontoured to create more pin positions. In 2004, new medal tees were constructed to lengthen the course from 5094 yards to 5620 yards.

The Strathtyrum plays host to a number of amateur and junior events each year and is played every day by families and golfers of all ages and abilities providing, as it does, a hugely enjoyable golfing experience.