Hidden away from the ancient links of St. Andrews, a gentle giant has emerged to offer a golf experience that is a complete tangent to the windswept dunes you’d normally expect from this golfing Mecca in Fife. Having slowly gained plaudits since its inception in 1995, the Duke’s Course is a fantastic test of golf and well away from the normal golfing expectations of St. Andrews.
A quick look at the scorecard is an intimidating prospect, measuring a John Daly-esq 7,500 yards off the Championship markers, thankfully my playing partners suggest playing off the white tees which at over 7,000 yards is still a formidable test. The first impression of the course is that it is similar to a heathland course normally found in the Surrey / Berkshire areas of the South of England. As a ‘Surreyite’ myself, I felt more than happy to be testing my armoury in familiar surroundings given the battering I’d received playing links golf for the past few days. The first few holes meander through mature forests as well as offering plenty of hazards through the copious bunkers which seem to be ready to gather your ball at every opportunity. All in all the course is very enjoyable and can safely say that if the course was anywhere other than St. Andrews it would be high up on lists of must play courses.
Having played the course in early November, a distinct lack of run on the ball means that anyone wanting to score anywhere near their handicap will have to have their very best driving boots well and truly on. Most par 4’s did were playing Driver and a long iron for the second shot but in truth this how the game should be played, a Championship test which requires two good shots to find a green in regulation. Needless to say I wasn’t able to find many greens in regulation and started to drop shots with an alarming consistency. My scorecard after 9 holes was far from par but felt the back 9 couldn’t be any harder so set off with unfounded confidence. A lost ball on 10 and flurry of bogies meant the dream of playing to my handicap was a distant memory, but the closing stretch of 16, 17 and 18 were such a great test I didn’t mind if honest! If you are looking for a test, this course is perfect – anyone found playing to their handicap should be bought before their respective handicap secretary complete with Sombrero and Holster in tow!
Although The Dukes Course isn’t on the tip of your tongue for your next golf break, I can safely say it is a very enjoyable course that is mature beyond its years and a challenge that will test every facet of your golfing armoury. With a host of courses in the St. Andrews area, a golf tour to this part of the world is guaranteed to be one that won’t be forgotten. From the critically acclaimed Kingsbarns Golf Links, to the modern links courses at Fairmont St. Andrews, golfers are sure to find the perfect fairway to suit.
Golf breaks to the Old Course Hotel and Dukes Course start from just £199 per person including two nights accommodation and two rounds of golf.
Having played the course in June I think its a belter. It is quite expensive but the package you mention at £199 seems great value. If you are in this area though, you’ve got to play Kingsbarns, its up there with the very best.