The Castle Course, St Andrews

Located on spectacular cliffs overlooking the town, The Castle Course is the seventh layout under the St Andrews Links banner and it doesn't feel like the "usual" St Andrews experience, in the best possible way.

While the Old, New and Jubilee sit down on the flatter linksland, The Castle is up high on exposed, rolling ground. You get big, sweeping views across St Andrews Bay and the Eden Estuary, with the town and university spires behind you.

Designer David Maclay Kidd, the Scottish architect behind Machrihanish Dunes and Bandon Trails at Bandon Dunes Resort, has produced a modern, strategic test that leans into the site's elevation changes. Fairways drop away, climb back up ridges and run through natural gullies, so you're rarely playing the same shot twice. And yes, the wind is nearly always part of the conversation up here, often stronger and a bit more awkward than down on the Old Course, so bring your knock-down shots and expect plenty of "one more club... actually two" moments when it's blowing.

Opened in 2008, The Castle quickly earned a reputation as one of the sternest rounds in the Links stable. It won't flatter anything slightly offline, with a few forced carries, tight landing areas and greens that ask for proper control, but play it well and it's hugely satisfying.

Who is this for?
Anyone building a St Andrews itinerary who wants a modern clifftop round alongside the classics.

Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers and golfers who like strategy, wind and elevation, rather than a gentle seaside stroll.

Include The Castle Course on your next St Andrews golf break with Your Golf Travel.