St. Andrews

[zero]

I have a business trip and over the weekend have the opportunity to get to St. Andrews in Scotland. Any tips for visiting the home of golf? Thanks!

[Gunther]

Probably have a tough time getting on the Old Course but the New Course or Jubilee would be great alternatives, cheaper and easier to get on.  Enjoy!

[DaveP043]

@Gunther is probably right, it may be tough to get on the Old Course, but I'd still recommend that you stop by the Starter's hut near the first tee and ask.  If there's no hope on the Old, the New and Jubilee are both excellent choices.  If you're there on Sunday, the Old Course is generally closed to play, so you can take a walk and see the entire course.

If you want to spend time with golfing tourists, be sure to visit Dunvegans bar.  Even if you don't care, visit Dunvegans anyway, its a nice pub, and famous.  If you want to avoid golfing tourists, my favorite pubs were the Cross Keys, near the Market Square (in Market Street), and the Whey Pat, just west of the old city gate on South Street.

If you like whisky, try something new.  Most of the bars are well stocked, and most of the bartenders seemed knowledgeable, so if you tell them what you've liked in the past, they can probably recommend something new for you.  And please drink it neat, or with a splash of water, no ice or carbonated stuff.

At sunset, you can have a drink in the bar at Russacks Hotel, and watch players coming up the 18th fairway amid the long shadows made by all the humps and mounds.

Go see the grave of Old Tom Morris, its along the east wall of the cemetery down past the ruins of the old cathedral.

Good Indian food at Jahangir in South Street.

Not much food or drink is available on the golf courses.  I recommend taking a bottle of water with you.  Most days during my morning walk, I'd get a bacon roll from Munch (South Street just inside the old city gate) to take on the course with me.

St Andrews is a brilliant small town, its a great place to simply walk around.  Have a great time!

 

[zero]

 Thank you!

[DaveP043]

12 minutes ago, zero said:

 Thank you!

BTW, do you know where you'll be staying?

[zero]

4 hours ago, DaveP043 said:

BTW, do you know where you'll be staying?

Edinburgh

[DaveP043]

If you're planning a day trip, your time will be a little more constrained, especially if you're taking the train.  If you have the time, and the money, I'd suggest trying to spend a night or two in St Andrews to be able to enjoy the full experience.  Of course that assumes that you can find a room, I understand that September is a relatively busy time.