St Andrews Golf Course

St Andrews Golf Course is one of Scotland’s finest golf courses and plays host to the prestigious Open tournament every five years in which the world’s best golfers compete. The origins of the game are hotly disputed but many believe Scotland and St Andrews to be the true home of the sport. But one thing that cannot be contested is St Andrews’ long history and connection with the game; it’s thought that golf was first played here in the 1400s before being banned in 1457 allegedly because the men were neglecting archery practice in favour of the sport. James IV acquired a taste for the game and the ban was lifted in 1502 allowing the game to flourish and develop into the international sport it has become today. St Andrews is a ‘links’ course – the name given to courses in coastal areas which is how the original game is thought to have been played – and is characterised by deep sand bunkers and strong winds. There are now six courses at St Andrews with a seventh due to be added in 2007. Other popular attractions close by include the prestigious St Andrews University, St Andrews Museum, St Andrews Botanic Garden and Craigtoun Country Park.