On the 1st July 1993 the Strathtyrum Course became the first new 18-hole layout to come into play at St Andrews for almost 80 years. A short par-69 course, at 5620 yards, it makes a change from the tough challenge of the longer Championship layouts that lie between it and the North Sea.
Only 15 bunkers, an almost sand-free experience in comparison to the tough deep bunkers on the Old Course. However the bunkers are deftly positioned around the greens and are reinforced by a number of tricky run off areas. It does however still represent a fair challenge and requires great skill, particularly with short approach shots.
Add to that a fine selection of strategic mounding, which is the hallmark of the course, and you have a layout that is only ever left underestimated. The putting surfaces themselves are littered with slopes, ridges and shelves and if you leave yourself far from the hole are as severe a test as you will find.
Being in St Andrews, the wind is ever present, and as the Strathtyrum lies primarily on the East to West axis the breeze can often fool your selection of club.
But this course is fun. The satisfaction of getting the ball close to the hole on the small greens is second to none, and with limited rough and gorse you get the opportunity to do so more often that normal. It was designed to be enjoyable and it is.
Green fees: £20 wd and we.
Address: St Andrews Links Trust, Pilmour House, St Andrews, KY16 9SF
Tel: 01334 466666
web: www.standrews.org.uk
Click here for our guide to Fife
Five Of The Most Obscure Rules In Golf
Great Views And Fine Links Golf At The Birthplace Of The Open. What More Do You Need?
