St. Andrews Links - New Course

Most publications rank the New second among the St. Andrews Links Trust courses. I thought it was good but believe Jubilee is better. It felt like there were too many parallel holes where balls from other fairways would come flying into yours. A few blind holes kind of force these errant shots. It's a stiff challenge.

Very windy day but dry. All staff was helpful including caddy. Definitely recommend a caddy. Golf course was in fantastic shape, greens were slowish but certainly playable. Highly recommend

For me, it's the best course in St Andrews. Beautiful layout, stunning condition, and a joy to play. Most people had straight for the Old or the Castle, but don't leave St Andrews without playing the New

We played the New Course as part of a 36 hole day that included a round the Old Course in the morning. I couldn’t think of a better day than playing the two most highly regarded courses at the St. Andrews Links. The New Course sits between the Old Course and the Jubilee Course on the property was built in 1895 by Old Tom Morris making it the oldest new course in the world. We teed off in the afternoon under perfect skies. The Old Course gets most of the accolades, but the New Course offers a very tough test (deep riveted bunkers, rough, spiny flowering gorse, large dunes and more) and beautiful views of the Eden River and the North Sea. While a trip to St. Andrews wouldn’t be totally complete without a round at The Old Course, a walk round the New Course is a heck of a memory in and of itself.

The newest course at St. Andrews is the Castle, but there is only one New Course, which dates back to 1895. It's one of Old Tom Morris' best works, but it's in truth far more straightforward than what you're used to with Old Tom at places like Prestwick or Cruden Bay. We played the New Course the afternoon after playing the Old, and there is just a lot more room to hit it and it's easier to see all the trouble. That was fortunate because it was a breezy day.

It's an out-and-back routing that plays beside the front side of the Old. One interesting point is when the Old's 9th and 10th holes cut into the routing of the New, which plays around it. The par-3 9th hole hugs the Estuary and is a standout. Some new dunes were recently added along the 15th hole to shield TV trucks and satellites from the compound.

Mind your yardage guide, there are several holes that have a smattering of bunkers right in the landing area, so don't just bang 14 drivers. The 3rd and 15th holes share a huge double-green.

Locals often say the New is the best of the bunch at St. Andrews. I doubt many visitors who covet the Old and the history attached to it will agree, but definitely understand the New should be on any multi-day itinerary in St. Andrews right beside Kingsbarns and the Old.

This is a tough one. It's probably a better layout than the Old, and most of the front nine is just along the side of the Old, which makes you jealous. But, it's not the Old.

If you can put the Old out of your mind and enjoy it for what it is, you'll have a great time. If you're not able to play the Old and only get on the New, you may have fun, but it's still difficult not to perseverate over the fact you're not really on the hallowed grounds.

Still, this is a good track and fun to play. We had tough conditions on this late afternoon, but I'd play it again in a heartbeat.

Opinions vary whether the New or the Jubilee is the toughest of the original courses at St. Andrews. I've also found the New to be plenty of challenge. While it doesn't have the magic of the double greens on the Old Course or playing in and out of the village, I think it's a better layout than the Old. Plus you get to play along the Old course for much of the front 9.

In recent years, a lot of the gorse has been removed, making the course play a bit easier if you spray the ball. But it's hurt the feeling of the holes being isolated from each other.

We played this course 3 years, and new we had to play it again this trip. Excellent condition, great layout, numerous challenging holes for all ages. Easy to walk and easy to enjoy. This course should be added to your itineray if you are playing any of the St Andrews Links courses. The clubhouse is really nice, with a roof top garden, that provides 360degrees views of the old, new and jubilee courses! Pro shop is stocked with all your golf and tourist souvenir needs. The bar/restaurant has great views and great selection of food and drink for after your round. Even if you aren't playing this clubhouse is worth the visit!

Can't get onto the Old Course? Then get onto the "New"; it is still over a century old. For many of the locals, this is where they play the most. I found it to be the most difficult of the four courses I played at the Home of Golf. Designed by Old Tom himself, the New is between the Jubilee and the Old. The routing is a bit different in that one goes back and forth instead of just a classic out and back routing. I really don't remember any of the holes being special but I also don't remember a weak one. I do remember the par 3 by the estuary being quite difficult in a wind. I also found it to be the narrowest of the courses and accurate driving really comes into play here more than the others. It is true links golf with bump and run, shot options and quality bunkering. It doesn't have the quirk or strategic options of the Old, but there are only a handful of courses that do.
Over all, another quality course at the Home of Golf, but not really in and of itself worth a trip over the pond.
The course is near the restaurant and putting green. If in town, play it but do try your best to get onto the Old.