Fairmont St. Andrews - The Torrance Course

This Club is a disgrace. Avoid. Of six course played in Fife, the Torrance was the least interesting for a golfer, albeit the views are spectacular. Greens and fairways were in decent condition; the fore-caddies were not particularly helpful and unnecessary. But the problem was the clubhouse. They refused us a drink. No drink to fully-paid up layers on their course. The bar closed at 4.00pm. 3 groups of 4 who had been holding us up and the couple who had been in front were all in the bar enjoying their post-round lubrication. But no, they would not offer drinks to us, because, god forbid, they had to lay the tables for dinner. Maybe 5.30pm, probably six; I was told they had reservations for forty people. Oh! There were over sixty seats. So they chose not to serve thirsty visiting golfers. Our other party came in half an hour later. So it was a very unpleasant and unfriendly staff we had to endure who declared no consideration to our situation. I will allow that they said we could have gone out on the balcony for the first 20 minutes for one drink - but that would have been in a very cool, brisk wind, which was an absurdly unacceptable offer. Go out and freeze yourselves a bit more, when you just come in to regroup and relax after a chilly round. What club in the world arranges not to offer drinks to its players? And without any forewarning! This club should be avoided. ( This had nothing to do with Covid. Sheer, uncompromising bad management).

Nice layout, no water on the course, no Marshall, no beverage cart. Greens were slow and bumpy. Looked like they hadn’t been mowed or rollled in a couple of days. Got stuck behind a group that couldn’t hit the ball 30 yards. No Marshall to help speed things up waiting on every shot except putts. Don’t think we will be back.

The course was in a very condition and excellent pace of play. The staff were just excellent. Very helpful.
Challenging yet a very playable course even for high handicap players.

Played both courses, Torrance more of a challenge especially if the wind blowing , which it was. Fairways good, greens fabulous. Watch out, don’t use lockers, as no one staffing clubhouse beyond 5pm, no catering Monday -Friday.

Played lots at the Fairmont (both courses tho I favour the Torrance) and never sure it gets the credit it deserves amongst all the others in the area. Some superb holes (17th Par 3 for one) and great flow to each hole. Always accessible, relatively inexpensive and a super course layout that gives stunning views on most every hole. No mats nor winter tees or greens its a credit to the greens staff who look after it. Despite it being busy all winter, it will still be in superb condition in season. Lastly, they don't have a problem with single players, as I often am. My wife likes a walk too and its never a problem. They have even accomodated this by not pairing me up when asked. I'll be back...again.

My second time playing the Torrance. Course was in good condition considering it was winter golf. Was a very cold day and the wind was reaching gale force! Parked up the car and headed to the clubhouse. Spoke to a member of staff who was friendly and courteous. Teed off on time and away we went. The course was getting some work done on a couple of holes but this was only a minor inconvenience and didn't affect play in any way. Tee boxes were in good order, play was from the fairway as normal (no mats) which is a big no for me in winter! Greens were in great condition for the time of year and very pacy! Overall a very good experience, the only slight downside was 3 youngish lads 'jumped' on at the 10th hole between us and the group in front. It annoyed both myself and my playing partner and slowed down play. Not the courses fault but if this happens regularly then it should be addressed. Having played both Fairmont courses I'd rate the Torrance slightly 'easier' and shorter but if the winds up as it was it can be VERY tricky!

Great course, tricky and fast greens, better signs to to next tee on some holes for first timers! Loved playing it .

Long and challenging course with spectacular views.

Course was good, very playable especially from the yellow tees with all pars threes 9 iron or less for me. Bar/catering was only open 1200-1630 so we couldn't get breakfast beforehand. Pro shop was doing rolls but we chose to go up to the hotel instead. Strokesaver and a basket of balls included was a nice touch. Overall great value and some nice views towards St Andrews.

Was lucky enough to play my second round here two days after the end of the Hero Open. The pins were left in the final day position, which essentially meant they were 9 ft from an edge or slope on every green. While this didn’t help the score, it certainly highlighted the complexities of the many slopes and run off areas on the majority of the greens, something that wasn’t so obvious on my first visit. This also highlighted just how good tour players are, James Morrison shot 63 to these pins!

Getting into range of the greens could be described as a little boring and a bit of a slog at times but the water hazards, slopes and run off areas certainly challenging your approach play.

Definitely worth a game.

Can’t fault the course or clubhouse staff but trying to get a can of juice after the round from the bar took around 40 mins, even with me goi g in to ask what the wait was for. Young daft kids running a brilliant spot.

Meet and greet was very good and all details explained about the golf and practice areas. Helpful staff in the shop, who called earlier to explain there could be fog and delays. Thankfully the sun and wind dissipated the fog in time and on a call back to the pro shop before we left Edinburgh for St Andrews we were told the course was open for play.

Blatant profiteering and no marshalls to be seen.
They allow high handicap (or no handicap) players to play from the back tees.
The rough has been allowed to grow waist high and lush.

Said high-handicap players proceed to hit 100yds into heavy rough, before spending 3+ mins searching. This is then repeated every 100yds on each hole and for each player.

They are not hosting the open and the rough needs to be controlled and made appropriate to the skill level of their average customer.
They need to stop people playing from the back tees when they are obviously not up to it.
They need to stop allowing singles to play during busy times.
They need to actively Marshall the course...