St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer

A visit to St. Andrews wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Old Course, regarded as the birthplace of golf. This small-group tour, priced at just $22.08 per person, offers an engaging glimpse into the game’s development, combined with opportunities to see iconic landmarks and hear stories from a professional caddie guide. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 106 reviews and a high recommendation rate of 92%, this tour proves to be a well-loved choice for golf fans, history buffs, and curious visitors alike.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a concise yet rich experience. It departs from Hotel du Vin and concludes near the Swilcan Bridge, allowing easy access for those exploring the town afterward. While the tour involves walking across the 18th fairway and walking near the course, it is ideal for those with moderate physical fitness, as it includes walking on uneven ground and across open fairways.

Key Points

• Affordable price of just $22.08 per person for a highly rated experience
• Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of guided storytelling and site visits
• Led by a professional caddie guide with insider knowledge from the 1980s
• Opportunity to walk across the famed fairway and visit iconic landmarks
• Focus on history, course development, and celebrity anecdotes
• Small group size ensures personal attention and a more intimate experience

The Tour Begins Outside the Hotel du Vin in St. Andrews

The tour kicks off at Hotel du Vin, located at 40 The Scores. Travelers meet Richard, a knowledgeable guide, just outside the front of the hotel. The group is small—up to 15 visitors—which helps Richard provide personalized insights. It’s important to arrive on time, as public tours do not wait once they start. The initial part of the tour offers a brief overview of St. Andrews’ history, setting the stage for the fascinating golf stories to come.

Starting here provides a solid context for the rest of the tour, linking the town’s history with the origins of golf. The emphasis on punctuality helps keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Discovering the Origins of Golf at The Links and Royal & Ancient Club

The second stop takes visitors to The Links, where the origins of golf are explained. The tour explores how the game started in the 13th-century Low Countries, moved to Edinburgh in 1744, and why St. Andrews is hailed as the Home of Golf. Here, visitors get a quick but thorough overview of the game’s evolution, making it easier to appreciate the significance of the Old Course itself.

Next, the group visits the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, an important site in golf history. The guide shares stories about golfing moments, Old Tom Morris, and the Old Caddie Shack. These stories add depth to understanding how the Old Course’s development influenced the modern game.

Exploring Key Sites: Grannie Clark’s Wynd and Course Development

The tour continues with stops at Grannie Clark’s Wynd, where the evolution of the course from 12 to 18 holes is explained, along with famous moments like the Dunhill Cup and the Open Championship. This part highlights the physical development of the course and its role in international tournaments.

The group then visits Rusacks St. Andrews, near the 1st and 18th fairways. Here, the guide discusses early caddies, ladies’ influence, and the creation of the world’s first putting green by Old Tom Morris. The original 1st tee and 18th hole are also part of this stop, giving visual context to the course’s layout.

Iconic Photo Opportunities at Swilcan Bridge and The Road Hole

One of the most memorable stops is at the Swilcan Bridge, an iconic symbol in golf. Visitors have the chance to take photos on this famous bridge, which is often featured in tournament broadcasts. It’s a highlight for many, especially since it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in golf.

The tour concludes near The Jigger Inn, a historic pub close to the 17th green or Road Hole. Here, the guide recounts some of the most dramatic golfing moments on the famous 17th green. Although food and drinks are not included, the Jigger Inn offers a pleasant spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere after the tour.

Walking Across the Fairway: A Rare Public Access Experience

A key feature of this tour is the chance to walk across the 18th fairway—a rare opportunity for visitors, as the Old Course is a public course. The tour takes you onto the widest fairway in the game, along the 1st and 18th holes, and even alongside the 18th fairway. This allows for a closer look at the course’s layout and an appreciation of its scale and beauty.

Participants are reminded that live golf play can occur, so walking across the course involves personal risk. The guide ensures safety by advising to keep an eye out for golf balls and walking carefully.

Expert Storytelling from a Former Old Course Caddie

The guide, Richard, brings decades of experience as a professional caddie at the Old Course during the 1980s. His insider stories — including anecdotes about famous players and tournament moments — add a layer of authenticity and fun. Many reviews praise Richard for his wealth of knowledge, entertaining storytelling, and friendly demeanor.

This personal touch helps visitors understand not just the history, but also the spirit and culture of the golf community in St. Andrews.

Suitable for Golf Enthusiasts and History Buffs Alike

This tour suits those interested in golf history, as it explains the development of the course and the game itself. It also appeals to non-golfers who enjoy stunning scenery and local stories. The small group size allows for more interaction and personal attention from the guide, making it ideal for those wanting an intimate experience.

Note that the tour involves walking on uneven ground, across open fairways, and near live play, so it is best suited for visitors with moderate physical fitness. It is not designed for strollers, mobility scooters, or those with recent knee or hip replacements.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour starts at Hotel du Vin at 40 The Scores and ends near the Swilcan Bridge on 17 The Links. It is booked on average 53 days in advance, with a cost of $22.08 per person. Travelers are advised to arrive promptly, as the tour is punctual. While free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, it’s important to plan for weather conditions, as the experience is outdoor-based.

Since service animals are allowed and the tour is near public transportation, accessibility is manageable for most visitors. However, not suitable for babies or those requiring mobility aids.

Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice for Golf Fans

The St. Andrews Old Course History Tour offers a unique blend of history, scenery, and insider stories. Led by a guide with personal experience from the 1980s, it delivers authentic anecdotes and the chance to stand on the iconic Swilcan Bridge.

While the tour emphasizes history and course layout, it provides rare access to walk on the fairway, making it especially appealing for those wanting a closer look at the course than most visitors can get. The small-group format enhances the experience, ensuring more interaction and better attention from the guide.

However, it is best suited for moderate walkers and those genuinely interested in golf or local history. Visitors expecting a full course walk or a casual stroll on the entire course** may find the experience more focused than anticipated, but the visual and storytelling highlights compensate well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families are welcome, but children under 5 are free. Be aware that not suitable for strollers or mobility aids, and children should be comfortable with walking and outdoor environments.

Can I walk on the course without a tour?
Yes, the Old Course is a public course, and anyone can walk part of it. However, this tour provides guided access to specific key areas and insider stories that are not available on a solo walk.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as walking on uneven terrain is involved. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour is outdoors regardless of conditions.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
The tour is not suitable for those with crutches, walking frames, or mobility scooters, and involves walking across open fairways and uneven ground.

What is the weather policy?
The experience requires good weather, and poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling. In case of cancellation, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

The St. Andrews Old Course History Tour blends golf, history, and iconic scenery into a compact experience that both enthusiasts and casual visitors will find rewarding. With expert storytelling, rare access to the fairway, and famous landmarks, it offers an authentic glimpse into the birthplace of golf—perfect for anyone visiting Scotland’s golfing capital.