St Andrews Old Course History Tour

4.7 (223 reviews) St. Andrews, Scotland
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Duration1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

These are bucket list award-winning tours with professional local guides.

Aimed primarily at those with a more in-depth interest in golf, you will learn about the origins and the development of both the game and the Old Course through a timeline spanning the 13th to 20th century, plus Open and Dunhill history, finishing with a photo shoot on the iconic Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days).

Hear memorable Road Hole moments and gain recommendations for a few more things on the bucket list to do while here, including the Himalayas and the Jigger Inn.

Round off your tour by the Old Course Jigger Inn.

Sundays - Walk on the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days)
*Check the booking calendar for availability

Tours endorsed by famed Golf historian David Joy and RIck Steves.

What's included

  • Professional local guide
  • Professionally taken photos on the Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days)
  • We also have a private tour on Viator: Private St Andrews Old Course History Tour

What to expect

  1. 5m
    Meet your guide outside front of hotel for the start of your shared tour. Please don't be late as these public tours will not wait. Tour start: Gain an overview of town history leading to 1123 Links charter.
  2. 10m
    Discover the origins and early development of the game of golf, from 13th-century stick and ball in the Low Countries to Edinburgh in 1744 and why St Andrews is the Home of Golf.
  3. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
    15m
    Learn about how Old Course development also developed the game of golf, where fairways and bunkers come from, golfing moments, Old Tom and the old Caddie Shack!
  4. 15m
    The Open Championship, Dunhill Cup, further course development from 12, 10 to 18 holes and important sites around the 18th.
  5. 10m
    The 1st/18th fairway and farmers, Rusacks Hotel, the Mannings, original 1st tee and 18th hole, how early caddies and ladies caused Old Tom to create the world's first putting green!
  6. 10m
    Photos on one of the most iconic landmarks in the game of golf, and one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Excludes tournament days - Dunhill, Open etc and busy days.
  7. The Jigger Inn
    10m
    Hear about some of the jaw-dropping golfing moments at the Road Hole - the 17th green of the Old Course, then finish the tour near the famed Old Course Jigger Inn for refreshments (not included).

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting point: Hotel du Vin, 40 The Scores, St Andrews. Richard will see you outside the front of the Hotel for your shared tour. Please be on time as these public tours will not wait. The hotel is also open to the public for refreshments (not included).

End point

Tours finish at the Road Hole, 17th, near the famed Old Course Jigger Inn, where you can relax with beverages and food by the 17th fairway (not included).

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Tours not suitable for under 5s
  • A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
  • Not suitable for strollers/carriages
  • Not suitable for Crutches, walking frames, mobility scooters
  • There is nowhere to leave any of the above and golf clubs etc while on tour, so make alternative arrangements
  • Calls will not be answered. Text/message or email only.
  • Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (223)
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by St Andrews Tours · Booked through Viator
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