The Duke’s Course

Beautifully situated in the historic Mount Melville Estate, Craigtoun Country Park, and forming part of the Old Course Hotel’s portfolio, The Duke’s is the only heathland course in St Andrews. A classic risk and reward golf course, The Duke’s is set amongst mature trees, gorse and heather, and has been specifically designed to offer a fantastic challenge for every level of golfer. From its elevated position, the course offers unparalleled views of St Andrews and the bay, and a championship standard of golf. With a friendly welcome guaranteed to visitors at the clubhouse, and with excellent practice facilities on offer, The Duke’s Course is a stunning venue to play at while enjoying a Scottish Golf Break. Golf Scotland. Play The Duke’s. Golf St Andrews and Fife.

History: The Duke’s is created from the beautiful, rolling landscape that forms part of the historic Mount Melville Estate, St Andrews. Steeped in history, the ancient estate lands were first established in 1698 for General George Melville of Strathkinnes. It remained the site of the family’s grand mansion house and estate grounds when it was significantly improved with new landscaping in the 18th Century by General Robert Melville. In 1900, the house and grounds became the property of another famous Scottish family, the Younger Brewing dynasty headed at the time by Dr James Younger.

Today, this natural heathland setting is just as cherished but now given over to a fresh and unique golf venue, first laid out and opened for play in 1995. The course was designed by five-time Open champion, Peter Thomson, with input from Ross Perret and Tim Liddy. Since then, The Duke’s ever-expanding list of awards and accolades has resulted in a series of elite tournaments being hosted that include the Scottish Matchplay, the Scottish Strokeplay, The European Amateur Championships, and the Scottish Men’s Amateur Open.

The Duke’s Course: Set amongst established trees, gorse and heather, The Duke’s is the only heathland course in St Andrews. Offering panoramic views over the town and the bay beyond, the 18-hole course is set up in two loops of 9-holes. The course design ensures risk and reward golf is subtly threaded through each of the holes. With five separate tee positions available on each hole, the course offers flexibility in overall course length and difficulty, which will appeal to golfers of all abilities. Clever bunkering, subtle green complexes, the thrill of risk and reward golf, and fast running fairways ensure that the Duke’s is a real, yet highly enjoyable challenge. The Duke’s is an eighteen hole, par 71 (men), par 71 (women), course. It has tees ranging from 5,216 to 7,512 yards.

SGB Signature Hole: Name: Denhead. Number: Hole 3. Measuring 171 yards (M) and 129 yards (W) this visually intimidating par 3 is often played in a crosswind. From the tee, woodland and large bunkers are the prominent features. Those bunkers in the fore and middle ground offer no threat, but a good short to mid-iron is required to avoid the three traps guarding the subtly sloping green. Anything short or long of the green will ensure a difficult up and down. However, a well struck shot may feed its way towards the hole and offer possibilities of a birdie. A terrific par 3, carved from its woodland surroundings.

Clubhouse and Practice facilities: The Duke’s clubhouse overlooks the spectacular closing holes of play and enjoys sweeping views over the town of St Andrews and the sea beyond. Visiting golfers are most welcome to use the spacious locker rooms and shower facilities within. The award-winning Duke’s Bar and Restaurant at the clubhouse is a popular and relaxed dining venue, with stunning views of St Andrews and the coastline. It offers a hearty selection of traditional food that is perfect before or after a game of golf. (see food and dining section). Pro shop: The pro shop at The Duke’s Course offers the latest in branded apparel, and stocks leading brands such as Footjoy, Under Armour & Titleist. While also providing for your day-to-day golfing needs selling balls, tees etc., and offering club hire, manual & electric trolley hire, and buggy rentals. Practice facilities: The excellent practice facilities at The Duke’s Course include a driving range, a short game area, a practice putting green and a par three loop.

Food & Dining: The Duke’s Bar and Restaurant is situated adjacent to the course, and offers outstanding food in a stunning setting. Designed with large windows and a beautiful balcony overlooking the golf course, St Andrews, and the North Sea, the restaurant provides an enjoyable backdrop for your dining experience. The quality menu changes seasonally, ensuring the freshest selection of local ingredients for visitors to enjoy. Options range from classic breakfasts to start your day, through to hearty main courses to celebrate finishing your round. Weekly specials ensure the menu is always fresh and exciting. The well stocked bar offers a wide range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, for visitors to enjoy before or after a round on the course.

Old Course Hotel: In addition to working with The Duke’s Course, Scottish Golf Breaks partner with The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. From luxurious overnight stays to ‘Suite Golf Packages’, guaranteeing you a round on the Old Course, If you would like to reside in the most famous hotel associated with golf, we’d be delighted to organise a booking on your behalf.

Accommodation: The Old Course Hotel has 175 rooms including a penthouse suite and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading resorts. Alongside the 17th hole of The Old Course, the most difficult par 4 in the world, the rooms feature a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors of French designer Jacques Garcia. Many of the rooms have direct views of the Old Course, whilst others offer picturesque views over the links courses and the historic town of St Andrews. Standard room amenities include: Tea & Coffee Making Facilities, Hairdryer, Robes & Slippers, Kohler Water Spa Toiletries, TV and Radio, Telephone & WIFI Access. Upgraded luxury room amenities are available too.

Dining: There are nine dining outlets at the Old Course Hotel, each with their own style and ambiance. From fine dining to informal, you will find something that suits your taste buds. All of the outlets use fresh local ingredients, so you know what’s on your plate is fresh from the land around us. Scottish Golf Breaks recommend, ‘The Swilcan Loft’ - a taste of modern luxury, combining signature cocktails with a selection of light bites in an informal and trendy setting. ‘Road Hole Restaurant’ - 3 AA Rosettes awarded fine-dining on the 4th floor of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa. ‘Jigger Inn’ - The most famous pub in golf. ‘Hams Hame’ - Sport bar nestled beneath the iconic Hamilton Grand, and last but not least. ‘The Duke’s Bar and Restaurant’ - situated 3 miles from the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, within the clubhouse at The Duke’s Course. (see food and dining section, above).

Spa & Well-being: Relax and replenish your mind and body at Kohler Waters Spa & Fitness Centre. When you stay at the Old Course Hotel access to the fitness centre is complimentary throughout your stay. Spa access for residents is complimentary between 7am – 10am and from 7pm – 9pm and for guests who have booked a spa treatment. Hotel guests can also book this experience during their stay at the rate of £40 per person, per visit, between 10am – 7pm. Treatments: From individual treatments, through to spa packages such as the ‘Escape Package’, providing everything the beautiful spa has to offer with an extra-indulgent day, guests can relax in an environment tailored to melt away stress, before soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Kohler Waters Spa. (Treatments and Packages can be booked in advance. SGB will be delighted to book these on your behalf. Treatment & Package menus are available on request).

Alternative Accommodation: In addition to the Old Course Hotel, we partner with a number of other hotels across Fife, such as the Fairmont in St Andrews and The Bank in Anstruther. Our letting agency partner in the region is Premier Stays Fife. With accommodation options situated across St Andrews & Fife, we have access to their range of luxury lodges and holiday cottages. All of their properties can be rented for holidays or used as a short stay base, whilst you visit and enjoy the golf in St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife. Whether you want to stay on a country estate, in a hotel, a luxury lodge with a hot tub, an apartment or a signature villa, Scottish Golf Breaks can arrange it for you.

Featured deal:

Typical packages include:

Accommodation in a hotel, lodge or signature villa
A round on The Duke’s Course, St Andrews
A round at Kingsbarns
A round on Dumbarnie Links
Dinner Reservations
Full Scottish Breakfast
Access to changing & locker-rooms, clubhouse and practice facilities

Golf packages in Scotland can be designed to your specification and group size, and can include alternative accommodation, additional courses across St Andrews & Fife, and or other regions within the country.

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