Top 10 Golf Courses Near St Andrews You Need to Visit

St Andrews is rightly known as the Home of Golf, and the Old Course is on every golfer's bucket list. But the region surrounding this historic town boasts a remarkable concentration of world-class courses that are often more accessible, equally scenic, and offer unforgettable playing experiences. Here are ten courses within easy taxi distance of St Andrews that deserve your attention.

1. Kingsbarns Golf Links

Distance from St Andrews: 7 miles (12 minutes by taxi)

Kingsbarns is regularly ranked among the top 50 courses in the world and is a co-host of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside the Old Course and Carnoustie. Opened in 2000, it feels as though it has been part of the landscape for centuries. The clifftop holes from the 12th to the 15th are breathtaking, with panoramic views across the North Sea. The course is challenging but fair, with generous fairways rewarding accurate tee shots and beautifully sculpted greenside bunkers testing your short game.

2. Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course

Distance from St Andrews: 22 miles (30 minutes by taxi)

Carnoustie has hosted eight Open Championships and is widely considered one of the toughest tests in golf. The infamous Barry Burn snakes across the closing holes, creating drama that has decided championships. The course rewards precision and course management over raw power. If you want to test your game against links golf at its most demanding, Carnoustie is unmissable. Book early — tee times fill quickly in summer.

3. The Castle Course

Distance from St Andrews: 2 miles (5 minutes by taxi)

Perched on the cliffs just east of St Andrews, the Castle Course was designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2008. It is the newest of the St Andrews Links Trust courses and offers the most dramatic elevation changes of any course in the area. The views from the higher holes are simply sensational — you can see across St Andrews Bay, along the Fife coastline, and out to the North Sea. The routing is clever, using the contours of the clifftop to create a varied and exciting round.

4. Crail Golfing Society — Balcomie Links

Distance from St Andrews: 10 miles (15 minutes by taxi)

Crail is the seventh-oldest golf club in the world, established in 1786. The Balcomie Links course hugs the coastline of the East Neuk, with several holes playing directly along the cliff edge. It is shorter than the championship courses but demands accuracy and imagination. The par-three 5th hole, played across a rocky inlet, is one of the most photographed holes in Scotland. After your round, the charming fishing village of Crail is perfect for fish and chips.

5. Elie Golf House Club

Distance from St Andrews: 12 miles (20 minutes by taxi)

Elie is a hidden gem beloved by locals and those in the know. The first tee shot is played from a submarine periscope on the starter's hut — yes, really — to check the fairway is clear around the blind corner. The course is traditional links golf, running along the shore with tight lies, fast-running fairways, and undulating greens that test your putting skills.

6. Fairmont St Andrews — Torrance and Kittocks Courses

Distance from St Andrews: 3 miles (7 minutes by taxi)

The Fairmont resort offers two 18-hole courses, both with sea views. The Torrance Course, designed by Sam Torrance, hosted the Senior Open Championship and features a strong closing stretch. The Kittocks Course is slightly shorter and more resort-friendly but still provides an excellent test. Both courses are immaculately maintained year-round.

7. Lundin Golf Club

Distance from St Andrews: 10 miles (15 minutes by taxi)

Lundin Links is a classic Scottish links course that has hosted Open Championship qualifying. The outward nine runs along the Firth of Forth, while the inward nine heads slightly inland through rolling terrain. Standing stones from the Bronze Age dot the course, adding a unique historical atmosphere to your round.

8. St Andrews — New Course

Distance: Adjacent to the Old Course (walkable)

Often overlooked in favour of its famous neighbour, the New Course opened in 1895 and is widely regarded as one of the best second courses in golf. Many regular visitors to St Andrews actually prefer it. The greens are superb, the bunkering is strategic, and the condition is outstanding. It is also considerably easier to get a tee time than the Old Course.

9. Ladybank Golf Club

Distance from St Andrews: 12 miles (18 minutes by taxi)

Ladybank is an inland heathland course that provides a wonderful contrast to the coastal links. Originally a six-hole course designed by Old Tom Morris, it was extended to 18 holes and has hosted Open Championship qualifying and the Scottish Amateur Championship. Pine-lined fairways, heather rough, and quick greens make for a memorable inland challenge.

10. Leven Links

Distance from St Andrews: 11 miles (15 minutes by taxi)

Leven Links is a traditional links course that shares its stretch of coastline with the neighbouring Lundin course. The course is remarkably affordable compared to the marquee names but offers genuine links golf with fast, firm conditions and unpredictable seaside winds. It is a favourite among value-conscious golfers who appreciate authentic Scottish links.

Getting to the Courses

None of these courses are served by reliable public transport, which makes taxi transfers the most practical option for visiting golfers. At Jet Taxi St Andrews, we specialise in golf transfers and can accommodate your clubs, trolleys, and any additional equipment. We know exactly where the clubhouse entrances and car parks are at every course, so there's no wasted time on arrival.

For golfers planning multiple rounds over several days, we offer flexible packages. Have your driver drop you at the first tee and collect you from the 18th — it does not get more convenient than that.

Contact us on 07862 006604 to arrange your golf course transfers and make the most of your time in the Home of Golf.