Scotland · Bucket-list links pilgrimage

Planning a Golf Trip to St Andrews & Fife: Group Guide

The Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie within an easy drive of each other. The home of golf.

Best forGroups of 4–16 making the trip of a lifetime
Group size4–12 · 12–24 golfers
Budget$$$$ Luxury
Best monthsMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Trip styleBucket list · Links / walking golf

The courses to play

  • The Old Course, St Andrews: Tee times via advance application or the daily ballot. Handicap certificate required.
  • Kingsbarns: A modern links on the North Sea.
  • Carnoustie Championship: Open Championship host and one of the toughest links anywhere.
  • The New, Jubilee and Castle courses: More St Andrews Links rounds.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
EdinburghEDIabout 1–1.5 hrs

Check live flights to EDI on Google Flights →

Nonstop from 7 major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.. Group flying from different cities? →

When to go

May through September. Long summer daylight.

Group tip

Hire a driver and van for the group instead of driving yourselves. Use a tour operator if the Old Course is a must, since guaranteed times usually come through packages.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a St Andrews & Fife golf trip?

May through September. Long summer daylight. Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

What airport do you fly into for St Andrews & Fife?

Edinburgh (EDI), about 1–1.5 hrs.

What are the best courses at St Andrews & Fife?

The Old Course, St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie Championship, The New, Jubilee and Castle courses.

Is St Andrews & Fife good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Groups of 4–16 making the trip of a lifetime. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24 golfers.

How far ahead should we book St Andrews & Fife?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

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