St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer
These are bucket list award-winning tours with Richard Falconer, author, historian, guide and 1980s Pro A1 Old Course Caddie.
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 the Open history and the Dunhill, 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) No tours from December to February *Check the booking calendar for availability
Tours endorsed by famed Golf historian David Joy.
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St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer
What's included in St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Meet Richard 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.
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.
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
Learn about how Old Course development also developed the game of golf, where fairways and bunkers come from, golfing moments and Old Tom and my old Caddie Shack!
Inclusions
- Professional local guide/historian - 1980s Old Course 1A Professional Caddie
- Professionally taken photo on the Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days)
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Families welcome. Under 5s free but not suitable for under 2s
- A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
- Not suitable for Baby 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
- As part of your tour, you will be by the Old Course and walk across the 1st/18th fairway. You will do this at your own risk and you must keep an eye out for golf balls during live play!
- Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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 Points
- 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).
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Participants must have a fluent command of English. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. As it states on the website, this tour is NOT suitable for those with walking difficulties. This includes those with walking aids. Do not attempt to come on a tour if you have a cold or flu-like symptoms. Meeting point: Hotel du Vin St Andrews 40 The Scores, St Andrews KY16 9AS, UK Richard will see you outside the front of the Hotel. End point: Jigger Inn (Old Course Hotel), Old Station Rd, St Andrews KY16 9SP, UK Allow plenty of time to park and bring pound coins for parking meters. • Tours start promptly at the scheduled times: It is rare for any to contact that they are unable to make the tour, consequently, we do not wait on the off chance of you turning up late. If you think you will be running late you must contact before your tour start time. You will then be advised if you can join the tour or reschedule. Failure to notify negates your right to reschedule. There are no refunds within 24 hours of your tour unless cancelled by the tour director. You will not receive a reply once the tour has started. • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Not suitable for Baby strollers/carriages/Crutches or walking frames. There is also nowhere to leave any of the above or golf clubs etc while on tour, so please make alternative arrangements. • Families welcome. Under 5s free but not suitable for under 2s . • Tours may be occasionally subject to cancellation due to very extreme weather. Please check point of sale when conditions are severe. In the event of cancellation by the team the tour will be rescheduled, tickets can be refunded from the point of purchase. Any additional costs incurred by patron/s are at their own expense. • Children must be accompanied by an adult • Only guide assistance dogs allowed
