You would expect to approx 5 minutes each way from the Fairmont Hotel to the Castle Course

Playing golf at The Castle Course at St Andrews offers a distinctly modern counterpoint to the town’s ancient links, delivering a challenging and visually dramatic experience along the rugged cliffs of the North Sea. Designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2008, The Castle Course is the newest addition to the St Andrews Links portfolio and is widely regarded as the most demanding of the seven public courses.

Set high above the coastline, the course features expansive fairways, bold contouring, and large, undulating greens that demand imagination and precise distance control. Pot bunkers, deep swales, and ever-present coastal winds ensure that no two rounds play the same. While generous off the tee, approach play is exacting, rewarding strategic shot placement rather than raw power.

The course provides uninterrupted sea views on several holes, creating a striking visual backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the traditional linksland closer to town. It is a course that grows in appreciation with experience, particularly for accomplished golfers who enjoy tactical decision-making.

With its contemporary design, testing layout, and dramatic setting, The Castle Course complements the Old Course experience perfectly, offering golfers at St Andrews a modern links challenge that is both memorable and uncompromising.

You would expect to travel less than 15 minutes each way from the Fairmont Hotel to the New Course

Playing golf at The New Course at St Andrews is a journey into the roots of championship links golf and a vital part of the St Andrews experience. Designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1895, it is the oldest “new” course in the world and remains a true test of traditional links play.

Running alongside the Old Course, The New Course features narrow, fast-running fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and subtly contoured greens that place a premium on accuracy and course management. The bunkering is particularly penal, rewarding thoughtful positioning from the tee rather than sheer power. Into the prevailing wind, the course can be deceptively demanding, even for accomplished golfers.

Less forgiving and more exacting than the Old Course, The New Course is often favoured by purists who appreciate its understated challenge. It offers an authentic, no-nonsense links experience and a deeper understanding of the strategic foundations that define golf at St Andrews.

You would expect to travel less than 55 minutes each way from the Fairmont Hotel to Carnoustie

Playing golf at Carnoustie Golf Links is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences in championship golf. Known simply as “Carnasty” to many professionals, this iconic Open Championship venue tests every aspect of a golfer’s game, from tee to green.

The Championship Course is defined by narrow fairways, punishing rough, deep pot bunkers, and the winding Barry Burn, which comes into play on several closing holes. Accuracy, patience, and intelligent course management are essential, particularly when the coastal wind rises and conditions become uncompromising. Mistakes are penalised severely, but well-executed shots are richly rewarded.

Despite its formidable reputation, Carnoustie is fair and logical, offering a pure examination of skill rather than luck. Walking these historic fairways, where Open Championships have been decided in dramatic fashion, delivers a profound sense of golfing heritage. For serious golfers, Carnoustie represents the ultimate test of links golf and a true measure of championship calibre.

You would expect to travel less than 25 minutes each way from the Fairmont Hotel to Crail Golfing Society

Playing golf at Crail Golfing Society is a deeply traditional and character-filled Scottish golfing experience, offering two historic links courses set along the Fife coastline. Founded in 1786, Crail is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and remains rich in heritage and charm.

The Balcomie Links, designed by Old Tom Morris, is the more celebrated of the two courses. It features narrow fairways, classic bunkering, and small, well-defended greens that demand accuracy and creativity rather than power. The opening and closing holes run alongside the sea, providing stunning views across the Firth of Forth and reinforcing the course’s authentic links character. Coastal winds play a significant role, constantly shaping shot selection.

Crail offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the nearby St Andrews courses, with a warm, welcoming clubhouse atmosphere. For golfers seeking history, tradition, and genuine links golf, Crail delivers a timeless and highly memorable experience.

You would expect to travel less than 30 minutes each way from the Fairmont Hotel to Dumbarnie Golf Links

Playing golf at Dumbarnie Golf Links delivers a modern, exhilarating links experience along the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Opened in 2020 and designed by Clive Clark, Dumbarnie has quickly earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest contemporary links courses.

Set across expansive coastal land, the course features wide, generous fairways that encourage confident driving, while strategically placed bunkers, natural undulations, and large, contoured greens demand thoughtful approach play. The design strikes an excellent balance between playability and challenge, making it enjoyable for a broad range of handicaps. As with all true links courses, changing wind conditions ensure variety and require adaptability throughout the round.

Spectacular sea views are a constant presence, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the landscape. With its modern infrastructure, high-quality conditioning, and welcoming atmosphere, Dumbarnie Golf Links offers a fresh yet authentic take on links golf and has rapidly become a must-play destination for golfers visiting Scotland.

You would expect to travel less than 15 minutes from the Fairmont Hotel to Kingsbarns Golf Links. Then another 1hr and 10 minutes from Kingsbarns to the Bonham Hotel

Playing golf at Kingsbarns Golf Links is a visually stunning and exhilarating links experience on the east coast of Scotland. Opened in 2000 and designed by Kyle Phillips, Kingsbarns blends traditional links principles with modern design, creating a course that is both highly playable and memorable.

Stretching along dramatic North Sea coastline, the course offers uninterrupted sea views from nearly every hole. Wide fairways invite aggressive driving, while strategically placed bunkers, natural undulations, and large, subtly contoured greens reward creative shot-making and sound course management. Coastal winds add a constant strategic element, ensuring that no two rounds play the same.

Kingsbarns is known for its immaculate conditioning and flowing layout, making the walk as enjoyable as the golf itself. Regularly ranked among the world’s top modern links courses, Kingsbarns delivers a compelling balance of challenge, beauty, and enjoyment, making it a standout highlight for any Scottish golf itinerary.

from the Bonham to Edinburgh Airport 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic