For most people who have ever played the game of golf the lure of St Andrews is irresistible. The atmosphere of the Auld Grey Toon, the hotels, boarding houses and pubs is everything the golfer could possibly desire and whilst recognising that there is the outside chance of playing the Old Course, there are many golfing counter attractions which can be visited throughout the area.
Day 1
Visit the excellent British Golf Museum behind the R & A clubhouse giving yourself time to explore for there is truly much to see. After lunch journey the few miles east along the coast to the old fishing village of Crail to tackle the charming Balcomie Links course of Crail Golfing Society. This is holiday golf par excellence and a perfect start to the week.
Day 2
Time for something a little more testing. Fifteen minutes drive over the hill from St Andrews and through the lovely old village of Largoward you will find the town of Lundin Links and the old links of the Lundin Golf Club. This is an Open Championship qualifying course and a good test particularly when the wind blows as it usually does.
Day 3
After two days at the coast its time to move inland to one of Scotland's great inland courses. Ladybank is in the west of the Kingdom of Fife but is still within an easy drive of our base at St Andrews. This is glorious golf in wonderful surroundings and it's testing too.
Day 4
Now its time to get down to some very serious business. Next stop is an hour's drive over the Tay Road Bridge and along the Angus coast to Carnoustie. If you are still reeling from the trial of Carnoustie you will not be the first or the last and you will have earned a pleasant respite.
Day 5
It would be hard to find a more pleasant one than at the relatively unknown Forfar Golf Club on the outermost ring of our St Andrews base. Just over an hour from St Andrews this beautiful inland course amid the tranquillity of the Angus pines is a sheer joy.
Day 6
It would not be right to use St Andrews as a base without playing on one of its five courses. If you have had no luck in the ballot for the Old Course opt for the New Course where it is first come first served on the tee and where many people find the test just as stiff as the Old. After your round drop into one of the many friendly local bars within a short walking distance of the Old Course.
