Club Information
Club Opened:	1400
Handicap Required:	Yes
Buggy Hire:	No
Club Hire:	No
Driving Range:	Yes

Six Centuries of Golf 

Golf has been played on the Links at St Andrews since around 1400 AD and the Old Course is renowned throughout the world as the Home of Golf.  The game grew in popularity and by the 19th century it was part of the way of life for many local people, whether as players, caddies, ball makers or club makers.  Golf still plays a major part in the culture and economy of St Andrews today.  As the 600 year old history of the Links has unfolded, one simple track hacked through the bushes ans heather has developed into six public courses, attracting hundreds of thousands of golfing pilgrims from around the globe.

The Trust

St Andrews Links Trust is a charitable organisation established in 1974 by an Act of Parliament and entrusted with the operation and maintenance of the golf courses and facilities on the Links. Both bodies are comprised of volunteers nominated by Fife Council and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The local Member of Parliament is also automatically a Trustee, and one Trustee is nominated by the Scottish Executive - an indication of the importance of the Links to Scotland.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club

In 1754, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club was founded under its original name of the Society of St Andrews Golfers. This club, originally composed of 22 noblemen, professors and landowners, now governs the rules of golf everywhere except the USA. The club also runs the Open Championship and important amateur championships. The New Course was built by the R&A in 1895.