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Frequently Asked Questions

What is St Andrews Links Trust?
A charitable organisation created by an Act of Parliament in 1974 to preserve and maintain the Links as golf courses, open to anyone. It is now the largest golf complex in Europe with 99 holes of golf, two public clubhouses and an extensive golf practice centre.

Where can I buy official Old Course merchandise, golfwear and gifts featuring the St Andrews Links logo?
St Andrews Links has two golf shops - at the Links Clubhouse and behind the 18th green of the Old Course. St Andrews Links Golf Shops also have an extensive online store www.standrews-golfshop.com

What is the Royal and Ancient Golf Club?
Formed in 1754, the R&A is the oldest of several men's and women's golf clubs in St Andrews. It is a private men-only golf club and the governing body of golf throughout the world except in the USA. It works alongside the USGA on the Rules of Golf which are revised every four years. The R&A runs the Open Championship and several amateur tournaments.

What is the R&A's connection to the Links Trust?
It does not own a golf course, but its members paid for the creation of the New Course in 1895 and the club still has rights to tee times on the New Course. The club also nominates representatives for each of the committees at the Links - the Links Management Committee and the Trustees.

Who owns / manages the Golf Museum?
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club.

How many golf courses are there in the Kingdom of Fife?
49, not including Course No 7 which is under development by St Andrews Links Trust.

When was the first Open Championship held at St Andrews? Who won?
The Open Championship was first hosted in St Andrews in 1873 and won by Tom Kidd

What competitions are held on the Links?
The Open Championship (every 5 years) and the Dunhill every Sep/Oct, are the only professional tournaments. The top amateur event every year is the Links Trophy for men, and the St Rule Trophy for women. The British Mid Amateur (2003) and the British Amateur (2004) are recent events. Coming up are two major women's events - the Weetabix Women's Open in 2-5 August 2007 and the Curtis Cup in 2008.

Popular amateur events held every year in August are the Eden Trophy, Strathtyrum Tournament, Junior Boys Tournament, Junior Girls Tournament and in June the Boyd Quaich, Rotary International and local golf club competitions.

How often is the Open held here?
Since 1990, it has been held in St Andrews every 5 years.

When was the first Dunhill held?
1985 - it was known as the Alfred Dunhill Cup. Now it is the Dunhill Links Championship and played over three courses - Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and the Old Course.

Why was the Swilcan Bridge built?
It is claimed to have been a gateway into the town for pilgrims and packhorses entering St Andrews from the old harbour at Guardbridge, a few miles away. Some people believe it could date back to the 12th century, but there is no evidence for this.

What is the population of St Andrews?
Approx 14,000 people plus 7000 students.