St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer

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Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

These are bucket list award-winning tours with Richard Falconer, author, historian, guide and 1980s 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 Open and Dunhill history, 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.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tours not suitable for under 5s

A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.

Not suitable for 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

Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional local guide/historian - 1980s Old Course Caddie

Professionally taken photo on the Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days)

What To Expect

1

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.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer

Reviews

4.66

145 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

117
15
8
2
3
  • The amount of history...

    Ron R,

    Sep 26, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The amount of history given in such a short period of time was staggering!!! Thank you Richard for the interesting history lesson!!

  • This tour was great!

    Michelle S,

    Sep 26, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This guy is so knowledgeable about history and the golf course! He doesn’t waste time for pictures (only when we did not have to wait around). He was entertaining as well!

  • St. Andrews Golf

    Mary F,

    Sep 26, 2025

    - Viator

    2.00

    The tour guide talked very fast and of the 4 of us, 1 of us maintained interest. That was only because he is a Golf Professional. The Pics on the Swilkin Bridge was the highlight. The information was interesting but hard to keep up with. Would do it again with another tour guide.

  • Great experience

    Lisa W,

    Sep 24, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    He tied legend into reality, which was an amazing attribute or amazing thing to hear about Saint Andrews. Highly recommend it was a wonderful tour. The chance of a lifetime and our guide was wonderful.

  • Take it or leave it

    Cynthia P,

    Sep 23, 2025

    - Viator

    3.00

    Nice enough guy, but definitely had a spiel. Spoke very rapidly and didn’t invite questions. Everywhere you go is accessible to the public as long as you don’t interrupt play (marshals will instruct you). Was just OK, while I learned a few things, info conveyed could have been done in half the time.

From £16.00

4.66
145 reviews