St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer
Overview
Available languages
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
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.
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.
Options
St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Top Notch Tour!
Donna B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was excellent for both the golfers and non-golfers in our family. Lots of history - both old and recent, filled with facts, great photo opportunities. We toured in Sunday, so we’re able to walk the course without interrupting play. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Tour is at a pace thats comfortable with frequent stops to learn. This was a bucket list tour for my husband and didn’t disappoint!
Golf experience
JamesP B,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect amount of time good direction on how to experience the Old Course after tour was complete . 1 good time
Great Tour!
Michele1959,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Richard provided great history on the course and St Andrew’s, he was very informative with funny stories. Unfortunately due to a tournament we could not get actually on the course but could walk the perimeter. Good tour to take!
The amount of history...
Ron R,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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
- Review from Viator
2.00The 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
- Review from Viator
5.00He 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
- Review from Viator
3.00Nice 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.
Richard was our guide and...
Vincent T,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was our guide and his knowledge and experience as a caddy really added to our tour of the Old Course. His knowledge and ability to tell the story of the history of the Old Course and golf provided a new appreciation even for the experience amateur golfer. He has a Great sense of humor and true appreciation for the history of the Old Course and game of golf which he passed on to the group; we loved stories he shared of his experiences over the years —really and informative and fun afternoon!
Mr Wingrove
Jim W,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Never received the tickets. When We went to retrieve the tickets we got a message something went wrong oops try again. We tried repeatedly but were unable to get the tickets. I called the service centre but with the time change it was closed. I will be following up with Viator when we return home to Canada
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Operated by St Andrews Tours