Although the true origins of the game of golf remain in dispute it is known that golf was first played in St Andrews around 1400. It became immensely popular and was even banned by royal decree for a time when King James II thought that young men should be practising archery instead! Today, St Andrews is famous as "the home of golf" and golfers of every ability come from all over the world to play the courses. All six courses, including the Old Course, are public and open to anyone. Tee-times on the Old Course are balloted for each day.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (or R&A), originally called The Society of St Andrews' Golfers, is the governing body for the rules of golf throughout the world (with the exception of the United States) and is located in a magnificent building overlooking the Old Course. Amongst many other competitions, the R&A also organises the Open Championship.

Golf clubs in St Andrews

Heritage Golfing Society of St Andrews
Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8PJ
Tel: 01334 477299

Links Clubhouse
West Sands Road, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9XL
Tel: 01334 466666

New Golf Club
3-5 Gibson Place, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JE
Tel: 01334 473426

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club
Golf Place, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JD
Tel: 01334 460000

St Andrews Golf Club
Links House, The Links, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JB
Tel: 01334 473017

St Regulus Ladies Golf Club
9 Pilmour Links, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JG
Tel: 01334 474699

St Rule Club
12 The Links, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9JB
Tel: 01334 472988