St Andrews – Jubilee Course

The Jubilee Course was laid out in 1897 by John Angus, who was paid just under 180 pounds to turn the sliver of land between the New Course and the sea into a 12-hole links. In just under two months, Angus and his crew of 20 men had the course ready for play, in time for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee (hence the name).

In 1902, the course was expanded to 18 holes, which is quite remarkable since even a passing glance at a map of the parcel of land it occupies appears too narrow to accommodate one fairway, much less two side-by-side (one running out and one running back).  Further renovations to the course were made in 1938-1946 by former Open champion Willie Auchterlonie. And the final version, as it plays today, was completed in 1988 by Donald Steel. These newest improvements include elevated tee boxes affording vistas of the firth and town and exposing tee shots to even more of the wind.

At 6,742 yards and par 72 from the medal tees (6,424 men’s, 5,956 ladies’), The Jubilee Course is truly the championship course at St Andrews. In fact, it seems like the Open is just about the only championship not held on the Jubilee. And, as we were warned, it plays every bit as tough as one would expect.

The Jubilee gives you the best fight for your money. So do play it, but be prepared. The greens are the hardest and least forgiving at the links, so be precise. And even though it is the toughest course at the Links, players are not required to provide a handicap card, so be prepared for one of the longest rounds in Scotland (4.5 hours). And finally, since the Links belong to the people of St Andrews after all, locals generally walk and jog all along and through the course, so be careful. And remember that a good front nine does not ensure a decent score on the back nine, so be humble.