Focus on par saves, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for St Andrews Links
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
15
15 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
76
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
6
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 8 days , 9 days
The Castle Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The Castle, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for The Castle
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Around the Hole: 8 Ball Circle, 4/8
Make 4 out of 8 putts from [6 ft | 2 m], 5 times in total.
Bump-n-Run | Deep Rough and Other | Above/Below Feet
Hit bump-n-run two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Long irons (4,3,2) | Quadrants
Hit 12 balls to each quadrant using long irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Bump-n-Run | Rough | Above/Below Feet
Hit bump-n-run two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped rough grass; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Bump-n-Run | Rough | Uphill/Downhill
Hit bump-n-run two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped rough grass; one bucket from the uphill slope and one bucket from the downhill slope.
Bump-n-Run | Fairway | Above/Below Feet
Hit bump-n-run two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped fairway; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about The Castle.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
reservations@standrews.com
Giving lessons at St Andrews Links? Get featured here.
Facilities
Location
West Sands Road
Course Description
St Andrews Links is a historic public golf complex located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, known as the "Home of Golf." Established over 600 years ago, it features seven public courses, including the renowned Old Course, which dates back to the early 1400s. The site is managed by the St Andrews Links Trust, ensuring public access and preserving its rich heritage.The complex hosts over 230,000 rounds of golf annually and offers a range of services, including a golf academy for coaching and practice, event hosting for professional tournaments like The Open Championship, and visitor services such as tee-time bookings and equipment rentals. St Andrews Links attracts a diverse clientele, from amateur golfers to professionals, and emphasizes inclusivity with affordable rates for local residents and tiered pricing for international visitors.
old course • st andrews links • golf in scotland • golf courses • caddie services • tournaments • golf lessons • driving range • custom fitting • junior golf • guided walks • golf packages • clubhouses facilities • dining for golfers • tee time • links ticketholders • golf tourism • heritage golf • st andrews tourism • uk golf destinations • golf • public courses • golf academy • sports management • charitable trust • historical site • sustainability • community engagement • recreation
Course Information
Holes
117
Par
71
Type
Links
Architect
Old Tom Morris
Opened
2008
Google Reviews
Interested in our comprehensive dataset of 40,000 golf courses? Contact us to learn more.
Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for The Castle
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 15 Programs
% match to course practice profileMatch mental image, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedMaximize in regulation, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
13 Week Flagship Program for The Castle
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The Castle. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Reduce Missed Mid Putts
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 4.0
Short Game · Chip
Chip 5–15 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Sand
Feel the distance: bunker to different targets and control your rollout
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 24.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Thread the needle: roll your Bump'n'Run to tap-in range
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 21.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Can you land every Bump'n'Run inside 2 feet?
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 19.0
Short Game · Mixed
Can you stop the ball on a dime? Distance control test
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Driving Range · Driver
Driver Fairway Accuracy For Beginners
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Stop Missing Greens With Long Irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Long Iron Accuracy Advanced
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 0.0
Control flight, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Vary landing spot, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Dial in touch, for a 22-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Feel the green, for a 24-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Feel the distance, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Dial in touch, for a 19-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Save par consistently, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Stop missing fairways, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Precision mid-irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Maximize in regulation, for a 0-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedPrepare for Tournaments at The Castle
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Castle
Get answers to common questions about playing The Castle and what to expect.
How difficult is The Castle for mid-handicap golfers?
The Castle is regarded as a strategically complex layout. This slope level makes it manageable compared to championship venues. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 71.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at The Castle?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at The Castle?
With a course rating of 70 and par 71, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 71 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is The Castle and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 6500 yards from the back tees, it does not overwhelm length but rewards accuracy.
What type of course is The Castle and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Links design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make The Castle strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
Nearby Courses
Practice Programs for Nearby Courses
Explore practice programs for courses near The Castle. These programs are designed to help you prepare for your next round.
St Andrews Links - Balgove
St Andrews, FIF
St Andrews Links - Eden
St. Andrews, Fife
St Andrews Links - Jubilee
St. Andrews, Fife
St Andrews Links - Old
St. Andrews, Fife
St Andrews Links - Strathtyrum
St. Andrews, Fife
St Andrews Links - New
St. Andrews, Fife
Royal Thai Army Sports Center - New
Bangkhen, Bangkok
Gog Magog Golf Club - Old
Shelford Bottom, Cambridgeshire
Playgolf Bournemouth Golf Club - 18 Hole
Bournemouth, Dorset
Same Architect
Courses by Old Tom Morris
Explore other courses designed by Old Tom Morris. These courses share similar design philosophies and architectural features.
Bridge Of Allan
Bridge Of Allan
Stirling, STG
Kinghorn
Kinghorn
Burntisland, FIF
Warkworth
Warkworth Golf Club (1018072)
Morpeth, NBL
Balcomie
Crail
Crail, FIF
St Olaf
Cruden Bay
Peterhead, ABD
Killermont
Glasgow Golf Club
Glasgow, EDU

