The New Course, St Andrews

Bordering the Old Course, The New is regarded by many as the best on the links and it's packed with proper St Andrews character. I'll be honest, it doesn't need tricks, just wind off the Eden, firm turf and a few banks of gorse in exactly the wrong places.

The opening holes ease you in, then once you turn into the meat of the round it gets serious quickly. The par-4 6th is one of the toughest on the property when you're hitting into a breeze, it asks a proper tee shot, commit to a line, carry it far enough and keep it out of the gorse that pinches in on both sides. A few holes later, the par-3 9th alongside the Eden Estuary can feel like a long way for a "short hole", and in a breeze it's not unusual to be hitting 3-wood and being pleased just to find the green.

Throughout the round you'll see why The New rewards thinking golfers. It's not all about power, it's about picking the right club, using the ground and accepting that the wind can turn a sensible plan into a scramble. The greens tend to be firm, so approaches need to be flighted properly and you'll want a tidy short game when you miss in the wrong spot. If you're building a multi-course St Andrews trip, this is an easy one to add alongside the Old, the Jubilee and the Eden.

Who is this for?
Golfers who want a genuine St Andrews links day without relying on the Old Course ballot, and without paying 'bucket-list' prices to get a proper links test.

Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers who control flight in the wind, drive it straight enough and don't mind grinding out a score when conditions turn.