Scotland 2017 - St. Andrews Castle Course
To See Other Sets of Photos For This 2017 Trip, if You Are Interested, Go To:
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Well.... 2017's April three-plus weeks for us in Scotland/St. Andrews is past. Following, is a start to what will be this year's trip's summary; for now, much of the text is taken from previous year's summaries. Someday, I will update the text more intelligently! Someday. When time allows. For now -
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We have been going to St Andrews for many years; since 1976-78 (I would have to check far-back records to know the actual year!). As the years went on: The New Course, the Jubilee Course and, eventually, the Castle Course dominated our playing time in St. Andrews -- with the Eden Course re-joining our "rotation" the last couple of visits to St. Andrews; we had ignored that for a few years. We no longer play the Old Course (a primary reason being that our stay-time in St. Andrews is now measured in weeks rather than in days as it was in our earliest trips); although, certainly, you will play the Old Course and enjoy doing that. In any case -
The Castle Course is now at the top of our list for the nearly-one-month April visit that we are lucky to enjoy on a regular basis.
You will read/hear some criticism of the Castle Course - ranging from criticism of the overall course design to the "severeness" of the greens (sloping, visual and real lack of manageable pin locations and so on). Ignore such. The course is extremely playable and visually "stunning" (I don't really like that term... but, it fits for the Castle Course), located clifftop and overlooking the North Sea and St. Andrews. Especially, if you are on a "once in a lifetime" visit to St. Andrews - take the time to visit and (if you are a golfer) play the Castle Course.
Yes, the course is slightly more expensive than the Jubilee and New courses; (The "designer" cost for those courses was negligible, of course!) yet, the experience of a morning/afternoon/day together with a Clubhouse visit is worth doing. Enjoy.
This Web page is, for now, just a holding place for 2017's photos that I select for later-on merging with photos selected from the earlier trips. Someday, all photos will be merged/etc. -- as time allows.....
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(The photos, below, are from information provided by the Links Trust to players/visitors who come to St. Andrews).
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"The Seven" Course Layouts
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The Castle Course Layout
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The Castle Course Scorecard
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Following, is a work-in-progress selection of photos of the Castle Course during our April 2017 trip to St. Andrews. If you prefer, to see a more complete set of photos please go to:
Castle Course Photos from 2014 Trip
Click on any of the following smaller photos to see in a larger-sized image.
(The Hole-Layout images shown below are Course Guide Layouts provided by the Links Trust to players who play The Castle Course).
(Hole Lengths are from the Visitor tees and the (Front) tees).
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Notes / "Disclaimers"
As I mentioned as you started reading things while on these Web pages: I have not had time to "merge" things together in one place. So... Some of the comments and, perhaps, a few photos, are from our previous April-in-St. Andrews, Scotland's visits to the Castle Course. Someday, the information will be in one place. Someday... and, if you believe that I will ever "catch up"... well, just don't believe such!
MOST of the following is from our April 2017 trip.
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1st - Castle Course
Par 4, 337 (300) Yards
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1st - Tee
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Aim at the bunkers left-side as viewed here and "fade back" to the fairway.
The second shot will be aimed at a green located up near the yellow-bushes (gorse) located middle-right side of this photo (a bit left of the tree).
The player on the tee is playing from the Forward Tee of the Castle 1st hole.
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Sometimes we need to wait. Ok - Just enjoy the view while you play the Castle Course.
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1st Fairway Area - Castle Course
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Hard to imagine that the grounds, viewed in this photo, were pasture land prior to 2007.
The second shot is about 100 yds from here - to a slightly-uphill-located green right-side as viewed from behind the two shown players. The 11th fairway and its green is in the distance-area shown (left side) in this photo.
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Look to the right and see the sea. As you play the Castle Course: Typically, keep your shots to the sides of the fairway/greens AWAY from the sea.
That is the ball-hitting practice area shown in this photo seemingly just past the 1st fairway and before the sea. Actually, the 9th fairway is past the ball-hitting area and just before the sea (as viewed in this photo).
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1st Green Area - Castle Course
All greens at the Castle Course are quite large and have some slope. The first is no exception to this -- and, is sloped mostly back to front.
Many of us, due to the deceptively-uphill second shot, will be chipping onto this green and welcome the back to front shaping of this green.
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2nd - Castle Course
Par 4, 394 (344) Yards
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2nd - Tee
Let it fly! The hazard off the tee is (probably...) not in play...
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Walking from the 1st Green to the 2nd tee: You leave the Castle Course's "Lone Tree" behind. Later, when you play the 18th hole: Your tee shot direction is aimed at that tree.
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Castle Course 2nd Regular Tee
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Castle Course 2nd Forward Tee
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2nd - Second Shot Area
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From about 170 yds to the green.
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From about 135 yds to the green, after a fine drive.
Some of us will have this view for our third shot.
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2nd Green Area - Castle Course
A long iron or fairway wood to this Par-4 needs to be well-struck to reach this well-protected green
(This photo is photo-cropped from the 135-yard-away photo, above).
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3rd - Castle Course
Par 3, 179 (145) Yards
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3rd - Tee
Of all the Par-3s at the Castle, this one is your best chance of a "run up" tee shot reaching this large green.
A morning tee time on the Castle can show, wonderfully, the town in the distance.
This hole plays longer than it looks -- it is a driver for me, now -- and: It is nice to know that I can join the player shown, here, walking to the forward tee whenever I choose to do that. I welcome the multiple tee choices at the Castle!
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3rd - Green Area
(Photo-Cropped from above photo).
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3rd - Green Area Views
From just past the 3rd Green - View to 6th Green and to Town.
We will be on the Par-4 6th in 45 min. or so!
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(6th Green in the Distance)
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(This photo is camera-zoomed)
(6th Green in the Distance)
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4th - Castle Course
Par 5, 518 (476) Yards
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4th - Tee
I was surprised to find that reaching this tee - I did not take any 4th Tee photos in 2017. I had to go back to previous year's photos to find a 4th Tee photo. I guess this gives me a need-to-return to the Castle! Soon. Someday.
The 4th is a very good Par-5, being the first of the Castle's holes where a burn is directly in-play. For some players, it offers a risk-reward (depending up on the wind and where the tee is located for the day). For me? Definitely a lay-up shot short of the burn for my second - or third -shot.
A large green awaits -- at the finish of this fine Par-5. A fine golf hole.
2016: The Forward Tee on the 4th.
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2009: The Regular Tee on the 4th.
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2009: The Back Tee on the 4th.
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4th - Second or Third Shot Area (2016 Photo)
Viewed here, from 210 yds to the green -- 160 Yds to carry the burn.
130 yds: To reach the burn...
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4th - Third Shot Burn Area (2016 Photo)
Some of us will lay-up short of the burn and have this shot.
It will play about 125 yds to the green from here.
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4th - Third Shot Burn Area (2017)
Some of us will lay-up short of the burn and have this shot....
From 85 yds to the green; it plays longer, due to the (probable) downhill lie.
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4th - Green Area
Cropped photo from the above-shown image.
The 4th at the Castle Course is multi-level and it is an easy 3-putt if you are on the incorrect level for the day's tee position.
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5th - Castle Course
Par 5, 504 (446) Yards
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5th - Tee
The second of the two back-to-back par 5s on the Castle Course front nine, plays slopingly-uphill and heads "back to town".
Staying left-side of the fairway all the way to the green is a good idea!
(As mentioned earlier: Play away from the seaside direction, as the Castle Course).
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5th - Second Shot Area (2016 Photo)
Continue playing left-side, on the 5th fairway.
This 2016 view shows the houses being built in 2016 across the road from the Castle Course.
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5th - Green Area (2014 Photo)
Another sloping, multi-level green: Actually, welcoming to approach shots.
Remember, When you putt: You well may be on vacation!
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5th - Green Area... (2017 Photo)
This view is from behind the 5th green.
This 2017 view shows one of the houses now completed across the road.
I am sure they have a wonderful view of the Castle course and to the sea.
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6th - Castle Course
Par 4, 399 (355) Yards
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6th - Tee
Ok - All of the golf holes are special - visually and playing-wise. The 6th hole at the Castle Course is the start of WONDERFUL "finishing" (6th-thru-9th) holes on the front nine. Enjoy!
6th Regular Tee (2016 Photo)
Hit the fairway's Aiming Stick.
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6th Forward Tee (2016 Photo)
A special view: From one of the highest-located tees at the Castle Course.
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6th - Second Shot Area - 240 Yds to Green (2016 Photo)
Short of the green, right side of fairway is a good result for most of us.
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6th - Green Area (Cropped Photo from the Above)
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6th - Green Area....
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7th - Castle Course
Par 4, 429 (341) Yards
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7th - Tee
The second of the four terrific "finishing holes" on the front nine of the Castle Course. A near-perfectly-designed difficult Par-4 that is, in its own way: Very playable. A slight right-to-left-drawn tee shot that misses the fairway bunkers can lead to a wonderful second shot to a very nice/fair green. Although a very challenging par-4; a joy to play. I have said this before... and, I will say it again... until someone proves me wrong... The 7th at the Castle is the finest golf-hole of the front nine and the second-best golf hole at the Castle: Only the 14th is a better golf hole. Are either of these two holes bettered by more scenic/challenging golf holes at the Castle? Perhaps. I just believe the 7th and the 14th at the Castle to be extra-special from a "golf" point of view.
7th Back Tee
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7th Regular Tee
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7th - Second Shot Area
If your drive missed the fairway bunkers, a downhill shot to the green is a fun second shot.
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8th - Castle Course
Par 3, 129 (122) Yards
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8th - Tee
The third of the four terrific "finishing holes" on the front nine of the Castle Course is a fine Par-3. The green is multi-level and being short on your tee shot is often better than being long. The green is well protected bunker-wise, yet is quite approachable, both from a tee shot and from any-necessary approach shot. The forward tee player has more of a full-shot-needed situation than does the regular tee player. The 8th is another well-designed Par-3 at the Castle Course. Enjoy.
8th Back Tee
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8th Regular Tee
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8th Green Area - Looking back to the Tee and to Town
8th Green Area - Looking back to the Tee and to Town...
(Cropped photo from the above photo)
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9th - Castle Course
Par 4, 351 (314) Yards
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9th - Tee
We finish the four terrific "finishing holes" on the front nine of the Castle Course with a great driving opportunity -- as long as you don't go "right" or "left". Just hit it straight -- or, with a slight right-to-left influence while aiming to the Castle Course clubhouse. Although there are bunkers -- and, you may find one of them if you are a long hitter -- the second shot is still a fun one into a well-laid-out green that is shared with the 18th hole. If you are carrying your camera as you play the Castle Course (and, I hope that you do!) photos all along this golf hole and, from the fairway or green "back up the hole" will be triggering fine memories when later viewed. Although relatively short, the Castle 9th is a challenging par and offers a risk-reward opportunity to the player. A perfect way to end a Front Nine golf/walk.
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9th Regular Tee
Aim at the Clubhouse, try to hit it slightly right to left (straight at the clubhouse is NOT too bad; just, if you are a long hitter - the right-side bunkers come into play). Most of us can hit it as far as we can.... and, with multiple tee locations - we all can enjoy the drive on this golf hole - for many years to come! Left side is, as you can see: A no-win place to go on the Castle 9th tee shot.
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9th Pro Back Tee
As you walk from the 8th to the 9th, you will walk past the Pro-tee of the 9th at the Castle Course. If you ae tempted -- ensure noone is on the 9th tee and fairway -- and, then: Aim at the clubhouse in the distance, hit it 250 yards or more with a slight right-to-left influence. Again: Make certain the 9th tee and fairway are clear, if you try this shot! The hole plays 450+ yards from this tee.
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9th Second Shot Areas
9th Second Shot -
After a "Normal" Drive
150+ yards to the Green
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9th Second Shot -
After a Long Drive
and missing the bunkers right-side of the fairway.
90 yards to the Green
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9th Second Shot - After a Long Drive
and pushing the Drive Right
Well, the view is good!
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9th and 18th Greens...
(Cropped photo from the above photo)
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9th Views
9th - View to Town
From right-Side of 9th Fairway, Near the Clubhouse
9th - View to Town...
(Cropped photo from the above photo)
9th and 18th Greens
Late Afternoon View From Just Outside the Clubhouse
As you walk to the 10th hole - Take a look back.
9th and 18th Greens...
View From The Clubhouse
This is your after-golf Dining View. It cannot be repeated, anywhere.
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15th - Castle Course
Par 5, 555 (509) Yards
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15th - Tee
Nearly the highest point on the Castle Course, the 15th tee views are terrific -- and: The golf hole is "terrific" as well. I, personally, put the word "terrific" in quotes -- as the word could be replaced by other words such as: Hard, challenging, or other such terms. The 15th at the Castle Course starts a four-hole stretch of wonderful finishing holes. The four holes are, each in their own way, very fair (playability) and the player CAN manage a good score on any of the four holes..... however, the challenges offered to the player sometimes negate the scoring opportunities. I, personally, find 15th the most difficult hole to complete at the Castle Course. The drive needs to find the fairway (not one of the protective bunkers) and the second shot on this par-5 needs to be well positioned to manage the third/approach shot over the green-protected burn (creek). The green, then, when reached is large and three or more putts are not uncommon for me. All this said: The 15th at the Castle Course is a VERY fine golf hole -- and, your camera will probably be rolling on the 15th tee. Enjoy.
15th Tee
The center-located bunker (200-280 yds away from the tee; depending upon which tee you play from on) can be missed by either a slightly-left played drive or a slightly-right played drive. Just: Miss that bunker (it is not a fun place to play from...).
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15th Tee View to the Sea
15th Fairway
(Drive Landing Area)
(2016 Photo)
The center-bunker
is not quite visible
in this photo.
The greenside burn
is slightly visible
in the distance.
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15th Fairway Shot from 200 yds to the Green
175 Yds to the Hazard
(A 2016 photo)
Up to here, you have completed about 300 yds
in either a second or third shot - or, a
terrific drive.....
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15th Fairway Shot from 100 yds to the Green
75 Yds to the Hazard
(A 2016 photo)
Up to here, you have completed about 400 yds
in either a second or third shot - or, .....
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15th Green Area
(A 2016 photo)
(A cropped photo from the above-right photo).
Someday, I will get a better-quality photo.
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(Other Castle Course photos from 2017's trip will be added here as time allows. Thank you for your patience).
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To See Other Sets of Photos For This 2017 Trip, if You Are Interested, Go To:
If you prefer:
To see the main "holding point" Web page for my golf-oriented Scotland sets of photos, please go to:
Main (General) Collection-Of-Trips' Information Webpage
To contact us about anything on this Web page, please:
eMail to Dave Shogren
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