Golf has been played in St Andrews for many years. The first written reference to golf being played in the town was in 1552. St Andrews is often called “The Home of Golf”. This is because of the important place it has in golf history as well as being the home of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, the ruling authority of the game.

St Andrews has 6 golf courses. The Old Course is the most famous one. Many people come to St Andrews to just look at the Old Course as well as to play on it. The other courses are the New Course, the Jubilee course, the Eden course, the Strathtyrum course and the Balgove. The Balgove is a nine hole course often used by children and beginners to the game. These courses are run and maintained by an organisation called the St Andrews Links Trust.

Things to think about:

Find out more about St Andrews and the golf courses. Where is the town? Can you find out what else is famous in St Andrews? Who was St Andrew? Why do you think the town was named after him? Why do you think so many people like to play golf in St Andrews?