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St Andews - The Dukes Course
The key reason for constructing the Duke’s was, despite
the Old Course Hotel’s unrivalled position on the edge
of the infamous 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, no
hotel has privileged access to the Old Course for which
St Andrews is so famous. As a five-star golf resort it
is essential to be able to offer guests guaranteed tee
times on a superb Championship course, and the only way
to do that was to create its own.
Having decided, the Duke’s Course was carefully planned
and designed to complement the five classic links
courses along the coastline and to enhance St Andrew’s
standing as the world Mecca for golfers.
Designed by Peter Thomson, five-times Open Champion of
the 1950s and 1960s, the Duke’s Course has more than
benefited from Peter’s sympathetic approach to the
majesty of the Scottish countryside.
Peter Thomson’s philosophy is rooted firmly in the
traditional style of British golf courses, particularly
Scottish golf courses, based on the belief that golf is
a game played not in the air but along the ground.
“Golf is a game of strategy, or it should be”, he says.
“The real challenge should be getting to the green, not
just landing on it. Once there the putting should be fun
on generally flat surfaces, just as you find on classic
golf courses.” The Duke’s Course stands testimony to his
philosophy and is a tribute to his brilliance.
The Duke’s Course was opened in July 1995 by HRH The
Duke of York, Prince Andrew, who played an inaugural
round with British Lions and Scottish Rugby Captain
Gavin Hastings OBE, who is also the current Captain of
the Duke’s Course and Open winner, Australian Ian
Baker-Finch.
After opening, exceptionally favourable weather
conditions helped the growing process to progress at a
phenomenal rate giving the Duke’s Course maturity well
beyond its years.
Past Tournaments
2003 –
Scottish Amateur Championship
2000 – Glenmuir PGA Cub Professionals Championship
1999 – Inter Maritime Foundation Pro-Am
1997 – Scotland V France International
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