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St Andrews Old Course History Tour with Richard Falconer: A Deep Dive into Golf Heritage
4.7
55 Ratings
Fife
Experience the ultimate golf history tour with Richard Falconer, author and historian. Learn about the origins and development of golf at the iconic St Andrews Old Course and discover the Open and Dunhill history. Join now!
Duration:
1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Hotel du Vin St Andrews - Meet Richard outside for the start of your tour. Please don’t be late as tours will not wait.
- Golf Place - Find out about Nike’s genius marketing for the 2015 British Open at St Andrews and details about St Andrews golf shops
- The Links - Learn about the origins and early development of the Open Championship, the annual Dunhill Cup and important sites around the 18th Green including my old Caddie Shack!
- The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews - Of the R & A, Sean Connery, Doreen Stubbs and her famous golf shops, The 1st Tee, the Pavilion and getting on the Old Course.
- Grannie Clark’s Wynd - Find out about the complex development of the Old Course and walk across the widest fairway in the game.
- Rusacks St. Andrews - Find out what happened when the R & A refused the membership of an American golfer and how the early caddies and ladies inadvertently caused Old Tom Morris to create the world’s first putting green.
- Swilcan Bridge - Photo shoot on one of the most iconic landmarks in the game of golf, and one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
- The Jigger Inn - Hear about some of the jaw-dropping golfing moments at the Road Hole - the 17th green of the Old Course, then finish the tour at the famed Old Course Jigger Inn for refreshments (not included).
What's Included
- Personal wireless audio receiver and whisper earphone for larger groups
- Professional guide/historian - 1980s Old Course 1A Professional Caddie
Additional Information
Join Richard Falconer - an author, historian, guide, and former ‘Pro A1’ caddie at the Old Course during the 1980s - on these ‘bucket list’ acclaimed encounters.
Tailored primarily for those possessing a deeper passion for golf, these tours will enlighten you about both the genesis and progression of golf and the Old Course from the 18th to the 20th century. You will also discover the history of the Open and Dunhill competitions and have a photo session on the famous Swilkan Bridge (undisrupted by tournament days).
Not only will you receive suggestions for additional ‘bucket list’ activities, but you will also get to learn about unforgettable moments at the Road Hole before concluding the journey at the Old Course Jigger Inn.
From April to September: Tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
From October to March: Tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm
On Sundays throughout the year, enjoy a Walk on the Old Course fairway - barring championship/tournament days.
*Avaliablilty can be checked via the booking calendar.
Golf historian David Joy has given high praise to these tours.
- Families welcome. Under 5s free but not suitable for under 2s
- A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
- Not suitable for Baby strollers/carriages
- Not suitable for Crutches, walking frames, mobility scooters
- There is nowhere to leave any of the above and golf clubs etc while on tour, so make alternative arrangements
- As part of your tour, you will be by the Old Course and walk across the 1st/18th fairway. You will do this at your own risk and you must keep an eye out for golf balls during live play!
- Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.
Location
Hotel du Vin St Andrews
The Scores
Richard will see you outside the Hotel. The hotel is open to the public, so you are welcome to have refreshments in the hotel before your tour (not included).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(55 Ratings)
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Terry_k
Jun 22, 2024
St. Andrews tour - Our guide had extensive knowledge of the golf course as well as the city of St. Andrews. He really made the experience.
Review provided by Viator
T2040cljulieb
Jun 13, 2024
One for the golfers - I did this tour for my husband who is a keen golfer. It’s not a tour for non golfers.
My husband loved it. The guide Richard had so much detailed information about not only golf but St Andrew’s as well. He was full of stories and delightful golfing details about the course and the people who have played there too.
I don’t know how he could keep that much information straight in his head.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_l
May 29, 2024
Time well spent - Bill was outstanding. Very informative, funny and personable. Great presentation and well worth the price. Time well spent if you are a golf fan or a history buff!
Review provided by Viator
Alan_p
May 28, 2024
Enjoyable tour and experience - Good to hear the history of the old course from a very knowledgeable guide. As it was a Sunday it was a great experience to stand beside the 18th Green and walk down the fairway to the Swilcan Bridge and Old Course Hotel. Great way to spend an hour.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_a
May 28, 2024
Best tour around - Well informed guide (Richard) loved learning all about the history of St Andrew’s and the insight from someone who was a Caddie and knew the course history
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_l
May 23, 2024
Great day spent on the links - Hearing the stories and behind the scene goings on was probably the best part. Being a former caddie our guide had all the insight. It was great!
Review provided by Viator
Donna_e
May 19, 2024
We would really like to k... - We would really like to k ow the name of our tour guide. I believe he was writing a book on the history of St Andrews and we would like to check it out. Can you please tell us his name? Thanks
Review provided by Viator
Pattid757
May 16, 2024
Facts & Fun - This was a great quick tour! Richard covered a lot of golf history & St Andrews golf history all while moving us around part of the course and he took everyone’s photos at key places. Nice fun stories & facts along with the history. After tour…. Having a pint at The Jiggers topped it all off.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timothy_k
May 8, 2024
Fore! - Lovely to be able to have gotten our photo taken at 2 golf course locations. Our guide had plenty of facts to share, all with a bit of Scottish whit.
Review provided by Viator
Rose_h
May 22, 2024
Boring, lots of standing in one place - The description of this tour was inaccurate and misleading. We thought we would be able to walk around the course and hear stories of golf greats and historic shots. Instead, we started the tour in front of a hotel with the "history" beginning long before the game of golf was invented and dragging on and on. Twenty minutes into the "history" and we were only in the 1400s. We stood in one spot by the 18th hole for at least 20 minutes. Richard had served as a caddy. Why couldn't this tour, supposedly "for golfers", been more about his experience and his own favorite moments on this historic course? Got rushed through the photo op on the Swilcan Bridge because there were golfers playing even though on Sundays this is advertised as the course being closed to golfers. We do not recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
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