Scotscraig

Overview: Scotscraig is a traditional Scottish course at Tayport, close to St Andrews and the north shore of the River Tay. Its character sits between links and heathland: the ground can play firm and fast, but the routing also uses rolling inland turf, heather and mature vegetation. The course asks for thoughtful positioning, especially when wind turns an apparently generous fairway into a demanding target.

History: The club was founded in 1817 by members of the Society of St Andrews Golfers and describes itself as the oldest course still owned and played by its founding club. The layout was associated with Old Tom Morris and was later refined with the help of James Braid. That long evolution is visible in the combination of natural ground, raised greens and carefully placed hazards rather than in a single frozen design moment.

Did You Know? Scotscraig’s Gold Medal dates to 1818 and remains one of the oldest competitions still contested in golf. The club has also staged six Open qualifying events, giving this quiet Fife course a notable place in championship history.