Torrance Course
Former Ryder Cup captain Sam
Torrance has put his hand to this par-72 layout which now tips the scale at
more than 7,200 yards from the championship markers. The venue has hosted the Final Qualifying for the Open Championship as well as the Scottish Seniors Open, plus the inaugural Scottish Championship in 2020 won by Adrian Otaegui. The Torrance is a course which is sure to test all levels of golfers.
Following a recent multi-million
pound refurbishment in 2009, involving re-designing eight holes and rebuilding
all 63 bunkers, the Torrance is now one of Scotland’s most dramatic and
challenging courses. A new irrigation system and major drainage works have made
the course playable in all but the worst of weathers.
The dramatic cliff top course,
which overlooks the Old Grey Toon of St Andrews, is protected not only by
length, but also by strategically placed bunkers which will snare any misplaced
approaches. This is most obviously seen on the par 5’s, where those not able to
go for the green in two will be faced with some tough questions as to where to
leave their approach to the green.
With three of the finest finishing
holes in Scotland, those finishing with a flourish are sure to reap the rewards
of dramatic vistas offered on 16 and 17, while the long climb up to the par 5
18th offers a good birdie opportunity if the wind is helping. The Torrance
course certainly acts as a great ambassador to the home of golf.
Course Information
| Par |
72 |
| Designed by |
Dennis Griffiths, Gene Sarazen and Sam Torrance |
| Opened for play |
2001 |
| Previously hosted |
2010 Open Championship qualifying course, Scottish Seniors Open (2009-2014), AXA Scottish Open (2020) |
Tees
| Blue |
7,230 yards |
SSS 75 |
| White |
6,642 yards |
SSS 73 |
| Yellow |
6,051 yards |
SSS 71 |
| Red |
5,415 yards |
Signature Hole – No. 17: Par 4, 410
yards (White Tees)
The 17th is a stunning
golf hole, with a testing tee shot. Down the entire right hand side of the
hole, the out of bounds runs parallel with the
coastal trail, before sharply cutting across the front of the green. Golfers
should also take caution of the left, where there is a lot of rough. The green
itself is guarded by bunkers and with the prevailing wind; the approach is
fraught with anticipation of the final score.
Kittocks Course
Originally designed by Bruce Devlin, The Kittocks, originally
known as the Devlin Course, is arguably the prettier of the two courses at
Fairmont St Andrews and while many expect an easier challenge than that found
on the Torrance Course; the par-72 layout stretches to more than 7,100 yards
and is sited on elevated grounds next to the cliff tops, leaving little margin
for error.
Devlin’s design is well thought out too and the natural
features of the land are used to great effect. Amongst his design is a deep
ravine called Kittocks Den, which cuts playfully throughout. As the course
meanders along the rugged Fife coastline it sparks into visual life on the back
nine with approaches into the 15th framed by the sea, while 16 and 17 are
perfectly placed along this beautiful stretch of shore with views towards the
famous town of St Andrews. On a sunny day, there are few better places to play
a round of golf.
Course Information
| Par |
71 |
| Designed by |
Bruce Devlin, Denis Griffiths |
| Opened for play |
2002 |
| Did you know? |
Bruce Devlin was assisted in the design of the course by 7-time Major Champion Gene Sarazen |
Tees
| Blue |
7,192 yards |
SSS 75 |
| White |
6,752 yards |
SSS 73 |
| Yellow |
6,330 yards |
SSS 71 |
| Red |
5,904 yards |
Signature Hole – No. 15: Par 4, 462 yards (Blue Tees)
The par four 15th hole
is the highlight of the Kittocks course. At 462 yards off the blue tees, it is
easy to see why this hole deserves its status of stroke index 4. The hole doglegs
left towards the hanging cliff edge green, making for a dramatic approach shot.
The redesigned green sits above the site of a 2000 year old Iron Age fort.
Practice
Facilities
Practice targets, an extensive short game area and a large putting green
are all on hand, in order to prepare you for your round. Practice balls are
available at £6.00 per bucket of 60 balls.
At The Clubhouse
The clubhouse provides a relaxing conclusion
to your round, with stunning views overlooking the town of St Andrews and The
Eden Estuary. The menu offers golfers favourites as well as authentic local
dishes. The clubhouse is also easily
adaptable with its open-plan design, and provides an excellent facility for
prize presentations and receptions. Dress code in the clubhouse is resort
casual, whilst for those wishing to drink and dine the dress code is relaxed
smart casual and a jacket and tie are not required.
Other Information
Farrington’s pro shop is located within the
clubhouse. It offers a variety of merchandise with branded clothing from
Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Lyle & Scott and Underarmour as well as golfing
accessories. During the winter, the shop is open from 08:00 to 16:00, whilst
summer hours run from 06:00 to 18:00.
PGA Golf Instruction is also available at
Fairmont, and can be arranged to focus on all aspects of the golf swing, the
short game and course strategy.
After booking rounds at Torrance or Kittocks, the
Fairmont team would be pleased to assist in booking rounds at some of the local
courses nearby. This includes the famous Old Course, as well as the Kingsbarns
Golf Links and The Castle Course, which are all within 10 minutes of Fairmont.
