Our History
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Registered charity no. SC 006161

St Andrews Links is a registered trademark of St Andrews Links Limited

Our History

1123

When it all began

King David I’s charter ratifies that the Links is common land belonging to the townspeople of St Andrews.

1552

The Archbishop signs the official charter

Golf was being played on the Links at St Andrews through-out the 1400’s. However, in 1552 Archbishop Hamilton signed an official charter recognising the right of the people of St Andrews to play golf on the Links, cementing the future of the sport at the Home of Golf.

1865

Tom Morris takes the reins

In 1865 Tom returned from Prestwick to become the Keeper of the Green. He was given an unprecedented £50 a year and credited with a huge impact on St Andrews Links, from improved grasses to the shaping the famous 1st and 18th greens.

1927

Bobby Jones begins his love affair

One of the most iconic figures in golf, Bobby Jones started his love affair with the ‘Auld Grey Toun’ when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1927. Jones famously remarked that if he could play one golf course before he died it would always be the famous Links at St Andrews.

1970

Nicklaus almost hits Sanders

On the last hole of The Open Championship, Doug Sanders has an opportunity to win the Claret Jug and defeat Jack Nicklaus. All Sanders has to do is make a three footer, but his downhill putt misses, forcing an 18-hole playoff. The Golden Bear sinks an eight foot putt on the final hole to defeat Doug Sanders. Overjoyed, he throws his putter in the air and almost hit Sanders.

1997

Justin Rose claims the title

The St Andrews Links Trophy is an international amateur golf tournament, played annually since 1989. The tournament is widely recognised as the one of the most prestigious amateur competitions in the world. A number of participants have successfully made the transition onto the professional tour including a fresh faced Justin Rose who won the Links Trophy in 1997

2005

Nicklaus plays his final round

Jack Nicklaus plays his final round of professional golf in the 134th Open Championship on the Old Course, waving an emotional farewell to his fans from the Swilcan Bridge after an exhilarating finish. The famous moment was immortalised on a limited edition Bank of Scotland £5 note which became a sought-after collector’s piece.

2008

The Castle Course has its inaugural season

The Castle Course, the seventh Links course is set on a rugged cliff-line overlooking the ancient town of St Andrews. The course combines breath-taking views with a memorable golfing challenge. Designed by David McLay Kidd, creator of Bandon Dunes on the West Coast of America, The Castle Course wins several international awards in its first year of opening and is included within the prestigious Golf Digest Top 100 rankings immediately.

2010

A 42 hour non-stop jouney

The eruption of an Icelandic volcano shut European airspace. Swedish golfers Per Lilliefelth, Stefan Engvall and Goran Person refused to miss their tee-time on the Old Course when their flights were cancelled and instead embarked on a 42 hour non-stop journey. Driving from Sweden to Denmark where they boarded a ferry to Germany, the trio then drove through Europe to Calais, catching a second ferry to Dover. Then, finally a ten hour drive up to St Andrews.

2014

There are celebrations

The 2014 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship served up a golfing feast as Oliver Wilson, ranked 792 in the world at the time, beat world number one Rory McIlroy. After the tournament Oliver said: “Three, four weeks ago, it was looking pretty grim for my career. But it's just amazing what is possible playing professional golf. Every week we have an opportunity and it's up to us to take it.”

2015

Zach Johnson crowned Open Champion

Zach Johnson beats Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman in a dramatic four-hole play-off to clinch the 144th Open Championship. Torrential rain on Friday and gale-force winds on Saturday meant The Open spilled over into a Monday finish for only the second time in its history.