St Andrews New Course: 2026 Access and Booking Update
The New Course is the locals' favorite at St Andrews, an Old Tom Morris links that opened in 1895 and still drains and runs like the very best of the Kingdom of Fife. Here is where it stands in 2026, how Links Trust booking works, and how to play the course many regulars rate above the Old.
The news: the New is older than it sounds
The New Course at St Andrews is new only by the standards of the town that gave golf its home. It opened in 1895, built to absorb the rising demand that the Old Course alone could no longer handle, and Old Tom Morris was entrusted with the layout. More than a century on, it heads into 2026 as one of the seven courses run by St Andrews Links Trust and a firm favorite among the people who play St Andrews most.
The story regulars tell is that the New is the better golf course, even if the Old has the history. It will never carry the fame of its neighbor, but for a traveler who wants the true St Andrews turf without the ballot drama, the New is one of the smartest tee times in the Kingdom of Fife.
The course itself
The New plays as a par 71 of around 6,625 yards, running out alongside the Old Course and the Eden estuary before turning for home. It shares the same magnificent linksland of gorse, humps and firm running fairways, with large undulating greens and pot bunkers that punish the careless line. From the right tees it is a fair test; into the Fife wind it asks every question the Old does.
Where the New stands apart is in its purity. There is no famous bridge or town backdrop to distract you, just a classic out and back links that rewards good driving and a sure putting stroke. Many who play both come away convinced the New is the more consistent and the more enjoyable round.
How to play it in 2026
Booking the New is far simpler than the Old Course ballot. It is run by St Andrews Links Trust, and advance tee times for groups of two or more can be reserved ahead of time, while same day and Saturday slots are allocated on the day through the starter. For a planned trip, the advance route is the one to use, and it is worth pairing the New with the other Links Trust courses on the same booking.
On cost, the New Course green fee is a fraction of the Old Course rate and is set seasonally by the Links Trust, with high, shoulder and low season tiers. Treat any figure as indicative for the 2026 season and confirm directly with the Links Trust before booking. Caddies and walking are part of the experience, and the course is an easy stroll on classic links ground.
Our take
Our take is that the New Course is the value play of any St Andrews trip and a course no visitor should overlook in the rush to tick off the Old. It delivers the same turf, the same wind and the same pedigree of design at a fraction of the fee and with none of the ballot uncertainty, which makes it the easy second round of a St Andrews stay.
If you are building a 2026 St Andrews and Fife itinerary, book the New alongside the Old and Kingsbarns for a complete picture of the region, and do not be surprised if the New is the round your group talks about on the way home. Reserve early, walk it, and play it on a breezy day to feel the real St Andrews test.
Plan your St Andrews and Fife golf trip
From the New Course and the Old to Kingsbarns and the wider Kingdom of Fife, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
How do I book the New Course at St Andrews?
The New Course is run by St Andrews Links Trust. Advance tee times for groups of two or more can be reserved ahead of time, while same day and Saturday times are allocated on the day through the starter. Booking through the Links Trust is far easier than the Old Course ballot.
Who designed the New Course and how long is it?
The New Course opened in 1895 and was laid out by Old Tom Morris. It plays as a par 71 of around 6,625 yards over classic St Andrews linksland alongside the Old Course and the Eden estuary.
Is the New Course cheaper than the Old Course?
Yes. The New Course green fee is a fraction of the Old Course rate and is set seasonally by St Andrews Links Trust. Treat any figure as indicative for 2026 and confirm directly with the Links Trust before booking.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course, season and access details verified June 2026 from Links Trust and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.