Jubilee

Tight, challenging, and often overlooked. The Jubilee is the hardest of the St Andrews Links courses, hugging the sea with narrow fairways and small greens.

Slope Rating

136 Par

72 Yardage

6,742

Originally opened in 1897 for beginners and ladies, the Jubilee Course has since evolved into one of the most formidable tests in St Andrews. Nestled between the New Course and the sea, it offers a classic, compact links experience with more penal rough, tighter driving corridors, and smaller, well-defended greens. The wind off St Andrews Bay is a constant companion and plays a major role in club selection and shot strategy. Many holes feature narrow landing zones and sloping lies, requiring accurate tee shots and well-struck approaches. The stretch from holes 8 to 11 is particularly demanding, with dunes, gorse, and unforgiving pot bunkers waiting to punish stray shots. The 15th is a standout par 3, playing directly along the edge of the sea. It may not have the iconic moments of the Old Course, but in pure golfing terms, the Jubilee may be the sternest test. A caddie is very helpful for club selection, wind judgement, and shot planning.

Designer

John Angus & Willie Auchterlonie (original), Donald Steel (modernisation)

Opened

1897

Tee time availability

Good

Special information

Often has last-minute availability. Excellent option for serious golfers looking for a tougher round.

Tiger’s best round

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Rory’s best round

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Mens course record

65 – Victor Dubuisson

Ladies course record

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Round duration

4 hours 20 minutes

Caddy guide

Recommended – essential for wind play and targeting small greens

Buggies

Not permitted unless medically required

An excellent, strategic test. Use the ground game, stay below the hole on approach shots, and prepare for swirling winds that make club choice difficult.

Accuracy is more important than distance. Play conservatively off the tee, and use your putter from off the green where possible. Expect a stern but rewarding challenge.

The Jubilee is not forgiving – play from forward tees and focus on keeping the ball in play. Forget the scorecard and enjoy the challenge and the coastal views.

Green speed

9 – consistent and true, with subtle slopes

Wind

Coastal exposure makes wind a defining factor. Crosswinds on multiple holes.

Pace of play

Well managed – fewer crowds than Old/New, often quicker rounds

Nerves on the first tee

A quiet, low-key first tee – but the first hole is tight. It gets serious fast.

Clubhouse

Shared Links Clubhouse – excellent facilities with views over multiple courses

The par-3 15th runs along the bay with a green perched above the beach – clubbing here is everything. The par-4 10th is a classic risk-reward hole, and the finishing hole demands a perfect approach to a raised green with run-offs all sides.

East coast conditions: breezy, dry, and cool. The course’s exposed position makes it particularly vulnerable to wind – dress for layers, and expect changing conditions mid-round.