Torrance

A modern clifftop links overlooking St Andrews Bay. Championship standard layout combining rugged terrain, deep bunkering, and panoramic views.

Slope Rating

135 Par

72 Yardage

7,230

Set within the grounds of the Fairmont St Andrews resort, The Torrance Course is a muscular modern links built to test elite players while remaining playable for all levels. Originally designed by Sam Torrance and later refined, it blends traditional links styling with resort-level conditioning. The opening holes offer a gentle introduction, but the course soon builds into a stern test – featuring deep revetted bunkers, exposed greens, and wind-swept elevation changes. The closing stretch is particularly dramatic, skirting the edge of the Fife cliffs with the North Sea crashing below. The par-4 17th demands a shaped tee shot and nervy second to a raised green, while the par-5 18th rewards bravery but punishes overconfidence. Greens are large but tricky, and the rough can be penal. Precision off the tee is essential to scoring. The course has hosted the European Tour’s Scottish Championship and qualifiers for The Open, and it provides a championship-level experience with the added luxury of the Fairmont resort just steps away.

Designer

Sam Torrance (with refinement by Gary Stephenson)

Opened

2001

Tee time availability

Good

Special information

Available to hotel guests and visitors. Tee times widely available with stay-and-play options.

Tiger’s best round

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Rory’s best round

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Mens course record

65 – Bernd Wiesberger

Ladies course record

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Round duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Caddy guide

Optional – course guides and GPS available, but helpful in the wind

Buggies

Permitted – especially helpful for resort guests

Use course knowledge to pick your battles. The wind amplifies risk-reward options. Drive strategically and avoid the deep front bunkers guarding many greens.

Keep the ball in play and aim for the larger portions of greens. Focus on approach shots rather than distance. Par is a good score on the cliffside holes.

A visually dramatic but fair course. Play forward tees, avoid big risks, and enjoy the scenery. Resort buggies and facilities make it very accessible.

Green speed

9.5 – true and slick in dry conditions

Wind

Coastal site – often breezy with a mix of head and crosswinds. Exposure increases from hole 13 onwards.

Pace of play

Well managed with starter and resort staff – can get busy in peak months

Nerves on the first tee

Framed by the resort with some gallery viewing – a welcoming but professional atmosphere

Clubhouse

Luxury hotel facilities with full locker rooms, pro shop, and restaurants

The 17th is a cliffside par 4 with real bite – a narrow fairway and exposed green guarded by wind and bunkers. The 18th is a dramatic closer with a split fairway and ocean backdrop. The par-3 8th, with a long carry and sweeping views, also stands out.

Exposed to sea breezes and shifting skies. Drier than west coast but can change fast. Expect brisk mornings and golden evenings in summer – perfect light for dramatic shots.