Eden Course, St Andrews

This is a course with pedigree and illustrious neighbours but it is great links golf.  It would be the perfect introduction to links golf for any one new to this style of golf.  It is not long but should be played from the back tees to give the regular golfer full benefit of the layout. 

It was originally designed by Harry Colt so you would not be surprised to learn that the greens, their positioning and bunkering are leveraged to increase the complexity where length is lacking.  All this makes it hugely enjoyable to play.  It is also classic St Andrews but with less gorse and lighter rough although there is the inclusion of a pond.  Fairways and greens run as beautifully as you would expect and there are many holes along the estuary which gives it it’s unique character.

The St Andrews Links Trust has done a great job in providing golf for all categories of players and if there were more courses like this it would encourage many more players who would enjoy the skills and subtleties without being over faced.  I imagine that this was their objective and that is what they have achieved.  I have not played the Balgove or Strathtyrum courses but they seem to be feeder courses for the Eden and the four other courses they manage.

My thanks to The Links Trust for all they do for golf and golfers and particularly for allowing me to pay my green fee to Alzheimer’s Society.  All contributions are welcome.