St Andrews Old Course History Tour with Richard Falconer: A Deep Dive into Golf Heritage
4.7
44 Ratings
Fife
Experience the ultimate golf history tour with Richard Falconer, author and historian. Learn about the origins and development of golf at the iconic St Andrews Old Course and discover the Open and Dunhill history. Join now!
Duration:
1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Hotel du Vin St Andrews - Meet Richard outside for the start of your tour. Please don’t be late as tours will not wait.
- Golf Place - Find out about Nike’s genius marketing for the 2015 British Open at St Andrews and details about St Andrews golf shops
- The Links - Learn about the origins and early development of the Open Championship, the annual Dunhill Cup and important sites around the 18th Green including my old Caddie Shack!
- The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews - Of the R & A, Sean Connery, Doreen Stubbs and her famous golf shops, The 1st Tee, the Pavilion and getting on the Old Course.
- Grannie Clark’s Wynd - Find out about the complex development of the Old Course and walk across the widest fairway in the game.
- Rusacks St. Andrews - Find out what happened when the R & A refused the membership of an American golfer and how the early caddies and ladies inadvertently caused Old Tom Morris to create the world’s first putting green.
- Swilcan Bridge - Photo shoot on one of the most iconic landmarks in the game of golf, and one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
- The Jigger Inn - Hear about some of the jaw-dropping golfing moments at the Road Hole - the 17th green of the Old Course, then finish the tour at the famed Old Course Jigger Inn for refreshments (not included).
What's Included
- Personal wireless audio receiver and whisper earphone for larger groups
- Professional guide/historian - 1980s Old Course 1A Professional Caddie
Additional Information
Join Richard Falconer - an author, historian, guide, and former ‘Pro A1’ caddie at the Old Course during the 1980s - on these ‘bucket list’ acclaimed encounters.
Tailored primarily for those possessing a deeper passion for golf, these tours will enlighten you about both the genesis and progression of golf and the Old Course from the 18th to the 20th century. You will also discover the history of the Open and Dunhill competitions and have a photo session on the famous Swilkan Bridge (undisrupted by tournament days).
Not only will you receive suggestions for additional ‘bucket list’ activities, but you will also get to learn about unforgettable moments at the Road Hole before concluding the journey at the Old Course Jigger Inn.
From April to September: Tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
From October to March: Tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm
On Sundays throughout the year, enjoy a Walk on the Old Course fairway - barring championship/tournament days.
*Avaliablilty can be checked via the booking calendar.
Golf historian David Joy has given high praise to these tours.
- Families welcome. Under 5s free but not suitable for under 2s
- A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
- Not suitable for Baby strollers/carriages
- Not suitable for Crutches, walking frames, mobility scooters
- There is nowhere to leave any of the above and golf clubs etc while on tour, so make alternative arrangements
- As part of your tour, you will be by the Old Course and walk across the 1st/18th fairway. You will do this at your own risk and you must keep an eye out for golf balls during live play!
- Not suitabe for those with new knee/hip replacements, sprainked ankles etc.
Location
Hotel du Vin St Andrews
The Scores
Richard will see you outside the Hotel. The hotel is open to the public, so you are welcome to have refreshments in the hotel before your tour (not included).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(44 Ratings)
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Audra_w
Apr 23, 2024
Sunday on hallowed ground - I walked the Old Course on Sunday, after an excellent and informative tour with Richard. I enjoyed the peacefulness and simplistic beauty of the natural surroundings. Richard entertained our group with both stories and photos of course history and his days as a caddy. He also snapped a casual shot of me sitting on the Swilcan bridge to make my adult son envious, along with the iconic standing bridge photo. Great fun!
Review provided by Viator
Linzigraham
Apr 20, 2024
Colf! - Interesting and informative tour, lots of unsual historical facts. Would recommend to anyone visiting St Andrews regardless of golf interests!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roving543599
Apr 6, 2024
Walking textbook - Wow! Richard is a walking textbook. He had so many interesting stories and really tied the old course to the history of St. Andrews. We are avid golf fans and we didn’t realize we could appreciate this infamous course even more. Wish we could’ve bought Richard a pint— his drop off point and recommendations for a good view of the course was superb.
Next pint is on us, Richard!
Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us today.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G3563njrobd
Apr 1, 2024
Historical overview - Great experience that is reasonably priced. The guide provides a nice history of st Andrews and golf. He throws in some funny stories about the open, golf and St Andrews. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Theresa_m
Mar 30, 2024
Tour for golfers & non-golfers alike - We enjoyed this tour and had a lovely time. Richard was a great guide, his energy and enthusiasm for golf and its history made the experience fun and engaging. We learned about the history of golf as well as St. Andrews, and we were able to walk along the course. My husband is a golfer and he loved every bit. And I will say that I’m *not* a golfer, but I enjoyed it as well. We recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Navigator12441572526
Nov 24, 2023
Highly Recommend for lovers of golf and history - Richard was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour with him. Highly recommend if you are interested in golf and history as he perfectly covered both!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin
Nov 19, 2023
A great day at St Andrews. - Richard gave our family the absolute best experience at The Old Course. He was genuinely a wealth of knowledge and was welcoming of all our questions. He also directed us to the location of one of our most enjoyable moments, the driving range of St Andrews Golf Club. Thanks Richard for a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F6429cjjanea
Oct 21, 2023
Fun! - Richard provided a great tour and shared some fun stories about St. Andrew's and the game of golf! Thanks for a fun afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vince_v
Oct 15, 2023
Great experience. - Richard was very friendly and lots of knowledge about the history of St Andrew’s. Really enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Burnsc2003
Oct 5, 2023
Interesting, fun, and well-paced! - Richard was awesome! We screwed up and had the wrong date and he was so accommodating. He had great stories and kept the tour moving at a nice clip! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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