The Jubilee, St Andrews, Scotland

http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/Jubilee-Course

White tees par 72 SSS 73
Red tees par 74 SSS 75

St Andrews is a golfing paradise and the Jubilee course certainly contributes to that description.  Opened on 22nd June 1897 it is so called as that was a public holiday to celebrate Queen Victoria's jubilee.  It was initially 12 holes for beginners and ladies but was extended to 18 holes at the turn of the century.  In 1946 Willie Auchterlonie, who was honorary professional to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for more than 25 years, improved the course but it did not reach championship standard until a complete overhaul by Donald Steel in 1988.

The first green with the Old Course hotel in the background

We played the Jubilee on a windy day in May with Lynn and David Lawson.  It lies between the New Course and St Andrews Bay and has a traditional 'out and back' layout through sand dunes with lovely views of the West Sands (as seen in 'Chariots of Fire') and the other St Andrews courses.  Like many of the St Andrews courses it runs north/south so the prevailing wind blows across on both nines.  There are particularly memorable holes at the turn with the 8th running alongside the Eden estuary through sand dunes to a sunken and sheltered green.  The 9th is a tough par 3 played downhill from an elevated tee onto a typical Donald Steel upturned saucer of a green.  The drive at the 10th can be dangerous in windy conditions with out of bounds awaiting on the left.  The 15th hole is often commented on mainly because of its green which is approached between large dunes and has a deep gully at the front which will trap a short approach shot. 

The testing ninth hole

Worth playing - Yes, a good test of golf especially in the wind and an essential part of the St Andrews experience.
               

The fifteenth green is surrounded by dunes with a deep gully at the front