Strathtyrum, St Andrews, Scotland

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

White tees par 69, SSS 66, 5620 yards
Red tees par 68, SSS 67, 4705 yards

Strathtyrum is one of five true links courses at the golfing mecca which is St Andrews. Designed by Donald Steel, it was opened in 1993 when a local farmer who had won the honour in a newspaper competition struck the first drive as fighter jets from RAF Leuchars flew over the first tee.  It was named for the neighbouring estate from whom the St Andrews Links Trust bought the land.

The 2nd and 5th share a double green.
The backdrop is the town of St Andrews

Strathtyrum is a much less testing course than its bigger neighbours and was built to relieve some of the congestion on the other courses and to present a much less stern challenge for the holiday golfer. It lies inland from the Eden course so there are only occasional glimpses of the estuary. We played it with Lynn and David Lawson on a cool and dreich Scottish day with only a light wind. 

The par 3 third with a typically contoured green

It is short and flat and although pleasant to play the holes are not particularly memorable.  The greens have a hint of the normal Donald Steel upturned saucers and are well contoured but easier to hold than on most of his courses.  The course was in excellent condition as one would expect in St Andrews.

Worth playing?  If you want to play in St Andrews but don't want the challenge of the bigger courses.  A good starter for beginners or children.