The Old Course Hotel: The Best Seat In The House In St Andrews

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last weekend brought with it severe rain and harsh winds, forcing players off the course and into the accommodations surrounding The Old Course at St Andrews.

With play suspended and limited tournament infrastructure in place, the best seat in the house to watch the historic event may well have been from The Old Course Hotel.

Formerly railway buildings and sheds, the now-iconic hotel features an almost ominous façade that partially obstructs the view down the 17th fairway, one of golf’s most famous holes. The Old Course Hotel, with its towering structure and modern amenities, melds the origins of golf with five-star luxury accommodations.

Though new by St Andrews’ standards, the hotel was originally constructed in 1968 and expanded in 2020 by Destination Kohler. It stands as one of the few true five-star resorts in Scotland, featuring multiple restaurants, sweeping views of the course, a full-service spa, and an exceptionally attentive staff. For golfers hoping to play the Old Course, the hotel also offers stay-and-play packages that include guaranteed tee times, bypassing the traditional ballot system.

Ancient by American standards, the town of St Andrews itself is a slice of golf heaven. Its cobblestone streets and sidewalks meander through golf shops and pubs steeped in history. The pavement modernizes as you approach The Old Course Hotel, where ample parking and a fifty-foot illuminated golfer mark the grand entrance.

Inside, a flurry of staff stands ready to assist with any need or request, short of controlling the famously unpredictable Scottish weather. After check-in, guests ride the elevator to rooms identified by both number and the name of a historic golfer. Inside, you’re greeted with a personal note, chocolates, and views stretching across the Old Course, the New Course, and the Firth of Forth.

The Old Course Hotel features 144 en suite guest rooms, including 35 suites. Each is luxuriously appointed, exceptionally comfortable, and stylishly designed.

Dining options abound, each offering its own atmosphere and view. The hotel’s signature Road Hole Restaurant overlooks the 17th hole and serves traditional Scottish fare in a fine-dining setting. Downstairs, the Jigger Inn provides pub classics, local ales, and a lively patio that sits so close to the course you might feel part of the tournament itself.

As with all Destination Kohler properties, aquatic luxury takes center stage. Known for its world-class bathroom fixtures, Kohler has spared no expense on the hotel’s spa, fitness center, and bathing facilities. Guests can enjoy a full range of wellness amenities, including a lap pool, sauna, hot tub, and instructor-led fitness classes. The spa itself reopened in October 2025 following a full renovation.

While golf is certainly the main attraction in St Andrews, it’s not a requirement for enjoying the area. Destination Kohler also owns The Duke’s Course, the only heathland-style layout associated with St Andrews. Perched above the town, it offers a distinctly different golfing experience from the windswept links below.

For those seeking variety, championship venues such as Kingsbarns and Carnoustie are a short drive away, while the Old Course, New Course, Castle Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, and Strathtyrum Course are all within walking distance. Twelve distinct packages are available through the resort, each offering varying levels of golf access—including guaranteed rounds on the legendary Old Course itself.