Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns

Every October, three of Scotland's most revered links courses host one of golf's most unique events. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship brings together world-class professionals and celebrity amateurs for four days of links golf at its finest, played across the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship Course, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Whether visiting during tournament week to witness this prestigious Scottish golf tournament or planning a pilgrimage to play these legendary venues, this comprehensive guide provides everything international golfers need to experience Scottish links golf at the highest level.

The Alfred Dunhill Links - Scotland's Unmissable Golf Event

Tournament Format: The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship stands apart from typical professional events through its distinctive pro-am format. Each team pairs one professional with one amateur, playing three different courses over three days before the 54-hole cut. The top 60 professionals and leading 20 pro-am teams advance to Sunday's final round at St Andrews. The event typically runs from early to mid-October each year, with the 2025 edition taking place October 2-5.

For the latest odds on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, visit Betway.

Why This Event Matters:

• Only professional championship played annually on the Old Course at St Andrews
• Three world-class links in rotation - effectively three tournaments in one week
• Celebrity amateur field adds glamour alongside serious competitive golf
• Spectator access to legendary courses often difficult to see up close
• £5 million purse attracts top DP World Tour talent and major champions

Tournament History & Heritage

Alfred Dunhill's connection with St Andrews spans four decades, beginning with the Alfred Dunhill Cup in 1985. That original tournament ran as a team match-play event featuring 16 nations competing at the Old Course.

Australia won the inaugural championship, defeating the United States in the final with a team featuring David Graham, Graham Marsh, and Greg Norman. The Cup produced memorable moments over its 16-year run, including Curtis Strange's record-breaking 62 at the Old Course in 1987 and South Africa's back-to-back victories in 1997-1998 with the same trio of Ernie Els, David Frost, and Retief Goosen.

When the World Cup of Golf received enhanced status through the World Golf Championships in 2000, the team format became less viable. The Alfred Dunhill Cup concluded after the 2000 championship, having established itself as one of golf's premier international team events. Rather than disappear entirely, Alfred Dunhill's St Andrews legacy evolved into something equally special.

The Modern Championship Era

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship launched in 2001, transforming from team competition to celebrity pro-am whilst maintaining the glamour and prestige of its predecessor. The new format expanded across three legendary Scottish links - Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship, and the newly-opened Kingsbarns - creating a unique rotation that showcases Scotland's links golf diversity.

The tournament has been a DP World Tour fixture since inception. Tyrrell Hatton holds the record with four victories (2016, 2017, 2024, and one more), making him the Championship's greatest champion. His 2024 victory came via dramatic final-hole birdie on the 18th at St Andrews, defeating Nicolas Colsaerts by a single stroke. Past champions include Padraig Harrington, Stephen Gallacher, Danny Willett, and Martin Kaymer, who famously birdied the treacherous Road Hole 17th en route to his 2010 victory.

The Championship was cancelled only once in its history - 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic - but returned strongly in 2021 and continues to attract world-class fields annually. The format based on the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has proven hugely successful, creating a unique blend of serious professional competition alongside celebrity entertainment that draws galleries from around the world.

Championship Courses: Three Scottish Legends

St Andrews Links (Old Course)

The Old Course needs little introduction - golf's spiritual home and the world's most famous links. Dating to the 15th century, this public course has hosted 30 Open Championships, more than any venue worldwide. The routing follows the classic out-and-back design with seven massive double greens shared by holes going out and coming home.

What makes St Andrews golf special isn't immediate visual drama but strategic subtlety revealed over multiple rounds. Hidden pot bunkers, undulating fairways deeper than television suggests, and infinite playing options depending on wind direction create the ultimate thinking golfer's course. The 17th Road Hole ranks among golf's most iconic and treacherous par fours.

Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship)

Carnoustie earns its "Car-nasty" nickname honestly. This is links golf at its most demanding, widely considered the toughest course on the Open rota. The Carnoustie golf course has hosted eight Open Championships, three Senior Opens, and two Women's Opens. Ben Hogan's 1953 victory in his only Open appearance cemented Carnoustie's legendary status.

The snaking Barry Burn creates drama throughout, most notably on the finishing holes where it must be crossed five times. The back nine particularly separates champions from pretenders, featuring brutal par fours at holes 14-18. The 245-yard 16th par three played into the wind challenges even the world's best - Tom Watson called it the hardest par three in golf.

Kingsbarns Golf Links

The modern masterpiece of the trio, Kingsbarns golf course opened in 2000 on 1.8 miles of stunning North Sea coastline. American architect Kyle Phillips transformed flat farmland into what appears a centuries-old links through spectacular earthmoving and design. Unlike many Scottish links, the sea remains visible from virtually every hole, creating photography-worthy vistas throughout.

Kingsbarns offers more generous fairways than its Championship companions whilst maintaining strategic interest. The par-five 12th hugging the coastline and the dramatic par-three 15th playing over rocks and waves to a clifftop green exemplify Kyle Phillips' brilliant design work. Hosted the 2017 Women's British Open.

Championship Experience: Tournament Week

Spectating the Dunhill Links

Tournament week transforms the region into a golf festival. Here's what you need to know:

• Grounds passes provide access to all three venues (approximately £30-50/€35-60/$40-67 per day depending on day)
• Thursday-Friday: Play across three courses simultaneously - strategic planning required to catch favourite players
• Saturday: 54-hole cut concentrates field
• Sunday: Final round at Old Course provides championship conclusion with galleries lining fairways
• VIP hospitality packages available through tournament website offering exclusive viewing, dining, and player access opportunities

Getting There

The tournament is easily accessible from Scotland's major airports:

• Edinburgh Airport: 90 minutes to St Andrews (primary gateway)
• Glasgow Airport: 2 hours to St Andrews
• Dundee Airport: 30 minutes to St Andrews, 15 minutes to Carnoustie

Rental car recommended for flexibility between venues. Direct train service available from Edinburgh to Leuchars (5 miles from St Andrews) with taxi connections.

Celebrity Amateur Entertainment

The pro-am format pairs professionals with celebrities from sport, entertainment, and business. Past participants include:

• Film & TV: Michael Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Jamie Dornan, Kevin Costner
• Music: Justin Timberlake, Huey Lewis, Ronan Keating, Bon Jovi's Tico Torres, Keane's Tom Chaplin, Linkin Park's Dave Farrell
• Sports Legends: Nigel Mansell, Ian Botham, Gary Lineker, Boris Becker, Michael Phelps, Shane Warne, Rory McIlroy's father Gerry

Celebrity pairings announced ahead of tournament - plan spectating around favourite personalities. The team competition adds extra dimension, with amateur-professional partnerships competing for separate honours alongside the individual professional championship.

Practical Tournament Attendance

Transport & Parking:

• Park-and-ride systems operate from Leuchars and surrounding areas
• Public transport enhanced during tournament week
• Walking between venues impractical - commit to one course daily or use organised transport between sites

What to Bring:

• Weather preparation crucial - October Scottish weather unpredictable
• Waterproofs, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes essential
• Food and beverage available on-site but bringing snacks recommended

Etiquette:

• Photography permitted but no camera clicks during swings
• Respect player space, follow marshal instructions
• Mobile phones on silent

Golf Nearby During Tournament Week

St Andrews New Course - £150 (€175/$200)

Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the New Course offers tighter, more defined holes than its famous neighbour. Locals often prefer it for these very characteristics. Excellent conditioning and significantly easier access make this an outstanding alternative when playing St Andrews golf courses.

St Andrews Jubilee Course - £150 (€175/$200)

Donald Steel's 1988 redesign transformed this into a championship-calibre test. Elevated tees provide spectacular views across St Andrews Bay. The par-three collection ranks among Scotland's finest.

St Andrews Castle Course - £180 (€210/$240)

David McLay Kidd's clifftop design opened in 2008. Dramatic seaside holes and clever mounding create a modern links feel. The par-three 17th across a coastal ravine sticks in memory long after the round.

Carnoustie Burnside Course - £85 (€100/$115)

Character-filled second course where Ben Hogan qualified for his 1953 Open victory. Excellent par threes and significantly less intimidating than the Championship layout whilst maintaining quality.

Fife's Culinary Scene

Premium Dining Experiences

Haar showcases chef Dean Banks' three-AA-Rosette modern Scottish cuisine emphasising local seafood. Tasting menu approximately £90 (€105/$120) per person. The Road Hole Restaurant at Old Course Hotel offers sprawling Old Course views alongside Scottish grills and seafood, approximately £80-100 (€95-120/$110-135).

The Seafood Ristorante occupies prime West Sands location in distinctive glass structure. Fresh local catch prepared simply, approximately £60-80 (€70-95/$85-110). The Peat Inn, seven miles outside town, provides Michelin-quality fine dining in intimate setting, approximately £85 (€100/$115) for set menu.

Local Specialities & Regional Cuisine

Scottish produce shines throughout Fife. Fresh seafood from local boats - langoustines, scallops, oysters, and lobster appear on most quality menus. Scottish beef, particularly Aberdeenshire cattle, ranks among world's finest. Game in season includes venison, grouse, and pheasant.

Must-try dishes:

• Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup)
• Haggis (more delicious than reputation suggests)
• Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock)
• Cranachan (traditional dessert with raspberries, cream, oats, whisky)

Post-Round Drinking Culture

Scottish pub culture embraces golfers naturally. The Criterion, Central Bar, and Jigger Inn (by Old Course) provide traditional atmosphere. Expect hearty pub food, extensive whisky selections, and friendly locals eager to discuss your round.

Tom Morris Bar & Grill at St Andrews Links Clubhouse offers course views and quality dining. Mitchell's Deli provides excellent all-day option for breakfast through dinner. Prices approximately £15-25 (€18-30/$20-35) per person for casual dining.

Budget Dining & Practical Planning

Forgan's delivers reliable Scottish fare in historic former golf club factory, approximately £20-30 (€24-35/$27-40). Tailend fish and chips ranks among Scotland's finest traditional takeaway. Zizzi's and Bella Italia provide familiar chain options when needed.

Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's) offer breakfast supplies and packed lunch options for early tee times. Many B&Bs include substantial Scottish breakfast.

Explore Beyond Golf

Cultural Attractions

St Andrews University, founded 1413, Scotland's oldest, creates vibrant academic atmosphere. Campus architecture spectacular, public can explore grounds. St Andrews Castle ruins dramatically positioned on coastal headland. Underground siege tunnels and bottle dungeon provide medieval history immersion.

St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland's largest church, offers atmospheric ruins and tower climb with panoramic views. British Golf Museum traces game's history through comprehensive exhibits. Entry approximately £10 (€12/$13).

Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities

West Sands Beach extends two miles of golden sand backed by dunes. Famous from Chariots of Fire opening scenes. Fife Coastal Path provides spectacular walking - St Andrews to Crail section particularly scenic.

East Neuk fishing villages (Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, Elie) showcase traditional Scottish coastal life. Harbour walks, fresh seafood, and charming architecture reward exploration. Approximately 30-45 minutes drive from St Andrews.

Whisky & Distillery Experiences

Kingsbarns Distillery offers tours and tastings in converted 18th-century farm steading. Specialises in single malt and Darnley's Gin. Tours approximately £12-35 (€14-40/$16-47) depending on experience level. Book ahead during summer.

Glenrothes and other Speyside distilleries accessible day trips (90 minutes). Edinburgh offers numerous city-centre whisky experiences if combining with capital visit.

Activities for Non-Golfing Partners

St Andrews provides excellent shopping along Market Street and South Street. Mixture of independent boutiques, golf shops, and outdoor gear specialists. Spa treatments available at Old Course Hotel and Fairmont St Andrews.

Edinburgh day trip easily managed (90-minute drive). Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and excellent museums provide full-day entertainment. Glasgow offers alternative city experience with art galleries, shopping, and vibrant music scene (2 hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship held?

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes place annually in early October. The 2025 tournament runs October 2-5, with Thursday-Saturday rounds rotating across all three courses and Sunday's final round at St Andrews Old Course.

Can I play the Old Course during tournament week?

The championship courses (Old Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns) close for tournament preparation and play during the event week. However, St Andrews New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course, and Carnoustie Burnside Course remain open for visitor play, providing excellent alternatives.

What are the three courses in the Dunhill Links rotation?

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship rotates across three legendary Scottish links: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Championship Course, and Kingsbarns Golf Links. Players compete on all three venues before the cut, with the final round played at St Andrews.

How much are tickets to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship?

Daily grounds passes cost approximately £30-50 (€35-60/$40-67) depending on the day. Thursday-Saturday provide access to all three venues, while Sunday's final round takes place exclusively at St Andrews. VIP hospitality packages available through the official tournament website.

Plan Your Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Experience

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship offers a unique opportunity to experience Scotland golf at its finest across three of the world's most celebrated links courses. Whether spectating during tournament week or planning your own rounds on these legendary layouts, the region provides unmatched links golf combined with rich Scottish culture, outstanding dining, and warm hospitality.

Explore the complete St Andrews Old Course, Carnoustie Championship, and Kingsbarns Golf Links listings on Top100GolfCourses.com to begin planning your Scottish golf adventure. From booking strategies to course insights, everything you need to make your pilgrimage to golf's spiritual home awaits.