St Andrews: Old Course History Walk & Swilkan Bridge Photo

Summary

Walk the old course fairways, hear stories from a real caddie, stand on the swilkan bridge

You’ll walk St Andrews’ legendary Old Course with a former caddie as your guide, hearing stories that bring centuries of golf alive. Stand on Swilkan Bridge for a pro photo, learn quirky local history, and end near the Jigger Inn for a proper Scottish finish. You might not expect to feel so connected to these ancient fairways — but you will.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to actually walk the Old Course at St Andrews, not just watch it on TV? I didn’t think I’d care about turf or bunkers until Richard — our guide, ex-caddie, and honestly a bit of a character — started talking. He met us outside the Rusacks Hotel, right by the 1st tee. There was this salty wind off the North Sea and a sort of hush over the links, except for Richard’s voice weaving in stories about monks, farmers, and how golf got tangled up with both. He pointed out where the original 1st tee used to be (not where I expected), and I caught myself picturing those early games with sticks and leather balls. Weirdly moving.

The main keyword here is “St Andrews Old Course history tour,” but it didn’t feel like a tour at all — more like tagging along with someone who’s lived every inch of these greens. Richard showed us the Road Hole bunker (yep, that one), told us about Open Championships he’d caddied through rain so thick you couldn’t see your own hands. There’s this moment when you’re standing on the Swilkan Bridge for your photo — people have crossed that spot for centuries. My shoes were damp from the grass; someone behind me laughed because I almost slipped stepping up. That picture means more than I thought it would.

On Sundays (unless there’s a tournament), you can actually walk down the fairway itself. It felt almost wrong — like sneaking onto hallowed ground — but everyone else was doing it too, grinning at each other like kids. Richard pointed out the Jigger Inn and recommended we stop there after for something warming (the fire inside smelled faintly of peat smoke). By then my head was full of odd facts: why ladies’ putting greens exist here, which farmer fought over land rights, how Old Tom Morris changed everything. Not sure I’ll ever look at a golf course signpost the same way again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Andrews golf history and landmarks

• Meet Richard outside hotel
• Overview of town history
• Discover golf origins and development
• Learn Old Course development details
• Explore Open Championship and Dunhill Cup history
• Visit 1st/18th fairway and related sites
• Photo shoot on Swilkan Bridge
• Hear Road Hole moments
• Finish near Old Course Jigger Inn

Top questions

Can you walk on the St Andrews Old Course during this tour?

Yes, on Sundays (except tournament days), you can walk on the fairway as part of this tour.

Who leads the St Andrews Old Course history tour?

The tour is led by Richard Falconer, an author, historian, and former 1980s Old Course caddie.

Is a photo on Swilkan Bridge included?

Yes, a professionally taken photo on Swilkan Bridge is included unless it’s a tournament day.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is outside the front of Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews.

Are refreshments included in this tour?

No, refreshments are not included but you finish near the Jigger Inn where you can buy your own.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

No, it's not suitable for under 5s or those needing strollers or mobility aids due to walking requirements.

What language is required for this tour?

A fluent command of English is essential; translating or speaking slowly does not work well for this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes walking St Andrews’ Old Course alongside Richard Falconer — an expert local guide and former caddie — plus a professionally taken photo on Swilkan Bridge (except during tournaments). The experience wraps up by the famous Jigger Inn; refreshments aren’t included but highly recommended after all those stories and steps.