St. Andrews-area course becomes eighth under Links Trust
- The St. Andrews Links Trust is taking over management of the Duke's golf course under a long-term lease.
- Renamed the Craigtoun course, it will be the eighth course managed by the trust and its first non-links track.
- This addition aims to meet the rising demand for golf in St. Andrews by offering more capacity.
- Current staff and members of the Duke's will be able to retain their positions and memberships under existing terms.
Long-awaited confirmation of a fresh addition to the St. Andrews Links Trust portfolio has arrived with the announcement that the Duke's golf course is to be rechristened under a long-term lease agreement.
The trust, which runs Europe's largest publicly-owned golf complex, will take over management of the Duke's from Jan. 5. It will become the eighth course under the remit of the trust, headlined by the world-famous Old Course, and its first non-links track.
The venue is also getting a new logo and name following 25 years of operation as the Duke's as part of the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, owned by U.S. conglomerate Kohler. The new name also aligns with the Links Trust’s recent brand launch for the Home of Golf.
After Jan. 5, the Duke's will be known as the Craigtoun course, inspired by the site’s location near Craigtoun Country Park. This will bring it in line with sister courses Strathtyrum, Eden, Balgove and Castle, which are all named after local places or landmarks.
The possibility of a deal to take over the Duke's was publicly revealed in January.
“The agreement for the Craigtoun course will see the first new course added to the Home of Golf’s portfolio in 18 years and presents an ideal opportunity to expand the golf experiences we offer," Links Trust chief executive Neil Coulson said. “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the Old Course Hotel and look forward to taking over what it is already a significant asset for St. Andrews and Scotland and building on its reputation.
“Demand for golf in St. Andrews has risen to unprecedented levels in recent years with more rounds played by ticketholders and visitors than ever before. The Craigtoun course allows us to offer additional capacity and strategically invest in our facilities to offer more opportunities to play golf.”
Facilities at the course, including the clubhouse, driving range and pro shop, will be managed by the Links Trust. All existing staff will have the opportunity to remain in their posts.
Current members of the Duke’s will be able to retain their membership of the Craigtoun under existing terms throughout 2026. The trust said more details on green fee pricing for visitors at the Craigtoun will be published in the coming weeks.
Originally designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson and re-designed by Pete Dye, the 18-hole course can be played from 5,216 to 7,512 yards.
“The Duke’s golf course has been under Kohler’s leadership for 25 years, during which time we have invested in future-proofing the course and enhancing conditions, through measures including our most recent drainage and irrigation project," said Phyllis Wilkie, general manager of the Old Course Hotel.
“Throughout this time we have welcomed members to explore Scotland’s only heathland course in the 'home of golf' here in St. Andrews, and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every member, visitor, and staff member who made our custodianship of this iconic course so positive."
She added: “We are pleased to have agreed a long-term lease with St. Andrews Links Trust that will see the Duke’s course join its portfolio of world-renowned golf courses, benefitting from the trust’s expertise and passion for bringing the joy of golf to even more people across the world.
"We look forward to seeing the trust build on our successes and continue to ensure residents and visitors to St Andrews have access to quality golf courses and experiences.”