Progress Report on new Course at St. Andrews

The Castle Course, the seventh course in St. Andrews, is taking shape in preparation for its opening next summer. The scenic, cliff-perched layout is expected to become a popular addition to the St. Andrews Links courses, which include the famed Old Course.

The entire track has now been seeded, the greens and tees are complete and the roughs and natural areas between fairways are growing in. Prep work on the fairways, including adding sand to create a links-like feel to the turf, is underway and will continue through the winter.

Work on the new clubhouse has commenced. The copper roof has been installed on the circular building, which offers spectacular views of Kinkell Point - where the Castle Course's double ninth and 18th green sits, and St. Andrews Bay.

The clubhouse will contain a restaurant, shop and changing rooms as well as a caddie service, reception area and offices. Designed by Leven, Scotland-based architect Fraser Smart, it will feature a huge window overlooking the point and the bay. It has been designed and situated in such a way as to be invisible above the horizon from the town of St. Andrews.

Alan McGregor, general manager of the Links Trust, said he was pleased with the progress being made. "Substantial progress has been made at the Castle Course over the summer and it looks very impressive. A great deal of work is going in to the preparation of the course and our head greenkeeper Allan Paterson and his team are doing an excellent job.

"The clubhouse is also taking shape and should prove to be a striking building. It has been designed to make the most of the wonderful view of St. Andrews and out to sea. I am sure it will prove to be a wonderful facility for both local and visiting golfers."

The 220-acre Castle Course was designed by David McLay Kidd, a Scot who has gained renown for Bandon Dunes in Oregon, Nanea in Hawaii and Queenwood in Surrey, England. Each hole will feature five tees, and the par-71 layout can be played from 5,600 to 7,200 yards. The public course will open on June 28, 2008.

Reservations are now being taken and a limited number of tee times are available at www.standrews.org.uk.