NEWS, VIEWS, PEOPLE ... AND ALL THE TALK OF THE TOWN
PLAYTIME
From great golf days to taking the plunge
GASTRONOMY
World-class wines and café treats
ST ANDREWS
Insider guides on what to see and do
02
Welcome to e Birdie
Scotland has a way of surprising visitors with its mix of charm, character and warm hospitality – and it’s something we experience every day here at the Old Course Hotel. Our head of golf concierge, Malcolm Wowk, perfectly captures that spirit (page 4). With decades of experience and a deep knowledge of St Andrews, Malcolm ensures each guest’s time on the Home of Golf is seamless, personal and memorable.
It’s that same dedication to creating exceptional experiences that has driven recent changes across the hotel. We’ve made subtle upgrades to our suites, including luxury touches such as cashmere throws from the iconic Johnstons of Elgin, whose latest collection draws inspiration from St Andrews (find out more on page 6). Our vibrant new café, Herb’s, opens soon, named in honour of the late Herbert Kohler Jr., whose vision helped shape the hotel (page 25). Alongside this, our new boutique, e Emporium, will showcase Scottish craftsmanship, books, stationery and a selection of locally made treats (page 28).
Elsewhere in this issue, we meet Peigin Crowley, founder of GROUND Wellbeing, whose signature treatments and products we’re proud to feature in our Kohler Waters Spa (page 10). Our head sommelier, Soma Orehoczki, shares some of his favourite wines (page 20), and we speak with two of Scotland’s leading golf artists, both of whom cut their teeth painting the Old Course (page 22).
We also meet locals working to restore the Castle Sands tidal pool – one of the most spectacular spots in the region for cold-water dips (page 12) and an unforgettable way to enjoy this beautiful stretch of coastline we’re lucky to call home.
If you’re a guest at the hotel, we wish you a wonderful stay. If not, we hope to see you soon.
Phyllis
Wilkie,
general manager,
Old Course Hotel
ICEBREAKERS
Tasty titbits to get the conversation rolling. Did you know ...
Just up the road, the Eden Estuary is renowned for birdwatching, with local twitchers regularly spotting godwits, grey plovers, shelduck, oystercatchers and white-tailed eagles – not to mention the occasional dolphin.
e
Fair play
In the early 1800s, St Andrews locals would lay their laundry out to dry on the fairways near the Swilcan Burn. Old Course rules allowed players to move the washing to play their shot “when a ball lies on clothes or within a clublength of a washing tub”.
Local hero
e annual Gaudie, a torchlit pier walk, normally takes place on 30th April in honour of John Honey, a student in the year 1800 who rescued five members of the crew of the Janet of Macduff, a ship that had run aground off East Sands.
Flock to it
Favourite haunt
White Lady is a famous ghost said to haunt the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. Sightings describe a woman in a dress and long gloves, sometimes waving a handkerchief from a window in St Rule’s Tower.
BEHIND EVERY GREAT ROUND
MEET THE MAN IN CHARGE OF SHAPING UNFORGETTABLE GOLF EXPERIENCES FOR THE OLD COURSE HOTEL’S GUESTS
IF YOU GROW UP IN St Andrews, golf is not something you discover. It’s something you absorb. For Malcolm Wowk, head of golf concierge at the Old Course Hotel, the game has been woven through life as naturally as the wind sweeping over the links. “I’ve always been surrounded by golf,” he says. “It becomes part of your DNA.”
His earliest memories trace back to childhood weekends and school holidays on the nine-hole Balgove Course, made possible by the Links Ticket scheme that gives local children free access to the town’s courses. But the moment that truly sparked his love for the game came in 1995 at his first Open Championship. “I was nine years old, standing by the 18th green of the Old Course with my dad when Costantino Rocca made that incredible putt from the Valley of Sin to force a playoff with John Daly. I can still see it now. From that moment, I was completely hooked.”
Malcolm’s professional journey began at St Andrews Links in 2010, working as a starter and ranger on the Old Course. Standing on that famous first tee each day gave him a new appreciation for the place he had always called home. “Seeing how excited and emotional people were to play here made me understand just how special this town really is,” he says. After seven years, he moved to e Duke’s as head starter before joining the Old Course Hotel as head of golf concierge. “I get to talk about golf and St Andrews all day,” he says. “It’s the perfect job for me.”
Shaping unforgettable golf trips
No two days are the same in Malcolm’s world. Mornings start early, greeting guests at 7am as they collect their clubs, buzzing with anticipation for the course they are about to play. Some arrive with guaranteed Old Course tee times as part of premium packages, but many rely on Malcolm and his team to navigate the area’s world-class golf offerings.
At the heart of that support is the famous Old Course Ballot. “We submit entries for all hotel guests two days before they hope to play,” he explains. “Success rates vary. In winter we might see around 40 percent, but the average across the year is closer to 15 percent. St Andrews and the game of golf have never been more popular and the ballot reflects this.”
For guests who want certainty, Malcolm points to the hotel’s Suite Golf Package. “It’s the closest thing to the perfect dream trip,” he says. “Luxury suites, incredible dining, spa treatments and confirmed rounds at the region’s best courses, including one on the Old Course. It takes away all the stress.”
But even when the ballot doesn’t fall in a guest’s favour, unforgettable golf is never far away. “We are spoiled here,” Malcolm says. “Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie, the Craigtoun, the New, Castle and Carnoustie – nowhere else in the world has so many outstanding golf courses so close together.”
Beyond organising tee times, the golf concierge arranges caddies, transfers, rental equipment, club cleaning, golf luggage shipping
and complimentary shuttles to the driving range. “Some guests want to play one round per day and then dissect their game in the Jigger Inn over a pint. Others play 36 holes a day and want to just golf, golf, golf! Our job is to make every moment feel seamless.”
As the week unfolds, relationships build. “By the end of a trip, guests are calling you by your first name, recalling memorable shots of the week, asking about your own golf and sharing a golfing tale or two. at connection when you know you have been a part of the guest’s experience is really the best part of the job.”
Championship magic
St Andrews transforms during the Open Championship, and Malcolm has experienced the thrill three times. “ e atmosphere is electric,” he says. “In 2022, about 300,000 visitors came to St Andrews. ere is a real buzz around the whole town.”
e Old Course Hotel becomes the official base and Open Championship hotel for players, officials and the R&A. Sitting beside the 17th fairway, our building actually falls inside the ropes. “It’s surreal. Staff are given ticket access and you feel like you’re right in the heart of the championship. While we are working, the next Open champion is driving his tee shot over our heads!”
And with e Open returning to the Old Course in 2027, Malcolm is already anticipating another unforgettable week. “It’s the biggest moment on the golfing calendar, the oldest
Above left, Malcolm Wowk is head of golf concierge at the Old Course Hotel
Malcolm’s TOP FIVE St Andrews Courses
1. THE OLD COURSE
Nothing compares. From the moment you walk onto that first tee, surrounded by the town, you feel as if you have rewound the clock back to the time when this great game was created. Every hole tells a story and offers something different. e feeling you get when you play here is indescribable.
2. KINGSBARNS LINKS
I love how this course hugs the Fife coast and boasts some very picturesque holes while remaining playable to all level of golfers. Hard to beat for scenery and experience.
3. THE NEW COURSE
‘Seeing how excited and emotional people were to play here made me understand just how special this town really is’
and greatest major, and having it back here is something everyone is excited about.”
Led by a local Malcolm lives in St Andrews with his wife and two daughters, both of whom he’s slowly encouraging into the game. “One’s keen; one’s not so keen,” he laughs. “But I’m not giving up yet!”
A proud member of e St Andrews Golf Club, he plays off a nine handicap and still lights up when recalling his only hole-inone, achieved on the sixth hole of the Strathtyrum Course some 20 years ago. “I tell guests about it
every chance I get,” he says. “It’s a very special memory.”
But for Malcolm, it always comes back to giving guests the same sense of awe he felt as a child in 1995. “Sometimes guests play well, sometimes they don’t. But they always come back smiling, having had a memorable day,” he says. “People come here because this is the Home of Golf. We want our hotel to feel like the home of Scottish hospitality.”
For help crafting your dream golf itinerary in St Andrews, the Home of Golf, contact the team on golfservices@oldcoursehotel.co.uk.
A very fair test of golf where I have spent many summer’s evenings after work. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1895, this is a classic Scottish links course with lots of well-positioned pot bunkers and fast-rolling fairways.
4. THE CASTLE COURSE
Dramatic, modern and stunning. e views over St Andrews Bay are incredible and the holes are as memorable as the backdrop.
5. STRATHTYRUM COURSE
I grew up on this course, and it still has a special place in my heart. e only place I’ve had a hole-in-one is on the deceptively difficult sixth. Guests always laugh when I tell them, but it genuinely means a lot to me.
From CANVAS to CLOTH
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN, FAMED FOR ITS CASHMERE, IS ONE OF SCOTLAND’S MOST RENOWNED LUXURY BRANDS. AND NOW THE COMPANY IS TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE MUCHLOVED ST ANDREWS ARTIST WILHELMINA
“THERE’S PROBABLY NO other country in the world that’s as synonymous with the textiles it produces as Scotland,” pronounces Chris Gaffney, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin. e company has been creating and selling exquisite woollen goods – tweeds, merino and most famously its fine cashmere – for more than two centuries, making it one of the cornerstones of Scottish luxury today. “We were making tweed for Balmoral in the 1850s,” says Chris. “Scotland punches above its weight in luxury, whether it’s the amazing scenery we have here, the experiences in towns like St Andrews, worldclass golf, sporting pursuits such as fishing and shooting, or the incredible quality of our salmon and whisky.”
Guests staying in a selection of our suites here at the Old Course Hotel will have first-hand experience of the fine quality of the cashmere made by Johnstons, as the suites come furnished with one of the brand’s exquisite double-faced throws. “Probably one of the best examples of what we do,” says Chris, who explains that “the closer you can keep the colour to the original yarn, the softer it will be, so we keep the throws pretty natural and classic. We buy the cashmere in Mongolia, bring it here to Elgin, wash it, dye it, make the yarn and brush it with teasels – it’s an absolutely beautiful product.”
Although headquartered more than 100 miles north, in Elgin, Moray, with another mill at Hawick in the Scottish Borders, Johnstons has a particular bond with St Andrews. Not only does the company have a hugely popular store in the town, but its new collections are strongly
inspired by the St Andrews artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, whose global reputation has been growing steadily since her death 22 years ago. Her work has a strikingly bold, contemporary quality, with strong graphic lines and a colour palette that ranges from subtle, natural tones to vibrant, deep reds and blues.
Born in 1912, Wilhelmina spent her formative years in St Andrews, attending St Leonards girls’ school before the family moved to Stirlingshire when she was 11. After studying painting at Edinburgh College of Art in the 1930s, she moved to St Ives in 1940 and lived in a house right on the beach, working alongside major figures of 20th-century British art, such as Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron and Barbara Hepworth. Like her fellow St Ives artists, she was inspired by the wild seascapes, rugged coastline and crystalline light. But in the 1960s, she inherited her aunt’s St Andrews house, Balmungo, and began to spend large chunks of the year there, reconnecting with the landscape she had known so well as a child.
Willy, as she was known, was a well-known figure in the town, explains Rob Airey, director of the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust: “She would walk a lot on West Sands and East Sands and she also drew and painted the town a lot, especially the cathedral and tower. Her friend and business manager, Rowan James, lived in St Andrews, so she was the link to all the galleries for exhibitions and sales. We actually had a little ceremony a few years ago when we put up a plaque on Wilhelmina’s old childhood home in Abbotsford Crescent.”
BARNSGRAHAM
©WILHELMINA BARNSGRAHAM TRUST
‘It’s her colours that are so gorgeous. ere is real punch and depth, which is what I’m taking into the collection’
©WILHELMINA BARNSGRAHAM TRUST
e Trust works to enhance the artist’s reputation and encourage more people to see and enjoy her work. And clearly it is achieving its goal. A documentary about her remarkable life – Wilhelmina was still working into her nineties – was released around the world in 2024, and there are major exhibitions opening this year, with career-spanning retrospectives in the Netherlands and at Tate St Ives in October.
“It’s her colours that are so gorgeous,” says Johnstons’ creative director, Angela Bell, whose love of the artist’s work led her to use Wilhelmina as an inspiration for the new spring/summer collection. “I especially love the painting Firth of Forth Series No 12. ere is real punch and depth in the colours, which is what I’m taking into the new collection. It’s a more fashion-forward direction, with nuance in the use of colour and the styling – nothing scary and still with that timeless quality of investible pieces that will last for ever, but with a little sense of the unexpected.”
Launching the new collection, the brand hosted events in its stores in Edinburgh and St Andrews, showing prints of Wilhelmina’s work alongside the clothes: “To see the pieces alongside the prints was amazing,” says Chris. “What Angie’s done with the inspiration from Barns-Graham is not in your face, but it just seeps through the whole collection. e muted paintings sat well with our more classic core
products. en the colourful ones alongside the more fashion-forward pieces.”
e St Andrews shop is very special to the brand, says Chris: “It’s in a lovely spot in town and we have built a close relationship with our customers, who come year after year from all over the world. It’s a luxury store but with a real sense of warmth.”
Angela adds: “Working with cashmere is a specialist job. It’s almost an art medium – the colours really sparkle because of the Scottish waters cleaning the yarn, and the pile comes up ever so slightly, so there’s a diffusion. It’s a natural, wonderful yarn and it’s practical – keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.”
And that, surely, is the essence of Scottish luxury: beauty and utility in equal measure, appreciated across the world.
Ask at e Emporium if you would like to buy a Johnstons of Elgin throw, or visit the store in town to see the full collection
‘Working with cashmere is a specialist job. It’s almost an art medium – the colours really sparkle’
LITTLE LUXURIES
AT THE OLD COURSE HOTEL, THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS COME WITH EVERY STAY
TRUE LUXURY IS RARELY loud It reveals itself quietly through the details that make you exhale, settle in and feel instantly at home. is season, the hotel is celebrating the art of thoughtful hospitality with two meaningful enhancements: our newly introduced Home Comforts menu and a refined refurbishment of our guest rooms, which has elevated soft furnishings and finishing touches to a new level of quality and elegance.
From the moment guests arrive, the aim for the Old Course Hotel team is simple: to ensure every stay feels personal. e Home Comforts menu takes this one step further. Curated with care and designed to anticipate your needs, it offers a suite of special touches that bring serenity and convenience to the guest experience.
As well as practical items such as phone chargers and adapter plugs, guests can request a variety of mood-boosting extras that range from a quick electrolytes boost (or even a glass of champagne) to a soothing sheet facial mask. To nurture a sense of wellbeing, the menu also includes complimentary use of yoga mats for inroom practice and Dryrobes to wrap up in after a refreshing dip in Fife’s waters. Special wildswimming gloves and boots are also available for purchase.
Families are thoughtfully provided for, too, with a curated selection of children’s and adult books available to help wind down after an active day exploring, plus milk and cookies for a cosy bedtime snack.
And because feeling good is as much about atmosphere as experience, we have also undertaken
a considered refresh of our guest rooms focusing on the details that shape the way a space feels. New textiles introduce richer textures and calmer tones. Upholstery has been updated with fabrics chosen not only for their beauty but also for their tactile comfort. Lamps, throws, cushions and small decor pieces have been upgraded, bringing a greater sense of warmth, craftsmanship and modern Scottish character to the rooms.
e result is a balance between heritage and contemporary luxury – rooms that feel serene, cocooning and unmistakably part of the Old Course Hotel’s story.
“Our goal is to ensure every guest feels seen, cared for and quietly indulged,” says general manager, Phyllis Wilkie. “ oughtful touches aren’t extras at the Old Course Hotel – they’re the heart of the experience.”
STAY GROUNDED
MEET THE MASSAGE THERAPIST BEHIND THE NATURAL PRODUCTS USED AT KOHLER WATERS SPA, DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEEP PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS THAT GO BEYOND MERE PAMPERING
AS WITH SO MANY great ideas, Peigin Crowley’s company was born at the kitchen table. A Cork-based massage therapist and consultant with 30 years experience, she was –literally – grounded during lockdown in 2020. So she decided to go back to the fundamentals of what our bodies really need, blending oils by hand and packaging up her first orders with the help of her mother and daughters. From these modest beginnings, the business has grown rapidly, with clients – including our
guests – recognising the deeply therapeutic benefits of GROUND’s products and its holistic, inclusive ethos. “We are a dedicated, therapist-centric spa brand, so our priority is training in wellbeing and sincere massage techniques to help with sleep, anxiety and hormone fluctuations,” says Peigin, explaining how GROUND’s products are specifically designed to be used within the spa setting. As for “sincere massage”, she is referring to a more empathetic approach in which therapeutic
Peigin Crowley, top, describes her company, GROUND, as a dedicated therapist-centric spa brand of skincare and self-care products
‘ e stunning landscape of St Andrews – the sea, the land – lends itself beautifully to our brand of aromatherapy’
treatments go beyond simple, surfacelevel pampering to provide deep physical and psychological benefits. “ e massage techniques we develop are advanced, they’re innovative and they’re all focused on lymphatic drainage, vagus-nerve and nervous-system regulation,” says Peigin.
“So it’s far more detailed and more exacting than a traditional shoulders-back-armsleg massage. We incorporate things like acupressure and gua sha drainage that give the body a good cleanse, and the nervous system a sense of safety so that it goes into a deep resting and digestive state.”
Of GROUND’s signature products, our therapists are huge fans of the sleepenhancing essential oils and muscle recovery balms. “We use a lot of magnesium, which is brilliant for golfers, for detoxing and for muscle repair,” says Peigin. “We also use incredible high-altitude lavender from a wonderful farm in Provence as a sedative. is is particularly popular among guests who’ve flown in from the US and have jet lag. But of course we cater for everything from pregnancies, menopause and cancer care [the team has recently included a new oncology massage] to children with neurodiversity –we’re a very inclusive brand.”
Peigin says she was lucky that the brand took off straight away and, indeed, GROUND can now be found in many of the world’s leading spas – but there’s something special about working with the Old Course Hotel. “When the hotel got in touch I was absolutely delighted,” she adds.
“It’s such an iconic property and Jelena [Adahovska, Kohler Waters Spa manager] has created an incredible offering. But for me, it’s all about the landscape. We’re a very natural brand. So the stunning landscape of St Andrews – the sea, the land – it lends itself beautifully to our brand of aromatherapy.”
QUEENS of the CASTLE
WOMEN’S WILD SWIMMING AND LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE COMING TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE MUCHLOVED CASTLE SANDS TIDAL POOL
SET BELOW THE DRAMATIC clifftop ruins of St Andrews Castle, Castle Sands tidal pool has long been a cherished place to swim, gather and connect with the sea. Beautiful, bracing and deeply woven into local life, it’s a spot that captures the spirit of the coastline – and one the community is now working hard to protect for generations to come.
After a century’s exposure to the winds and waves of the North Sea, the pool, or its stonework perimeter, is beginning to look a little the worse for wear. is has not gone unnoticed, especially among some of the town’s more committed cold-water swimmers, many of whom
can be found braving the elements at Castle Sands most mornings. Linda Anne Beaulier, a St Andrews community stalwart, was among that number until her sudden passing in 2025. As co-founder of e Hamish Foundation, a charitable organisation that raises funds for local community projects, she had taken it upon herself to oversee the restoration of this much-loved landmark.
“Linda Anne was St Andrews born and bred,” says her best friend and fellow Hamish Foundation cofounder, Debbie MacCallum. “She lived in a beautiful cottage on e Scores overlooking the tidal pool for
40 years, so she watched it slowly deteriorate. She was so passionate about its restoration, which is why we have launched the Castle Sands Forever campaign to ensure her vision is carried forward.”
e project aims to rebuild damaged stonework –including the sluice gate that was damaged in a storm two years ago – install handrails on the steep path leading to the beach and dredge the pool to clear decades of debris. “If you look at old photos of the pool it used to be much bigger,” says Debbie. “But over the years, so much sand has been washed into it. We can’t actually get any machinery down there, so we’re
going to have to dredge it by hand. at will be a day where a group of us just barrow the sand out above the high-water mark, which should return the pool to its original size.”
ankfully, there should be no shortage of volunteers. e project is being backed by local women’s swimming group Bob & Blether – regular visitors to the pool, which at the last count had at least 140 members. Likewise, the University of St Andrews Wild Saints swimming group, which also frequents the pool, can count over 400 swimmers in its ranks. And it’s a favourite spot for the Old
Clockwise from top: Debbie MacCallum (on the left) and Linda Anne Beaulier; swimmers enjoying Castle Sands tidal pool today; and in the early 1900s
Course Hotel’s two cold-water swimming instructors.
“Castle Sands is our home,” says Jamie CraigGentles, co-founder of Bob & Blether. “We swim here at sunrise, sunset, even moonlight. It’s about community and wellbeing. Restoring the pool would make a huge difference. At low tide, there’s often not enough water to swim safely.”
Debbie and the team are working closely with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Fife Council, Marine Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland to ensure the renovations are true to the original site.
“Many of the other tidal pools along the East Neuk – Pittenweem, St Monans and Cellardyke – have received funding to upgrade and improve them, and they’ve got thriving communities of swimmers.
I’d say Castle Sands is one of the most beautiful places in the world to swim when you look at that wonderful backdrop. It’s a very emotional place. It means so much to so many people and it’s just a tiny little pool.”
e project, which aims to raise £65,000 to £85,000, fits neatly into the town’s push to become a year-round wellbeing destination. “ ere’s more and more pressure on this little town of ours,” says Debbie. “So it’s about how do we protect what we have, keep it, restore it and make it as attractive and as safe as possible, but without losing its magic. at’s the key.”
To donate to Castle Sands Forever, visit justgiving.com/ campaign/castlesandstidalpool
‘I’d say it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to swim, when you look at that wonderful backdrop’
Above, members of Bob & Blether take to the waters.
Right, the Old Course Hotel’s swimming instructors lead guests on a guided sunrise dip
VIBE SHIFT
LOOK AHEAD TO A WEEKEND RETREAT AT THE OLD COURSE HOTEL, WHERE CRISP SEA AIR AND MINDFUL MOVEMENT EASE THE TRANSITION FROM SUMMER INTO THE QUIETER RHYTHMS OF WINTER
IT MAY BE SUMMER NOW, but it’s never too early to start thinking and planning for the months ahead. And the seasonal shift before winter arrives is the perfect moment to slow down, tune in and take a restorative pause. is November, the Old Course Hotel invites you to an overnight Slow & Restore Retreat, designed to nourish body, mind and spirit, leaving you grounded, refreshed and in step with the natural rhythms of the season.
Guiding the weekend is Rosanne Nieboer, a yoga and meditation teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Drawing on her Iyengar roots and deep knowledge of the subtle body and chakra system, Rosanne encourages participants to meet their bodies where they are. Her sessions combine alignment, breathwork and gentle inquiry to foster presence, curiosity and renewed calm – the perfect preparation for the reflective months ahead.
“I love creating spaces where people can slow down and reconnect with themselves,” says Rosanne. “ is retreat blends movement, meditation and reflection, using the subtle energy of the chakras to help guests restore balance, calm and clarity before winter.”
e retreat unfolds at a leisurely pace through the hotel’s serene spaces. Morning yoga awakens the body, guided meditations tune
participants into inner rhythms, and restorative sound baths soothe the nervous system. For those seeking an invigorating experience, a guided cold-water dip at Castle Sands tidal pool will connect guests with the beauty of the St Andrews coastline. Each element encourages reflection and integration, leaving participants centred and renewed.
Between sessions, the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa offers restorative indulgence, including a 50-minute treatment and access to a contrast therapy journey, allowing guests to experience the revitalising interplay of hot and cold treatments – a playful way to awaken the senses and rebalance the body.
Meals are thoughtfully curated to complement the wellness experience: a vibrant, nutritious lunch in the newly opened Herb’s; a dinner showcasing local, seasonal ingredients; and breakfast in the Road Hole Restaurant overlooking the Old Course, combining nourishment with stunning views.
Set against the windswept charm of West Sands Beach, the retreat blends mindful activity with reviving luxury – wander along the coast, breathing in the crisp sea air, before returning to the calm and comfort of the hotel.
By the time you head home, you’ll carry not only the profound benefits of yoga, meditation
and rejuvenating spa rituals, but also a deepened connection to yourself and the natural rhythms of the season – leaving you ready to move into winter with calm, clarity and restored balance.
JOIN OUR SLOW & RESTORE RETREAT
SATURDAY, 21ST NOVEMBER
Morning Uplifting yoga and breathwork with Rosanne
Afternoon Restorative yoga and meditation with Rosanne
Evening Guided meditation and soundbath
SUNDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
Sunrise cold-water dip at Castle Sands with Kohler Fitness team
For price & inclusions, and to book, visit oldcoursehotel.co.uk/wellness-workshops or call 01334 474371
Clockwise from far left: yoga and meditation teacher Rosanne Nieboer; a guest enjoys a rejuvenating treatment at Kohler Waters Spa; a morning cold-water dip at Castle Sands
“St Mary’s Quadrangle is very much a hidden gem just off the very busy South Street. e Quad, as it’s known, is the spiritual home of the School of Divinity, and has been since the 16th century, so you get a lot of the students relaxing on the grass between lectures. It is open to the public, and people come in to have picnics, especially in the summer, surrounded by lush lawns, beautiful borders of flowers and stunning, mainly 16th-century buildings. Here you’ll find one of Scotland’s most notable “heritage trees”, a famous hawthorne reputedly planted by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1563. It’s also home to the iconic Holm Oak, which, at approximately 12 feet across, is the largest of its kind in Scotland – it’s a magnificent tree.”
Val Eglinton,Blue Badge Guide with Scottish Tourist Guides Association
“I’ve lived in the St Andrews area for 26 years now, and I’m still discovering new places. e town has a phenomenal religious history. Legend has it that St Rule brought some of St Andrew’s bones to the town in the fourth century –hence its name – which were eventually discovered at the cathedral. Of course, there’s not a great deal left of it, but St Andrews Cathedral was the biggest in Scotland. I only recently went to see the grave of Tom Morris for the first time. He and his father are both buried in the cathedral grounds. It’s great to explore.”
Peter Dawson, former CEO of The R&A and a member of the board of directors at the Old Course Hotel
Let us LEAD the WAY
LOCAL EXPERTS SHARE THEIR MUSTSEES AND HIDDEN GEMS
“I’m a cat lover so, naturally, a fan of legendary local feline Hamish McHamish. e ginger tom became well known for spending time around South Street, greeting people and making them smile. He brought the community together, as locals and visitors alike felt connected to him, and his story shows that St Andrews isn’t only about history and buildings – it’s also about character, community and small moments that make people happy. Hamish, who passed away in 2014, had his own Facebook page and a book written about him, Hamish McHamish of St Andrews: Cool Cat About Town. Visitors can see a bronze statue of the famous kitty on Logies Lane.”
Wendy Cormack, chair of St Andrews Local Tourism Association
“West Sands Beach might get all the headlines but I much prefer East Sands – and so does my dog, a golden retriever that just loves the water. We particularly enjoy the side of the beach by the harbour where you can see all of the little fishing boats. We’ll often grab some fish and chips and head down to East Sands, sit on the harbour wall or the end of the pier, and eat them there. On a peaceful summer’s day, there’s honestly nowhere in the world I would rather be.”
Tomasz Wozniak, concierge team leader at the Old Course Hotel
“ e Royal and Ancient Clubhouse is one of the most recognisable buildings in golf, and has been the backdrop to so many iconic moments in the history of e Open. In my role, it is a great privilege to care for the club’s historic artefacts, some of which are over 250 years old. I’m based nearby at e R&A World Golf Museum, and we see many visitors – golf enthusiasts of all ages – from all over the world who have made a once-in-a-lifetime journey to St Andrews. It is fantastic to see them enjoying our galleries and sharing their stories of golf on our Memories Wall, which shows how much the sport means to people from all walks of life.”
Kieran George, curator at the R&A World Golf Museum
From WILL YOU? to I DO!
HERE AT THE OLD COURSE HOTEL, WE’RE MASTERS AT HELPING LASTING LOVE STORIES UNFOLD
FROM WINDSWEPT BEACH WALKS to candlelit corners overlooking the Links, St Andrews is a place made for romance. And for couples choosing the Old Course Hotel as the setting for one of life’s most meaningful moments, our dedicated events team can help ensure that popping the question goes off without a hitch.
For Laura Russell, senior events manager at the Old Course Hotel, helping guests plan proposals is a natural extension of what the hotel does best: creating moments that feel personal, thoughtful and effortlessly memorable.
“People often choose us because they already have a relationship with the hotel,” Laura explains. “ ey’ve stayed here for Christmas, for special occasions or simply because it feels familiar. ere’s comfort in that – and comfort matters when you’re about to ask one of the biggest questions of your life.”
What sets proposals at the Old Course Hotel apart is the level of personalisation. Some people arrive with a clear vision, while others simply let the team know they’re planning to
propose and ask for guidance. From there, the events and front-office teams quietly work behind the scenes to ensure that everything unfolds seamlessly – whether that means arranging flowers, coordinating music or simply making sure the timing feels right.
“We can help as much or as little as they want,” Laura says. “Sometimes it’s about creating a private moment and giving them space. Other times, it’s about bringing something special to life.”
Over the years, the team has helped plan proposals from the beautifully simple to the wonderfully elaborate. One particularly memorable moment took place in the hotel’s Library, where a guest arranged exclusive use of the space, complete with a guitarist and surprise photographers. e couple later returned to celebrate their wedding at the hotel.
Another guest transformed the Penthouse into a floral wonderland, with flowers lining the staircase and filling the suite – a dramatic surprise that reflected the couple’s style
perfectly. And sometimes, the most heartfelt moments happen unexpectedly: after dinner in the bar, with a favourite song playing softly in the background.
e hotel has no shortage of romantic settings, from tucked-away corners to dramatic spots with sweeping views, like the Deck. But our coastal location also offers guests plenty of scenic spots to propose outdoors –on West Sands Beach, perhaps, or along the coastal paths. Afterwards, they can return to the hotel to celebrate, with champagne, flowers or a thoughtful turn-down adding an extra layer of magic.
Unsurprisingly, many couples who proposed at the hotel return later, too. Some come back to celebrate anniversaries; others go on to plan weddings with the same team who helped create their engagement story.
“It’s all about helping people feel looked after,” Laura says. “If we can take a little bit of the pressure away and help create a moment they’ll remember forever, then we’ve done our job.”
As well as organising weddings, the Old Course Hotel has been tasked with helping many a proposal go without a hitch
AROUND the WORLD in 80 WINES
FROM EMERGING REGIONS TO CONSIDERED PAIRINGS, OUR HEAD SOMMELIER TALKS THROUGH THE OLD COURSE HOTEL’S EVEREVOLVING WINE LIST
OUR HEAD SOMMELIER, Soma Orehoczki, is a man on a mission. “When I started here, the wine lists were dominated by the classics, mostly European, Bordeaux, some Italian and Spanish wines,” he says. “I wanted to bring in more of a philosophy to the lists and introduce some less well known, but great wines from places like Greece and Lebanon. I also wanted to add some interesting options by the glass.”
And, as anyone who has recently dined at the Old Course Hotel or even just enjoyed a glass or two at one of our bars will know, Soma has more than achieved his aim. Unsurprisingly, his home country of Hungary is well represented. He points out that while the country’s bestknown red is probably the heartily named Bull’s Blood, it’s far from representative of the delicate, nuanced bottlings that his home winemakers have come to be known for.
“Hungary has a buzzing wine industry,” he says. “ ere are 22 very good wine regions, most of which are up and coming, but my absolute favourite wine is a dry furmint [a grape native to Hungary] from Tokaj, a region best known
for its dessert wines. It’s also become a firm favourite among the staff at the hotel.”
It is Soma’s deep, esoteric knowledge of lesser-known wine regions that drew us to him in the first place. Having worked every job imaginable in the wine trade, both in Budapest and throughout the UK, he says he was looking for a prestigious establishment to put his stamp on when he took the position at the Old Course Hotel.
Soma’s philosophy is showcased on the list at Road Hole Restaurant, which now offers a red and white from Chateau Musar, the winery that first put Lebanese wines on the map. For rioja, he has turned to Viña Tondonia, the producer he believes to be the best in the region, and, in the Gran Reserva 2012, the most soughtafter vintage.
However, the sommelier’s approach changes from restaurant to restaurant. To accompany the steaks and seafood at Swilcan Loft, Soma suggests the albariño from Spain’s coastal Rías Baixas region – “high acidity, light body and distinct notes of peach, lemon and grapefruit” –the nero d’avola or the Picpoul de Pinet, which
he serves by the glass. Meanwhile, he says, the wine lists at e Jigger Inn, Hams Hame and the Road Hole Bar are designed to be more accessible. “Here I try to offer wines that will suit everyone’s palette,” Soma adds. “We’ve got crisp sauvignon blancs, richer chardonnays and lighter pinot noirs, for example – benchmark grape varieties with nice, clean aromas.”
Still, it’s clear that Soma enjoys discussing the 250-strong wine list at Road Hole Restaurant the most, for this is where his expertise really comes into play. Here, alongside curiosities and classics such as rioja blanco and Cloudy Bay by the glass, he has developed wine pairings for each dish. “I would say that our signature dish is the lobster ravioli, which comes with a very rich, buttery sauce,” says Soma. “For that, we suggest a premium chardonnay from Burgundy called Montagny. It’s a premier cru from one of the best vineyards in the area. It’s still not an ultra-premium wine, but it’s extremely delicious and goes perfectly with the buttery sauce.”
He’s particularly proud of Road Hole Restaurant’s selection of dessert wines, which,
‘I wanted to bring more of a philosophy to the lists and introduce some less wellknown, but great wines’
including ports and sherries, now boasts over 15 wines by the glass. A highlight here, according to the sommelier, is a 2005 Chateau Laville sauternes, which he describes as “beautiful and sweet and best enjoyed with a cheeseboard”.
As for the showstoppers – the kind of bottles you might order to celebrate a hole-inone, perhaps – Soma has had some fun in that department, too. “We’ve got our fair share,” says the Hungarian with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ve got a 1988 Petrus, which is one of the most expensive wines in the world, and I was very lucky to find this lovely aged example. And there’s a very impressive bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, an incredibly rare Burgundy, from 2002. For me, these ‘unicorn’ wines only add to the colour of the wine list.”
Something for everyone then, from rare ultra-premiums to Hungarian dessert wines. Or, if you’re up for a real curveball, Soma has one or two of those up his sleeve, too. Just ask.
Below, head sommelier Soma Orehoczki has selected wines to pair perfectly with all the dishes at Road Hole Restaurant, left, and other Old Course dining destinations
e ART of the GAME
COMBINING A LOVE OF PAINTING WITH A PASSION FOR THE SPORT, GRAEME BAXTER HAS FORGED AN ENVIABLE CAREER AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S FOREMOST GOLFCOURSE ARTISTS
SPEAKING TO ARTIST Graeme Baxter at his 160-acre ranch in Texas, you get the sense that, when reflecting on his career, he can still hardly believe his luck. At the time, he’s working on an exotic new commission – Hualālai Golf Course in Hawaii – his 350th painting of a famous golf course. He’s averaged just under 10 paintings every year for the past 36 years, including 64 of the world’s 100 top golf courses. Later this year, he’ll paint Crystal Downs Country Club in Michigan and Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana (taking his tally to 66), and presumably a handful of others to boot.
“ ey say ‘find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’” Graeme says, cheerfully (and probably not for the first time). “Well, I can attest to that.”
In 1986, the Scotsman combined his two greatest passions – golf and art – by painting a picture of the Old
Course. At the time, his father, who owned an art gallery in Strathblane in Stirlingshire asked innocently enough, “What is a painting of a golf course?” To which he replied, “I don’t know. I’m just going to paint the 17th hole, because I love the view of St Andrews.”
Suitably impressed, his father showed the work to Sir Michael Bonallack, then secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, who remarked that it was one of the finest golf paintings he had ever seen. ey agreed to make 850 giclée prints – a lot for an unknown artist – which flew off the shelves. Graeme then decided to paint the clubhouse at Turnberry, which went down just as well.
“Apart from me, there was really only another American lady [Linda Hartough] painting golf courses at that time,” he recalls. “So between us, we painted all of the major tournaments for about the next 10 years.” Indeed, Graeme
has been the official artist at e Ryder Cup, e Open Championship, e Presidents Cup, Solheim Cup, the PGA Tour and European Tour. His work is displayed in the clubhouses at Augusta, Pebble Beach, Mission Hills and Pine Valley in China – not to mention in the entrance of the Old Course Hotel.
“ at is very much my masterpiece,” he says of the monumental painting hanging behind the concierge’s desk.
It’s a snapshot of e Open in St Andrews in 2000, taken from the roof of the Old Course Hotel, and which took him six months to complete. “I said at the time that I was going to be the first living British traditional artist to sell a painting for over six figures, and thanks to the late Yoshiaki Sakurai [former chairman of e Kosaido Company, which owned the Old Course Hotel until 2004] who bought it at auction, that prediction came true.”
Left, Scottish golf-course artist Graeme Baxter. Above, the painting he describes as his masterpiece, View from the Old Course Hotel
Plenty of conjecture surrounds the painting, as our concierge will tell you, but it does contain one or two easter eggs. “ at’s my mum and dad above the 17th green,” grins Graeme. “My mum’s got a grey coat on and my dad’s wearing a 1991 Ryder Cup jacket, which he wore all the time. My wife [fellow artist Lorna Baxter] painted the dog on the path next to the first fairway.”
By the artist’s reckoning, he’s probably painted the Old Course 25 times. His interpretation of Swilcan Bridge is another of his most celebrated works. For him, the goal is to, “record golf history through my paintings. I like to be accurate but not photographically accurate. I’m striving to find the heart of a golf course – and this might sound a wee bit weird, but I feel I generally get to within feet of it. From there, I try to grasp the many details and colours, and capture its key characteristics and natural feel.”
How does he locate the heart of a course? “A lot of clubs tell me they’d like to look at holes number seven, nine and 18,” says Graeme. “I’ll photograph these, but also a few others that I’m drawn towards, and give them a shortlist of six. A lot of clubs have signature holes, but oftentimes, as Jack Nicklaus once said, ‘All my holes are signature holes.’ In which case, it’s about finding new angles that perhaps people haven’t seen before.”
Reflecting on his career, which he believes is far from over, Graeme says he could never have imagined meeting the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Tiger Woods – let alone playing with some of them. “For me, there’s nothing better than getting in a golf cart, early in the morning or late in the evening when no one’s around, and driving round the course, taking it all in. And I’ve no intention of stopping. In fact, I’d like to think that one of these days I’ll fall over with a paint brush in my hand.”
DOWN TO A TEE
‘I’m striving to find the heart of a golf course, its key characteristics and natural feel’
“I’VE SEEN PEOPLE COME from all around the world to play the Old Course, and I’ve seen what it means to them,” says John Kelly, a golf artist based in St Andrews. “For a lot of them, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” So how does one immortalise such an experience? Well, you’d like to think someone in your foursome might take a few snaps, and it’s worth keeping hold of your more memorable scorecards, but John has a better suggestion: a painted portrait that captures your defining moment on the course.
“I work with golfers who’ve come to play the courses they’ve always dreamed of – places like the Old Course, Royal Dornoch and Kingsbarns, courses with history, beauty and meaning,” says the Irishman who has lived in St Andrews for the past 20 years. “Your time here deserves more than a photograph. It’s about creating a feeling. at means faithfully depicting the weather come rain or shine.”
Before the round, John discusses how the player would like to be portrayed and what they’d like in the background. Most opt for teeing off on a signature hole, but it’s not unusual for him to paint someone putting or celebrating. In fact, that’s how he recently painted Tiger Woods – arm raised, fist clenched, having just won his first Open at St Andrews in 2000. e painting was commissioned by e R&A to celebrate Woods’ 50th birthday in 2025 – a huge endorsement of John’s young business, which we’re also supporting here at the Old Course Hotel.
“ e real art of these paintings is capturing the way someone plays,” he says. “If you’re able to tell who the subject is by the way they’re hitting the ball, not just by what they’re wearing, then the painting is a success.”
For more information please visit golf-portraiturescotland.com
Right, the unveiling of View from the Old Course Hotel, which now hangs behind the concierge’s desk Below, his famed interpretation of Swilcan Bridge
LOCAL GOLF PORTRAIT ARTIST JOHN KELLY CAPTURES PLAYERS’ FINEST MOMENTS ON THE COURSE
A FRESH START
INTRODUCING HERB’S, THE OLD COURSE HOTEL’S NEW CAFÉ, WELCOMING GUESTS, LOCALS AND WANDERERS ALIKE
THERE IS SOMETHING about St Andrews – the salt in the air, the soft light on West Sands, the gentle hum of people moving through town – that makes the idea of a beautiful bright café feel essential, a place to pause, reconnect and enjoy a moment of calm in the day. is season, the Old Course Hotel brings that idea to life with Herb’s, a brand-new café named in honour of the late Herbert Kohler Jr, whose vision helped shape the hotel into the destination it is today.
Herb’s is a serene, uplifting space designed to nourish and energise. Positioned just steps from the main entrance, it is a natural extension of the Old Course Hotel experience – a place to start a busy day, regroup after a walk or simply relax with something delicious in hand. e design leans into freshness and simplicity: subtle tones, natural textures, sunlight spilling through wide windows and a gentle flow that encourages both lingering and quick stops.
All-day energy
Mornings at Herb’s are about ease and renewal. Barista-led service, fresh pastries and nourishing bowls offer the perfect start, whether you’re grabbing a quick takeaway or settling in for a slower breakfast. Lunchtime invites leisure, with fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, light bites and tableside cocktails adding
a playful, social touch. Evenings transform Herb’s into a refined venue for private events, from intimate gatherings to pre-wedding receptions.
Whatever the time of day, the menu champions fresh, seasonal ingredients and modern vitality. Smoothie bowls, vibrant salads, herbal infusions, coldpressed juices and feel-good snacks are designed for nourishment as much as indulgence.
A space for all
While Herb’s serves hotel guests, it has also been designed with locals in mind. Convenient access, parking, free wi-fi and a takeaway hatch make it a natural stop for dog-walkers, students, golfers and neighbours seeking an alternative to the town centre. Our vision is for a new gathering place in the St Andrews landscape, rooted in the community and elevated in experience – much like the vision Herbert Kohler Jr had for the hotel when he purchased it in 2004.
“Herb’s isn’t just a café,” says Mario Rodrigues, director of food and beverage at the Old Course Hotel. “It’s a place for connection, for community and for creating moments. Everything, from the food to the drinks to the way the space flows, is designed to make people feel good.” Now that is a legacy to be proud of.
HERB’S DAILY RHYTHM
6AM 10AM
WAKEUP & GRAB
Artisanal coffees, pastries, breakfast bowls
10AM 1PM
BRUNCH & LIGHT LUNCH
Salads, toasties, smoothies, cold-pressed juices
AFTERNOONS
LEISURE & INDULGENCE
Small plates, wine o’clock, cooking experiences, cocktails
EVENINGS
ELEGANT GATHERINGS
Private events, pre-wedding receptions, whisky tastings
Below, Herb’s is the latest addition to our dining scene
How to DESIGN a GOLF COURSE with SOUL
OUR SISTER RESORT, KOHLER, WISCONSIN FAMOUS FOR ITS SPECTACULAR GOLF COURSES SUCH AS WHISTLING STRAITS AND BLACKWOLF RUN IS BUILDING A NEW 14HOLER, TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE SPORT’S GOLDEN AGE
WHEN GOLF ARCHITECT Rob Collins sat down to devise the layout for Purebred Farm, a new 14-hole course that will open at Kohler, Wisconsin in August 2027, it’s fair to say that big driving distances were low on his list of priorities. “We want this course to have a soul to it, where it’s not just plugging numbers into the computer,” he explains. “We want people to come out and hit golf shots.”
As the designer behind Sweetens Cove in Tennessee – acclaimed as one of the best ninehole courses in the US – Rob has a track record of creating layouts that reward shrewd stroke play and a strong ground game rather than pure power hitting. His vision for Purebred Farm is of “a strategic shot-making paradise. It’s going to be all about giving the right spot to get the
best chance to score. ere’s always going to be more than one answer to how to get around on each hole, and hopefully there’ll be a sense of discovery as you play.”
e new course is intended to complement Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run while offering “something a little different, a little bit unique”. e most obvious difference, of course, is the number of holes, though Rob attributes that to “happenstance”. As he puts it: “We followed the land and went with what was given us.” e design brief was for a walking-only course that could be played in a shorter time. And, he recalls, “we felt that we could do a really sporty, fun, interesting 14-hole course – there were just 14 great holes sitting out there.”
Rob, who cut his fairway-fashioning teeth
working for Gary Player, is a founding member of King Collins Dormer Golf Course Design, which has courses in the pipeline from Utah to the Scottish Highlands and Tasmania. He has long been an advocate of working with the landscape, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement when he describes the Purebred Farm site, which will showcase several distinct types of terrain.
First up will be gently rolling ground that calls to mind the natural Midwest prairie. en, past the Tomczyk Cabin, players will wind their way around what was once an active farming area. e middle and later holes will be constructed around “heaving contours that were left by glaciers aeons ago – it looks like waves on the land”, before the final holes return to the savannah style. Rob describes the project as a “found golf course. It’ll look like we laid a green carpet down on top of the existing terrain.” is “minimalist, low-impact approach” is influenced by the great course architects of the Golden Age – legendary designers such as AW Tillinghast, Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie and Harry Colt, says Rob. “ ey were known for working with the land that they had, but they were also not afraid to take some risks, to test the boundaries at times.” King Collins Dormer also draws inspiration from modern master Pete Dye, the creator of Whistling Straits, whose innovations included the introduction of fine fescue grass to American fairways in 1998.
“We’re going to have all fescue in the fairways at Purebred Farm, so the ground game will be a big part of it,” says Rob, who is enjoying working with Kohler Co’s “excellent agronomic team” under Chris Zugel now that the course is under construction: “Getting to build a golf course with fine fescue turf, which is the ultimate playing surface, allows us to really lean into these Golden Age principles and to add a few little quirks that maybe some of those guys would have done.”
Rob’s aim at Purebred Farm is to create a “really interesting second-shot golf course and recovery-shot golf course. When you come off, you’re going to want to go right back to the first tee and try it again, because you will learn little tricks the first time around that you’d like to employ to your benefit the second or third or fourth time around. at’s the ultimate compliment for a golf course, and it’s what we’re trying to build.”
TALK OF THE TOON
WHAT TO DO, SEE, EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY WHILE YOU’RE STAYING WITH US
RETAIL THERAPY, REIMAGINED
ere’s something quietly exciting happening just off our lobby – and it’s all about beautiful things, thoughtfully curated and designed to delight. e Emporium is the hotel’s new boutique – an elegant, welcoming space where thoughtful gifts, Scottish craftsmanship and everyday essentials come together.
Inside, you’ll discover the Old Course Hotel collection, which includes a series of exclusive collaborations with luxury Scottish brands – think Laura omas candles and diffusers in our own signature scent, Anta Scotland’s iconic carpet bags and mugs featuring a bespoke print.
Alongside these exclusives, the boutique offers an expanded collection of carefully chosen pieces and a considered edit of books and stationery. ere is also an array of tempting foodie treats –teas, chocolate, honey and traditional tablet – all beautifully packaged and dangerously moreish.
Of course, practicality hasn’t been forgotten. From toothpaste and paracetamol to the everyday essentials that you only realise you need once you’ve arrived, e Emporium has you covered.
Down the hall, golfers can look forward to the refreshed Pro Shop, which is sporting a new look for the season. e updated space showcases premium sportswear brands such as Peter Millar, Kjus, Glenmuir, FootJoy and Malbon, while also serving as the home of our golf concierge team. Stop by for expert advice and personalised service from Malcolm Wowk (interviewed on page 3) and his knowledgeable team.
Whether you’re picking up a thoughtful gift, replacing a forgotten essential or simply enjoying a browse, these refreshed retail spaces are designed to let the luxury of your stay linger a little longer. Because the best indulgences are often the ones you can take home – a familiar scent, a favourite flavour or a small reminder of time well spent at the Old Course Hotel.
CHARIOTS OF FIRE BEACH RACE
“It’s rare that the general public can place themselves on a film location and recreate a particular scene so faithfully,” says Ben McLeod, founder of St Andrews’ annual Chariots of Fire Beach Race (31st May, 2026) – for which the Old Course Hotel is a partner this year. “I think that’s one reason it’s become so popular. But also, seeing 800 runners, all wearing white, set off to the sound of Vangelis is stirring both for the runners and for the spectators.”
Ben first organised the 5km race in 2011 to raise money for Sue Ryder, the palliative care and bereavement support charity that had looked after his late aunt. He never intended it to become a regular event, but it went down so well that he had no choice but to organise it the following year – and every year thereafter.
“ at scene is iconic,” he says, referring to the moment in the 1981 film that sees British track stars Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell race along West Sands Beach. “It’s a homage to the
simple pursuit of running. Recreating it on the actual beach, with the same unaltered skyline, is incredibly powerful. All the runners receive a finish-line beer, another round of Vangelis and, even more excitingly, a fudge doughnut from Fisher & Donaldson.” is year, places for the race sold out within 10 minutes, and another 300 runners are on the waiting list. “We regularly raise £10,000, which is donated in full to a mixture of local charities,” says Ben. “We have contributed more than £20,000 to the construction of the new lifeboat station around the coast at Anstruther, for example. Overall, I think it has thrived because of the support we’ve received from the participants and from the local businesses and organisations that provide goods, services or manpower. Our focus on running an event of modest ambition, but doing it really well, seems to have worked so far.”
PART OF THE FURNITURE
Farmore Interiors is two things: a shop selling expertly chosen objects that will make your house look lovely, and a design studio that will make your house look even lovelier. Since 1997, its founder, Juliet Rathbone-Tulleth, has helped to furnish hundreds of homes around Fife, but says her clients are very much an international bunch. “We have wonderful customers from all over the world who always pay us a visit when they’re in St Andrews,” she adds. “ e main shop is filled with furniture, lighting, mirrors and pictures, with a ladies’ clothing and baby area at the rear. We have a wonderful selection of cards, candles, room fragrances and bath and body products – the list goes on. We pride ourselves on selecting beautiful accessories from all over the world.” And, as advertised, it does “far more” than just interiors. According to Juliet, Chrystal’s handmade shortbread is a “firm favourite”.
PUTT IT TO THE TEST
Better known as e Himalayas, the St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club is a private members’ club that lies between the Old Course and the spectacular West Sands Beach. is “miniature links” was laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1867. He gradually smoothed out the surface and cut back the gorse so that only putters were needed. Lately, the club has been closed for refurbishment, but from March it will be open to the public on weekends, then daily from April to October.
SPOIL YOURSELF
Spoiled Life is a beautifully curated lifestyle store stocking men’s and women’s clothing, homewares and specialty coffee. “Season by season, we move closer to our goal,” say the shop’s founders, Glenn and Steve Malloy, “As the years passed by, the store grew bigger and better. Brands from around the globe have become a permanent part of the Spoiled Life family, influencing the ethos of sustainable clothing that is made to endure the world’s ever-changing trends, with pieces that you’ll reach for time and time again.”
CALENDAR
APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2026
30TH APRIL
The Gaudie
This beloved student tradition sees St Andrews filled with red gowns for an atmospheric torchlit procession to East Sands. The occasion honours former student John Honey, who heroically rescued five sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast in 1800. The ceremony concludes with the laying of a wreath at the shore, hours before the exhilarating May Dip. A moving tradition, not to be missed.
3RD MAY
Champagne Brunch Picnic
A welcome return for the most sparkling occasion in the St Andrews calendar. Savour a leisurely picnic brunch overlooking the Old Course, complete with gourmet delights, chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne and laid-back DJ sets – a relaxed and refined way to soak up the season’s best views. Picnics take place on the first Sunday of each month until 6th September. Secure your spot now via Eventbrite.
2ND - 3RD MAY
Step into Summer Retreat Ease into the warmer months with this restorative overnight retreat led by wild swimmer, photographer and wellness writer Anna Deacon. Thoughtfully designed to nourish body and mind, the experience weaves together invigorating sea dips, contrast spa sessions, yoga and mindful practices – an invitation to slow down, reconnect and rediscover balance. Book your place now at oldcoursehotel.co.uk/ wellness-retreats.
5TH MAY
Gut Health Workshop
Discover your “inner garden” at this interactive workshop hosted by certified health coach Debra Hogan. A deep dive into microbiome health, digestion and the gut-brain connection, it offers practical tools to reduce bloating, support immunity and restore balance.
21ST MAY
Floating Sound Meditation
Discover a deeply calming way to unwind at Kohler Waters Spa. Drift weightlessly in the pool, as soothing sound vibrations wash over you, helping to release tension and restore inner balance. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy the tranquil spa facilities before the sound meditation begins. Book your place via Eventbrite; also available on 23rd July and 24th September.
31ST MAY
Chariots of Fire Beach Race
More than 800 runners will gather on West Sands for this annual charity run inspired by the opening scene from the Oscar-winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire, in which Olympians Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams run along the beach to the stirring music of Vangelis. Don’t miss this epic event, which brings history to life and the community together while raising money for local charities.
2ND JUNE
Strong Women: Bone & Muscle Health in Midlife
Hosted by certified health coach Debra Hogan, this empowering session explores how protein, movement and lifestyle choices support bone density and muscle strength — particularly important for women in perimenopause and beyond.
29TH JUNE - 3RD JULY
Graduation Week
See the town flooded with robes and proud family members as students at the University of St Andrews celebrate their academic achievements with a week of ceremonies in the beautiful Younger Hall, a grand concert hall situated in the centre of town. Road Hole Restaurant and Swilcan Loft will be serving special graduation menus throughout the week.
1ST - 5TH JULY
East Neuk Festival
Taking place in the beautiful coastal villages of Fife, this musical feast features recitals by classical, jazz, traditional and contemporary artists. The five-day festival attracts performers from around the world, as well as Scotland’s top talent.
7TH JULY
Summer Wellness Workshop
Hosted by certified health coach
Debra Hogan, this Eating & Living in Season workshop teaches gentle ways to nourish and energise with seasonal foods, hydration tips and light, uplifting practices aligned with summer’s natural rhythms.
4TH AUGUST
Sleep Health Workshop
Join wellness expert Debra Hogan for a calming, practical session focussing on circadian-aligned strategies for deeper rest. The workshop includes foods for better sleep, wind-down rituals and techniques to soothe the nervous system.
1ST - 8TH AUGUST
Pittenweem Arts Festival
This vibrant showcase of creativity is far from your average gallery experience. Taking place in (arguably) Fife’s most charming fishing village, the festival brings art to life in the most unexpected places, from cosy front rooms to quirky garages. This is a unique opportunity to connect with more than 140 talented artists in an intimate setting, and perhaps even take home a piece of their art.
1ST SEPTEMBER
Brain Health & Memory Workshop
Hosted by certified health coach
Debra Hogan, this informative session shares practical nutrition, lifestyle and movement advice to support memory, improve mental clarity and reduce brain fog.
13TH SEPTEMBER
Pier Walk
Each year, as the new academic term begins, students and townspeople gather for the Pier Walk, a cherished St Andrews tradition. Dressed in red gowns, the students stroll along the historic harbour, celebrating fresh beginnings, community and the beauty of the coastline. A serene yet spirited moment that captures the essence of the town.
6TH OCTOBER
The Menopause Workshop
A calm, empowering workshop hosted by certified health coach
Debra Hogan, exploring hormonal shifts, common symptoms and how food, stress and lifestyle choices can support perimenopause and menopause.
21ST - 22ND NOVEMBER
Slow & Restore Wellness Retreat
As the season turns, take time to pause and reset with this immersive overnight retreat, led by yoga and meditation teacher Rosanne Nieboer. Combining mindful movement, guided meditation, restorative sound baths, spa experiences and optional cold-water immersion, it offers a grounding transition into winter. Find out more at oldcoursehotel.co.uk/ wellness-retreats.
LEGENDS OF THE LINKS
Lieutenant Frederick Guthrie Tait, 1898
“I do not think I have ever seen any other golfer so adored by the crowd”
Like the Bryson DeChambeau of the late Victorian era, Freddie Tait was renowned for the length of his drives – in January 1893, he propelled his gutta-percha ball a record-breaking 341 yards on the 13th hole of the Old Course. He also established new standards for amateur golf: after becoming a member of the Royal and Ancient in 1890, just after his 20th birthday, he set a string of Old Course scoring records. Freddie honed his game on summer holidays in St Andrews – his father was a professor at the University of Edinburgh and carried out experiments on the physics of golf based on his son’s ball-striking data. Freddie later joined the Black Watch, the regiment that guarded Queen Victoria at Balmoral, but evidently had plenty of leisure time – he was the best-placed amateur at the Open six times between 1891 and 1899, and endeared himself to fans with his audacious play, sense of sportsmanship and fondness for celebrating victories with a blast on the bagpipes. Tragically, the Second Boer War brought an end to his golf career. Freddie arrived in South Africa in October 1899 and was killed in action four months later. Yet his legacy lives on in St Andrews – a portrait of Freddie hangs in the R&A clubhouse to this day, and the 16th hole of the Jubilee Course is named in his honour.