It has been designed using the principles of links golf with an infusion of new styles.  The natural contours of the land and the dramatic coastal setting are combined with a unique blend of Rye grass, innovative green-keeping skills and the expertise of winning Ryder Cup captain, Sam Torrance.

Immediately the game begins by testing the golfer with challenging bunkers, undulating fairways and greens, and the occasional meandering stream making precision and club selection paramount.  As the course advances it works its way around the imposing structure of the hotel before bursting open to reveal a cross section of the remaining twelve holes down towards the cliff edge and all the while framed by the powerful canvass of the St Andrews skyline.

The deceptive back nine creates uncertainty for the golfer with holes such as the tricky par 3, 15th with the green surrounded by a protective dry stone wall and steep sloping edges leading to deep, sunken bunkers.
Then it's onto the par 4, signature 17th, out of bounds running parallel with the coastal trail down the entire right hand side of the hole, before sharply cutting across the front of the green, itself guarded by bunkers and with the prevailing wind, the approach is fraught with anticipation of the final score.

The Torrance Course is undergoing extensive remedial work with a targeted re-opening in early Spring 2009. The remedial works are to include rebuilding each of the tees to improve draining and turf conditions. There will also be some relocation of tees to offer better playability on the course and redesigning of the bunkers.

The Devlin Course
The Devlin Course is a testament to Bruce Devlin's experience and expertise. It is a truly magnificent 72 par, 7,049 yard championship course that sweeps its way along the rugged seaside landscape. This as yet, undiscovered gem begins by innocently easing the golfer into a false sense of security, offering wide, well manicured fairways that wind around man-made water features and risky bunkers, teasing the golfer with a mix of par fours and fives.

Then it is onto the par 5, 7th where the walk to the tee signals the beginning of the roller coaster style rides up, over and around the rugged wilderness of Kittock's Den.  These ridge holes open up to the panorama of the white water crashing on the rocky shoreline below and over the body of the North sea to the Grampian mountains which dominate the horizon.  The ever-changing ambience of this vast and spectacular view heightens the experience for the golfer.

Leading on to the par 4 9th, which hugs the natural curve of the coastline, down to the heavily protected, suspended green.  The golfer is continually taunted by the course, which offers debate as to whether to play safe or take a risk.

At the par 4, 11th faced with this choice, do you veer to the tight fairway on the right or the wider, longer and safer option on the left?  The decision is yours.