Golf course review: The Dukes at St Andrews

Rough edges - re-vamped bunkers at The Dukes course

While most of the recent talk surrounding St Andrews has been about the town's new Castle course, the nearby Dukes course has been receiving a make-over.

Before the introduction of the Castle and Kingsbarns courses, The Duke’s was the new kid on the block among the 11 courses which currently make up the golf paradise that's the Home of Golf. It was always a little different to the rest as a heathland creation set among the links lay-outs which dominate this unique tract of golfing country.

Great views from the refurbished Dukes course

Set above St Andrews at Craigtoun Park, there are some magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea and now with five separate tee positions at every hole, it has the flexibility to appeal to golfers at every level.

Despite its unrivalled position on the edge of the famous Road Hole, the Old Course Hotel has no privileged access to the Old Course itself, but owning The Dukes - a short transfer from the hotel - gives it an unrivalled opportunity to offer its guests a taste of something unique.

Revised and renovated by Tim Liddy in 2006 with five completely new holes, 100 re-vamped and stretched by 350 yards to more than 7,500 yards off the back tees, the Dukes will examine golfers of the highest quality.

An immediately recognisable and distinctive feature is the rough that has been allowed to grow around the tops of the bunkers lending a more natural look to the course and blending more sympathetically with the riot of colour from the gorse, whin, bracken and trees.

The short third and the fifth - a terrific par-4 - are particularly memorable as is the 7th and the new and improved 17th and 18th holes.

Clubhouse backdrop of the re-furbished 18th at The Dukes

Kohler, the USA-based company which acquired the Old Course Hotel and Dukes course in 2004, has spared no expense in upgrading both the course and hotel, furbishing the 144 rooms and 35 suites, 23 of which have been revamped in the style of French designer Jacques Garcia with rich, red silk-lined walls and private balconies revealing picture-postcard views of the the town.

While the Old Course Hotel is ideally placed for the golfer, it's also a superb base for exploring one of Scotland’s historic towns with excellent shopping, restaurants and bars - including the ultimate Jigger Inn in its grounds. And no visit should be complete without the challenge of the unique Himalayas putting green and the British Golf Museum - the ultimate compliment to a day's golf at the Duke course.