The Torrance Course, St. Andrews Bay

One of the most exciting developments in Scotland in recent years has been the opening of the new St. Andrews Bay resort, and especially their two incredible golf courses high above the sea, the Torrance and the Devlin Courses. Incorporating completely new views of the Auld Grey Toon, including the famous St. Andrews Cathedral ruins, the Torrance Course is a “created links,” while the Devlin Course is pure clifftop golf, with turf similar to Pebble Beach. Building on flat, sloping farmland, Mr. Torrance (in collaboration with the late, great Gene Sarazen) somehow, though the miracle of modern equipment, fashioned a links among the ancient stone property boundaries that looks totally natural, as if it has been there forever. From the 14th green, where an improper step backwards off the green could send you crashing down the cliffs, through the 18th, it is especially spectacular, with greens right on the edge, as high above the sea as any course on earth. Amazingly, it is not even the most difficult course at St. Andrews Bay. This title belongs to the Devlin, one of the most severe and spectacular courses we have ever seen. The views are astonishing, and so are the shot values. Carts are available on the Devlin (and thank goodness!), making St. Andrews Bay one of the best day tickets in Scotland!