Play the Devlish Devlin Course first when staying at the Fairmont, St. Andrews on a Scotland golf vacation.

The Old Course and its six cousins are not the only game in town when you’re on a St. Andrews, Scotland golf vacation. There are also two worthwhile tracks to play at the south end of town at the Fairmont St. Andrews resort (formerly St. Andrews Bay Golf Resort & Spa).

Both courses share a stunning, clifftop setting that varies between 20 and 80 feet above the sea. Sam Torrance, captain of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team, designed the first layout (which bears his name) with irresistible sea views from every hole. The slightly newer Devlin course was designed by Denis Griffiths in consultation with longtime tour player Bruce Devlin and is our pick as the “must play.”

Griffiths and Devlin were given a bit more frontage on the sea and ground with more elevation change than was Torrance. The Devlin acreage is also richer topographically, providing for more adventurous golf holes. Three of these escapades border the cliff’s edge and the 18th, a 185-yarder that tiptoes over the beach, providing a single-swing, high-drama finish.

Balance and diversity characterize this delightfully unpredictable golf course. The shot values are of the highest order and there is almost always room to run the ball onto the green. Like the Torrance Course, the sea is in sight at all times.

The Devlin Course will test, thrill and captivate players of all skill levels, so play it first when visiting the Fairmont St. Andrews on your Scotland golf vacation.

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