Peter Miller, starter at the Strathryrum and Balgove Courses

The Strathtyrum Course
Probably no one comes to St. Andrews specifically to play the Strathtyrum Course because it's not very difficult--wide open, flat and barely 5,000 yards. But it is on the same links land that hosts the Old, New and Jubilee Courses, and so it will give you a bit of a feel of what it's like to play its adjoining Big Brothers. Plus, the greens do require accurate iron play and, once on, you'll have to successfully negotiate contoured greens to score well.

Use the Strathtyrum as a practice course or to hone your short game, or to take a break from the difficult links lying next to it. Many of the locals use the Strathtyrum as a relaxing change, and you might enjoy it too. And for someone new to golf, the Strathtyrum is the perfect course.

This view gives you an idea of the wide open fairways of the Strathtyrum and the Balgove.

The Strathtyrum is not a difficult golf course but you will be facing some interesting shots like this one to the 13th green.

Strathtyrum's bunkers, not quite as challenging as its Big Brother's, but escaping them takes the same skills.

The Balgove Course
This nine hole golf course is for high handicappers, beginners, and children. It's flat and wide-open and your ball will virtually always be in play. But it is maintained in great shape so, if you're looking for a purely short-game practice, you may want to give it a try. Plus, tee times are almost always available.

Balgove Course practice area.

Balgove 9th green. A bit of a challenge to get there in 3.