Major Championships, Classics & Competitive Events
St Andrews has long been associated with the greatest competitions in the game. With centuries of golfing history and world-famous links courses, it is no surprise that St Andrews golf tournaments attract players and spectators from across the globe.
Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of prestigious events, ranging from international amateur championships to global professional tournaments. For golf enthusiasts visiting St Andrews, these competitions offer the opportunity to experience the game at its highest level in one of the most historic settings in the sport.
Below are some of the most notable golf tournaments held in St Andrews
The Open Championship
Perhaps the most famous of all St Andrews golf tournaments is The Open Championship. Played at the Old Course approximately every five years, the event draws the world’s greatest golfers and a global audience of spectators.
The Open is returning to St Andrews in July 2027, offering fans an unmissable opportunity to experience history on the sport’s most iconic fairways. Visitors planning to attend can secure the perfect base with our specially curated Open 2027 accommodation in St Andrews — ideal for enjoying the tournament while staying close to the action.
For many visitors, attending The Open at St Andrews is a true bucket‑list experience, combining championship golf with the town’s rich heritage and charm.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of the most distinctive tournaments on the professional golf calendar. Played annually in autumn, this event combines top‑tier professional competition with a pro‑am format that pairs leading professional golfers with amateur partners — including well‑known figures from sport, entertainment and business.
The championship rotates across three historic courses:
The final round returns to St Andrews, allowing spectators to enjoy a festival‑like atmosphere alongside world‑class golf.
If you are visiting during this period, you may also find our Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews helpful.
St Andrews Classic – Annual Invitational Event
While not a professional tour event, the St Andrews Classic has grown in prestige as a popular annual invitational style tournament that attracts golfers from around the world. Hosted in the spring, the event offers competitive 72‑hole play across some of Fife’s finest links courses, including the Old Course and Kingsbarns.
For visitors looking to challenge themselves in an organised event during a golf holiday, the Classic provides a memorable competitive experience.
Amateur Championships – St Andrews Links & St Rule Trophy
St Andrews Links Trophy
The St Andrews Links Trophy is one of the most respected international amateur tournaments. Played over multiple links courses in St Andrews, the event attracts top amateur players from around the world and is a highlight of the amateur season each June.
St Rule Trophy
The St Rule Trophy is a longstanding women’s amateur competition played annually over New and Old Course layouts at St Andrews. It holds a distinguished place in amateur golf and contributes to the town’s rich competitive golf tradition.
Both events showcase rising stars of the sport and provide a compelling spectacle for golf enthusiasts.
Other Competitive Golf Events
In addition to the major professional and amateur tournaments, St Andrews hosts a variety of local and regional competitions that celebrate the sport at all levels:
- St Andrews Boys Open – A historic competition offering young male golfers a chance at high‑level tournament play.
- St Andrews Junior Ladies Open – Running alongside the Boys Open, this event promotes competitive golf for young women across multiple courses.
- International invitational matches and university/collegiate golf events that bring teams and players from around the world to compete on championship links.
These tournaments reflect St Andrews’ longstanding commitment to fostering competitive golf for players of all ages and abilities.
Visiting St Andrews for Golf Tournaments
When major events take place, the town of St Andrews comes alive. Spectators and competitors from around the world gather to enjoy world‑class golf, historic courses and the unique town atmosphere that makes this corner of Scotland exceptional.
Tournament weeks see strong demand for accommodation, particularly properties within walking distance of the historic courses. Many visitors choose self‑catering accommodation in St Andrews so they can explore at leisure, enjoy group stays with flexible spaces, and experience the full breadth of golf and local culture.
The Legacy of Competitive Golf in St Andrews
From the drama of The Open Championship to the unique pro‑am format of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and the spirited competition of annual classics and amateur championships, St Andrews offers a breadth of golf tournaments unmatched anywhere else.
For visitors planning a trip to watch, compete or simply experience the traditions of golf, St Andrews remains a driving force in the sport — a place where history lives on every fairway and every championship tee time tells a story.
