GOLF BUSINESS NEWS – St. Andrews Links Trust in talks to add Duke University Course to Golf Home portfolio

St Andrews Links Trust is in advanced discussions to take over the long-term lease of The Duke's Course, adding an eighth championship layout to the stewardship of the Golf Home.

The plan is to be finalized and the Links Trust will take over management of Duke University Course from Kohler-owned Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa later this year.

The clubhouse, driving range and other facilities at the Duke grounds will also be controlled by the Links Trust, an agreement that provides additional playing opportunities for Links ticket holders and visitors to St Andrews.

Duke's is located 3 miles outside St Andrews with views of the town and an 18-hole heather layout designed by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson. With teeing options of 5,216 to 7,512 yards, the course has two nine-hole loops and is known for its blowout bunkers, rolling fairways and undulating greens.

Duke University has hosted a number of elite amateur events over the years, the most recent of which was the 2019 Scottish Men's Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

The agreement will mark a significant addition to the Links Trust’s portfolio, which currently manages seven world-renowned courses in St Andrews, including the Old Course as well as three clubhouses, a golf academy and five retail outlets.

Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “This will be an exciting opportunity to expand the range of outstanding golf experiences we offer. Adding The Duke’s Course to our Tee times will be added to the portfolio for ticket holders and visitors while continuing to uphold the tradition and excellence of St Andrews.

“As our close neighbors in St Andrews, we have a strong and long-standing relationship with The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa and we hope to be able to announce further details soon as active negotiations continue.”

Phyllis Wilkie, general manager of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, said: “We are delighted that Duke University can play a role in meeting the high demand for golf in St. Andrews. Adding Duke to the St. Andrews Links Trust will provide Another outstanding golf experience available to ticket holders and visitors.

We look forward to promoting these positive discussions.

The announcement follows a historic tradition of adding golf courses to St. Andrews Links to increase playing opportunities. Initially only the Old Stadium was offered, later the New Stadium, Jubilee Stadium, Eden Stadium, Strathyrum Stadium, Balgove Stadium and Castle Stadium were added.

As part of the proposed agreement, there will be no changes to existing members or visitors with existing course bookings in 2025.