RECENT TRAVEL FEATURES South Africa: golf as good as it gets! Love the Algarve? Try Pestana! Polaris World - World Class! Teeing off under the Majorcan Sun Ballathie House - A Gem in Scotland Highlands & Islands - Scottish Golf Tour TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS Billy Casper golf cruises set for Europe Definitive Caribbean Guide helping golfers Host of top links courses in South West of England Golf & bridge in St Moritz in summer 2012 Yas Links in Golf Digest's Top 25 golf courses NEWS & TOUR TOP STORIES Nick Faldo receives his Knighthood LPGA wins Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge Mickelson raises expectations for 2010 Race to Dubai nears its conclusion Thousands follow Tiger Woods practice round Fans warned about fake Ryder Cup tickets

Fairmont St Andrews opens Kittocks Course

The Fairmont St Andrews , a 5-star cliff-top resort in St Andrews Scotland, the Home of Golf, opened its new Kittocks Course October 1 st , 2008. The Kittocks Course is the result of an extensive redesign of an older golf course on the property, formerly known as the Devlin Course.

The redesign work was overseen by noted US golf course designer Gary Stephenson , who created the highly regarded Lower Course at Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, among others and is part of a comprehensive £13 million remediation project currently underway at the resort. 

Additional projects underway as part of the remediation include a renovation of the Fairmont St Andrews' Torrance Course (with a planned re-opening in summer 2009 and its announcement as the final Open qualifying course for 2010 Open championship) as well as sweeping upgrades to the guest rooms, a new sports bar with large lcd televisions and pool table, and a sensational signature Spa, featuring Kerstin Florian products.

"The new Kittocks Course is fantastic," said Gary Slatter , director of golf for Fairmont St Andrews. "With its engaging challenges and sweeping views, the Kittocks Course provides a unique, thrilling golf experience our guests will truly love. When we unveil the remodelled Torrance Course next summer, Fairmont St Andrews will cement its place as one of the world's premier golf resorts."

In crafting the Kittocks Course, which plays along rolling terrain and cliff tops above the crashing surf of the North Sea, Stephenson and his team revised the layout - adopting two holes from the original Torrance Course, repositioned several tees, altered the bunkering and built new green complexes. The result is enhanced playability, shot values and strategy which blend nicely with the spectacular views afforded by the golf course of St Andrews' medieval skyline and the Scottish coast.

The Kittocks Course takes its name from a deep, wooded ravine that bisects the golf course on its way to the sea. Known as Kittocks Den, the ravine is a protected natural area filled with mature trees, blackberry bushes, wildflowers and other native plants. It also is home to a family of deer as well as wildlife such as pheasant, hare, grouse and fox.

Set in 520 acres of breathtaking coastline, Fairmont St Andrews offers an all-round experience with two world-championship golf courses as well as the destination Spa and opportunities for walking, riding and cycling close by. 

The hotel also has a wide choice of bars and restaurants, including the award winning fine dining restaurant, Esperante and the Clubhouse which has sensational views out to sea and over to St Andrews.  For those seeking the ultimate weekend break, the hotel has its own private helipad and arrival by helicopter can be arranged from Scotland's major airports. 

For reservations or more information, please call 1 (800) 257-7544 or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews .

September 30, 2008