In a move that’s been quietly brewing for some time, the famed Duke’s Course near St Andrews is set for a dramatic transformation. Starting January 5, 2026, the course will shed its royal moniker and emerge as the Craigtoun Course, named after the nearby Craigtoun Country Park. This change marks a significant chapter in the storied history of golf in Fife and comes amid a swirl of controversy surrounding its original namesake, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew.
The Duke’s Course, nestled three miles south of the bustling heart of St Andrews, has always been a bit of an outlier. Unlike the iconic links courses that have defined the Home of Golf for centuries, this 7,512-yard championship layout is a heathland course, offering a wooded, tranquil alternative to the windswept fairways of its sister venues. Opened in 1995 by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—who at the time still bore the title of Duke of York—the course has been a semi-private haven for local members, but has often struggled to capture the imagination of visitors who flock to St Andrews in search of classic links experiences.
But why the rebrand, and why now? The answer lies in a confluence of public outcry, shifting royal fortunes, and a strategic vision for the future of golf in the region. In October 2025, King Charles III formally stripped Andrew of his Duke of York title and his status as prince, following mounting pressure related to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout was swift: Andrew retreated from public life, relinquished his honorary membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and vacated the Royal Lodge in favor of more private accommodations at Sandringham.
It wasn’t just titles that were lost. The Duke’s Course, once a proud testament to royal patronage, found itself at the center of a branding crisis. Calls from U.S. Congress members for Andrew to testify in the Epstein investigation went unanswered, and the club’s leadership recognized that a fresh start was necessary. The result: a new identity, a new logo—gone is the lion rampant holding a saltire flag, replaced by an illustration of trees that pays homage to the course’s natural setting—and a new era under the stewardship of the St Andrews Links Trust.
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, didn’t mince words about the significance of the change. “The agreement for The Craigtoun Course will see the first new course added to the Home of Golf’s portfolio in 18 years and presents an ideal opportunity to expand the golf experiences we offer,” he said in a statement. “We are delighted to have reached agreement with the Old Course Hotel and look forward to taking over what is already a significant asset for St Andrews and Scotland and building on its reputation.”
That reputation is considerable. The course, originally designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, underwent a substantial redesign in 2006, with later enhancements credited to legendary architect Pete Dye. Its wooded, private setting offers a stark contrast to the open, windswept links nearby. Golfers rave about its serene atmosphere, the challenge posed by strategically placed bunkers, and the modern clubhouse facilities—complete with shuttle service to and from St Andrews for those needing a lift.
Phyllis Wilkie, general manager at the Old Course Hotel, reflected on the legacy of Kohler’s 25-year custodianship: “The Duke’s Golf Course has been under Kohler’s leadership for 25 years, during which time we have invested in future-proofing the course and enhancing conditions, through measures including our most recent drainage and irrigation project. Throughout this time we have welcomed members to explore the only heathland course in St Andrews and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every member, visitor, and staff member who made our custodianship of this iconic course so positive.”
The transition to the St Andrews Links Trust, which already manages seven of the area’s most celebrated public courses—including the world-renowned Old Course, host of the Open Championship every five years—signals a new strategy to meet surging demand. “Demand for golf in St Andrews has risen to unprecedented levels in recent years with more rounds played by ticketholders and visitors than ever before,” Coulson noted. “The Craigtoun Course allows us to offer additional capacity and strategically invest in our facilities to offer more opportunities to play golf.”
The rebranding also brings the course in line with its local siblings—Strathtyrum, Eden, Balgove, and Castle—all named after nearby places or landmarks. The change isn’t just cosmetic: all existing staff will have the chance to stay on, ensuring continuity and preserving the club’s unique culture. Current members will be able to retain their memberships under existing terms throughout 2026, smoothing the transition for the course’s loyal following.
For many, the Craigtoun Course represents more than just a name change. It’s a chance to move past a fraught chapter and refocus on what makes golf in St Andrews so special—the sense of history, the passion of its players, and the constant evolution of the sport. As Phyllis Wilkie put it, “We are pleased to have agreed a long-term lease with St Andrews Links Trust that will see the Duke’s course join its portfolio of world-renowned golf courses, benefitting from the Trust’s expertise and passion for bringing the joy of golf to even more people across the world.”
The Craigtoun Course’s facilities—clubhouse, driving range, and pro shop—will now be managed by the Trust, and the course will be included in strategic packages and messaging designed to attract a broader range of golfers. With its unique heathland character, first-class amenities, and a storied past, the Craigtoun Course is poised to become a standout option for those looking to experience something a little different in the Home of Golf.
As the January handover approaches, anticipation is building. The rebranding is more than just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a symbol of renewal, resilience, and the enduring allure of golf in St Andrews. With the Craigtoun Course joining the Trust’s prestigious portfolio, the future looks bright for this once-controversial gem.
