The home of golf backs its next generation as Saints Golf announces three performance partners

The University is delighted to announce the continuation and expansion of its Saints Golf Performance Partnership Programme for the 2026-27 academic year, with longstanding partner Marine & Lawn Rusacks St Andrews renewing its support for a third consecutive year and local businesses Connoisseur Golf and Clarets joining as new Performance Partners.

The partnerships reflect the unique connection between the University, the town known as the home of golf, and the local business community in St Andrews. Together, the organisations share a commitment to supporting student development, creating meaningful opportunities through sport, and celebrating the friendships and relationships that make St Andrews a truly special place to live, study and work. 

For more than 170 years, golf has been woven into the fabric of student life at the University of St Andrews. Today, nearly 1,000 students engage with Saints Golf, making it one of the largest and most vibrant university golf programmes in Europe. From students picking up a golf club for the first time to elite athletes competing on national and international stages, Saints Golf provides a connected pathway that combines sporting ambition with world-class education. 

The support of local partners plays a vital role in making that journey possible. 

A proud supporter of Saints Golf since 2024, Rusacks St Andrews, part of the Marine & Lawn collection, has renewed its Performance Partnership for a third year. 

Located beside the iconic Old Course, Rusacks St Andrews welcomes visitors from around the world to the birthplace of golf and has become synonymous with exceptional hospitality, heritage and service. The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers and ensuring that the traditions of St Andrews continue to thrive. 

Seamus Coen, General Manager of Rusacks St Andrews, said: “At Rusacks St Andrews, we are constantly inspired by the history that surrounds us. Being just steps from the Old Course, we are reminded every day that this is the place where the game was shaped, and where generations of golfers have created unforgettable moments. 

“That sense of legacy is why our partnership with Saints Golf means so much to us. Supporting young players who are learning and competing in the very heart of golf’s story feels incredibly special. We are proud to play even a small part in their journey, and to help ensure that the tradition and spirit of St Andrews continue to thrive through the next generation.” 

Joining the programme for 2026-27 is Connoisseur Golf, the St Andrews-based ultra-luxury golf tour operator renowned for creating bespoke golf experiences across Scotland, Ireland and premier destinations worldwide. 

Founded on a passion for the game and deep local knowledge, Connoisseur Golf provides access to some of the world’s most prestigious championship venues while showcasing the very best of golf, hospitality and culture. 

The partnership is particularly meaningful given the company’s close ties to the University and its founder’s longstanding connection to St Andrews. 

Jim Stewart, University of St Andrews alumnus and Managing Director, Connoisseur Golf, said: “Connoisseur Golf is an established name in luxury golf travel throughout the world, yet the company’s roots remain local in St Andrews. A deep history with the University traces back over 25 years, a defining period that brought lifelong friendships, unique opportunities and unforgettable experiences. 

“Today, this world-class environment shapes students into exceptionally capable individuals, thoroughly prepared for future careers in professional golf, business or any chosen vocation. Adopting a modern, high-performance culture, Saints Golf has evolved through clear direction, strong team performances and an unwavering commitment to excel. Driven by this natural synergy, we are honoured to be a Performance Partner, proudly supporting their continued development.” 

Saints Golf is also pleased to welcome Clarets as a new Performance Partner for 2026-27. 

Situated within the R&A World Golf Museum and overlooking the famous 18th hole of the Old Course, Clarets has quickly established itself as a popular gathering place for both visitors and local residents. With its focus on quality food, warm hospitality and community engagement, the business embodies many of the values that define St Andrews. 

Stefano Pieraccini, Proprietor and Managing Director of Clarets, said: “When we opened Clarets, it was really important to us that we became part of the St Andrews community rather than simply another business in the town. Being based within the R&A World Golf Museum and overlooking the Old Course means golf is naturally a huge part of who we are, so supporting Saints Golf felt like a great fit from the outset. 

“The University is such an important part of St Andrews, and we’re proud to support a programme that gives talented young golfers the opportunity to develop, compete and represent the University at a high level. We’re still at the beginning of our own journey with Clarets, so it’s exciting to build relationships like this and hopefully create a partnership that grows for years to come.” 

The announcement reinforces the importance of collaboration between Saints Golf and the wider St Andrews community. While each partner operates in a different area of the local economy, all share a belief in the power of golf to bring people together, create opportunities and build lasting connections. 

The relationships extend beyond sponsorship. They are built on a mutual appreciation for the unique character of St Andrews, where education, sport, business and community are closely intertwined. Through these partnerships, students gain access to experiences, networks and opportunities that enhance their development both on and off the course, while local businesses strengthen their connection to the next generation of leaders and ambassadors for the town and the game. 

Ian Muir, Director of Golf at the University of St Andrews, said: “Saints Golf is built on partnerships, relationships and community. We are incredibly grateful to Rusacks St Andrews for their continued commitment and delighted to welcome Connoisseur Golf and Clarets as new Performance Partners for 2026-27. 

“What makes these partnerships particularly special is that all three organisations are part of the St Andrews community. They are businesses that understand the unique role golf plays in the town, and they share our belief in the value of supporting students as they pursue excellence in sport, education and personal development. 

“The friendships, opportunities and experiences created through Saints Golf often last a lifetime. With the support of partners, donors and alumni, we can continue providing an environment where every golfer’s journey starts somewhere and where every student has the opportunity to thrive.” 

The University’s Saints Golf Performance Scholarships underpin one of the most successful university golf programmes of its kind, helping talented student golfers thrive in the Home of Golf. Delivered through a professionally managed high-performance environment, the programme provides world-class coaching, training and competition opportunities, alongside academic support that enables student-athletes to excel both on and off the course. 

The continued success of the programme is made possible through the support of The R&A, the St Andrews Links Trust, PING, Saints Sport and The 600 Club, a global community of donors and supporters whose commitment has helped establish Saints Golf as a benchmark for excellence in university golf worldwide.