St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” is no stranger to controversy when it comes to modern development. But after locals saw their protests against Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s T-Squared Social sports bar brushed aside, they now find themselves facing another battle—this time over an exclusive new golf course at Feddinch Mains.

For over 20 years, developers have had their eyes on this land just two miles south of town, pitching various luxury golf projects. Now, Alvarez & Marsal Golf has finally secured the green light for the latest version. The plans include an 18-hole championship course, a par-3 layout, high-end practice facilities, a luxury hotel, a spa, and six detached guest cottages. On paper, it sounds like a golfer’s paradise. But to many locals, it feels more like déjà vu.

“This is a private members-only club on a gated site,” one resident told The Courier last year. “Once again, we’re selling off chunks of St Andrews so that overseas businessmen can profit with no benefit to locals.”

For a town that prides itself on its deep golf heritage, the idea of another ultra-exclusive course—one most residents won’t even get to play—has raised real concerns. Will this project truly contribute to the local community, or is it just another playground for the wealthy?

Locals have been down this road before. When Woods and Timberlake announced plans to convert the town’s historic New Picture House Cinema into a sports bar, the backlash was immediate. A petition against the T-Squared Social project gained more than 10,000 signatures, with residents arguing that the conversion would erase a key piece of St Andrews’ heritage.

But, despite the public outcry, the project was approved. And now, just months later, an even bigger and more permanent development is moving forward, leaving many wondering if their concerns will be disregarded once again.

Will the two-decades-long project finally happen?

While developers at Alvarez & Marsal Golf are optimistic about finally bringing the Feddinch Mains vision to life, others remain skeptical.

SNP Councillor David MacDiarmid didn’t hold back, questioning whether the project will actually come together—or just end up unfinished, as previous versions have. “It’s going to cost many, many millions of pounds,” he said. “Will this be done in one go or in dribs and drabs where some of it may never be done? We can give this the go-ahead today, and in 20 years, it still might not be done.”

It’s a valid concern. Back in 2004, Open champion Tom Weiskopf had his own grand vision for the site, calling it his ‘dream project.’ But despite early progress, it was never fully realized. Weiskopf passed away in 2022, and now, decades later, the question remains: Can this new group of developers finally succeed where others failed? Or will history repeat itself?

Developers insist this time will be different. Tyler Kirsch, managing director of A&M Golf, says the project will bring “lasting benefits to the local community” and promises to keep locals in the loop. But after what happened with Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake’s T-Squared Social, plenty of residents aren’t buying it.

They’ve seen this script before—a flashy golf project, locals voicing their concerns, and in the end, the developers getting exactly what they want.

So, will the Feddinch Mains resort become a jewel in St Andrews’ golfing crown, or will it turn into yet another drawn-out, half-finished venture? Only time will tell. But if history is any indication, locals are gearing up for another fight to protect the character of their town.