Welcome to the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation
The St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation SCIO (Scottish Charity Number SC047873) is a registered charity and was set up in 1999 on the initiative of the late Patrick Cassells. The purpose of the Foundation is to conserve, improve, and develop the historic character of the town of St Andrews for the benefit of the public.
Funding comes from two sources, namely the Foundation's annual auction of magnificent golf packages for four people, and from the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation, the charitable wing of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Each year an amateur place in the Championship is auctioned, the proceeds from which are awarded to the Pilgrim Foundation: "a living breathing link between the amateur golfers of today and the historical fabric of the past which gives the 'auld grey toon' its unique place in golfing folklore".
Honorary President - Sandy Lyle OBE
We are delighted to announce that Sandy Lyle OBE is the new Honorary President of the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, succeeding the late Sir Michael Bonallack.
Sandy is one of the greatest golfers Scotland has ever produced, with a career full of historic achievements, including The Open in 1985, when he became the first Scot to win The Open since 1931, and The Masters in 1988, when he became the first British golfer to win at Augusta, sealed with one of the most iconic bunker shots in golfing history.
Sandy has enjoyed 20 professional wins worldwide, including victories on both the European Tour and PGA Tour, helping open the door for European players in the USA. He has represented Europe five times in the Ryder Cup and was part of three winning teams. Sandy was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for his services to golf — recognising his outstanding contributions to the sport in Scotland and internationally. The honour was presented to him at an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in March 2025. Sandy is also a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and winner of the European Tour Order of Merit.
Sandy is a trailblazer and a proud ambassador for Scottish golf. We are delighted to welcome him to the Foundation as our Honorary President.
Supporters & Contributors
The following organisations and people have contributed generously to the work of the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation in the form of finance, their work or their time.
