Truly it’s remarkable that the game of golf continues to revolve around the course that gave it birth over 600 years ago. It’s all the more impressive when you consider that aside from some new tees and an irrigation system, nothing’s changed all that much at the world’s 4th ranked golf course since 1764 when 22 holes were reconfigured to 18. Meanwhile the game and its players have gone from the Stone Age to the Space Age, and yet, in July of 2015 the Old Course at St Andrews will host the Open Championship for the 29th time – a run that began in 1873.
Clearly there is no place like the Home of Golf. Ask Nicklaus, or Jones, or Tiger, or Seve. You’re there in the shadow of the R&A, with the Valley of Sin on your left and a gallery of locals, tourists and other players looking on. When your name is called to the tee your knees will know it and what was the simplest tee shot suddenly feels like a sudden death playoff. Our best advice is to take a line 20-30 yards left of the green, play for 225-250 yards off the tee, and slow yourself down. More. This is a moment to savor.
A visit to St Andrews and the Old Course will often include play at the New Course, the Jubilee Course, the Castle Course plus Kingsbarns and Carnoustie.
This is one of sixteen Scotland golf course videos we’re posting on a weekly basis to start the year. Each one provides a great sense of the respective experience which we hope will help you confirm your selections from the many available options.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
