Interestingly over the last few days a number of contacts have commented to me on the perceived small crowds at St. Andrews for the Open. On television it did look somewhat sparsely attended but you have to bear in mind that the Old Course is unique in many ways, including all spectators being on the perimeter of the course (due to the double greens and fairways).
I noticed today this article from a local Scottish newspaper that referenced the crowd size. Albeit there was a drop from 2000 and 2005, I am sure it would surprise many people, just how many fans attended the event.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him onGoogle+
When the Open Championship is played at St.Andrews it is a very special occasion. From Doug Sanders missing a 3ft putt on the last to win the title in 1970, to Seve’s joy at holing the birdie putt on 18 to effectively clinch the 1984 title. The year 2000 saw a young Tiger Woods win by 8 shots and Jack’s farewell wave on the Swilken Bridge in 2005 still lives long in the memory.
Play went on well into the night on Saturday evening
This years championship saw mixed weather conditions and strong winds on Friday afternoon resulting in 10 groups returning at 6:30am on Saturday morning to finish their rounds but not before Tom Watson said his likely farewell to St.Andrews late on Friday night to a wonderful reception from the spectators who stayed on late to see him on the Swilken Bridge and like Jack he did not disappoint with a wonderful birdie on the last.
The scene was set for a fascinating weekend’s play. Everyone thought Louis would come back to the field and we would have a tight finish come Sunday, but this guy can play. He held his lead with strong nerve all weekend and when the lead was cut to 3 shots after 8 holes on Sunday his response was to eagle the 9th. Casey’s challenge fell apart at the 12th a straight forward par 4, where a visit to the gorse resulted in a triple bogey 7 and left Louis with an 8 shot lead, he would eventually win by 7 and was a worthy winner of the claret jug.
Despite shooting a 3rd round 76, US Open Champion Graeme McDowell was happy to sign autographs.
It was my pleasure to escort an exclusive group travelling with PerryGolf that were housed in the Fairmont St.Andrews during the Open before joining the Mega Yacht Harmony II on Monday to continue their tour around Scotland’s famous northern links venues. My personal experience of the Open is one to remember. A kind invite from an R&A member saw me in the most privileged position of watching the leading groups start out their rounds from the large window in the R&A clubhouse overlooking the 1st tee. Tiger hit a 3 wood that never left grandstand height, a low stinger. A wonderful lunch followed in the company of David Lema, son of champagne Tony who won the Open in 1964 in St.Andrews with Tip Anderson on the bag and Arnold’s putter in the bag.
The Championship is over for another year. Next year Royal St.Georges.
The atmosphere around the 18th green is truly electric even with a run away winner. The Old Course can still test the best players in the world as long as the wind blows (which is generally does) and long may it continue to provide historic moments that live long in the memory.
France is a popular destination, and it’s no wonder; what with the great weather, excellent golf courses and fantastic wine, what more could one ask for? In the Southwest of France, about 20mins from Bordeaux Airport, is The Medoc Golf Club which has 2 great courses; The Châteaux Course and The Vignes Course. Click here for the Golf World article which covers what a great destination and experience the Southwest of France has to offer to a golfer.
By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
Mary Tattersall, a 90 years young golfer from West Yorkshire, broke the British record at the weekend for the oldest woman to achieve a hole-in-one. Playing the second hole at her home club, Shay Grange, she covered the 181 yards par 3 and found the pin.
Even more amazing, Mary only took up golf two years ago for the exercise and has a handicap of 36. ‘I’m no Tiger Woods, but I love golf. I think it’s a great sport, it makes me feel alive, gets my lungs open and my muscles working.’
So it’s never too late to take up the game!
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
If you have heard of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and recognise his style, then, like me, you will want to visit the Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. Sauchiehall is Gaelic for ‘Alley of Willows’ and is the inspiration behind the building. The very distinctive patterns he incorporated into his designs are beautiful in their own right, but when you consider that he was born in the 1800’s, the clean, almost stark lines were way ahead of their time.
The Willow Tea Rooms
The tea room was designed entirely by Mackintosh, including the building which houses it. Every detail was included from the tables and chairs down to the teaspoons – and even the dresses worn by the waitresses were designed by him. I found it hard to concentrate on the food surrounded by so much of this living art. As it happens, the traditional Scottish cakes and tea were delicious too and the whole experience was a delight.
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
