However, in 1502, the ban on golf was removed when James IV realized his own high level of interest in the game!

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 hosted The 144th Open Championship for the 29th time – a run that began in 1873. Clearly there is no place like the Home of Golf. The Old Course is actually closed on Sundays, with the exception of four notable occasions. It’s an old tradition - being closed on Sunday – reason being the old Scottish tradition to dry clothes on Sunday. Nowadays, many people will take leisurely walks and have picnics amidst the links on its day of rest. 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.