St Andrews Old Course is the Home of Golf and the oldest course in the world. That it continues to fascinate, perplex and enthrall golfers the world over - more than 600 years since golf was first played here - is testament to just how special it is. The most famous golf course in the world it remains a public course and a real test for the champions of today. The classic example of how a course can evolve the Old Course was not designed by any one architect working on commission - although Daw Anderson (1850s), Old Tom Morris (1860s - 1900) and Dr Alister Mackenzie (1930s) were all pivotal in creating the course as we appreciate it today. 112 bunkers, including some of the most famous in the game, the famous double greens and the start and finish in the centre of town are just some of the famous quirks that make the Old Course so special. The most incredible thing about St Andrews Old Course is, however, how it has remained challenging and relevant over the past 600 years.

The St Andrews Old Course is recognised worldwide as the Home of Golf and a golfer’s life is not complete unless a round is played here at least once. More than once is better, not only for the experience, but also because there is a huge amount of local knowledge required to score well. Everyone is familiar with the 1st, 16th, 17th and 18th, but for the St Andrews Old Course novice the other holes are less well known and the advice of a caddy is well worth the investment. Despite the wide open fairways it is a driving course as you have to put your tee shot in the right place, not only to avoid the bunkers, but also to get the right line into the flag. A bad drive does not get caught by the rough, it just keeps going, getting worse by the second! It is also a putters’ course and you will find yourself with putts that look close from a distance, but then are 4-6 feet when you get close and holing out from this range is also key. Away from the marquee holes, the 11th is one of the most terrifying par-3s around and the 12th, 13th and 14th with Hell bunker provide a great start to the back 9. As you close in on the last 3 holes the excitement that was there on the first tee builds again. The 17th is probably the hardest hole in golf and the strategy on the 2nd shot is key. The 18th is a gentle finish but the backdrop of the town gives a magical charm to your final shots and a birdie will be greeted with a small round of applause from the ever-present crowd. Make sure you play the St Andrews Old Course once in your life, at least!