Play-a-Round Golf

Making Memories at St. Andrews

St. Andrews, long considered the Home of Golf, is a bucket list destination for thousands of golfers. Here are some quick “did you know” facts concerning St. Andrews, the course and the town.

Did you know?

  • Golf has been played at St. Andrews since the 15th century and by 1457 had become so popular that King James II had to ban it, as it was interfering with his troops’ archery practice.
  • The official credit for the design of the course is God.
  • The Old Course is not a private club and is actually closed for play on Sundays. It is not unusual to see families having picnics on the 1st/18th fairways.
  • People are free to walk the course while people are playing their rounds. Be assured, at some point several people will be watching your next shot!
  • St. Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church, is where Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris are buried.
  • With planning and a little bit of luck, you are able to acquire your tee times directly from the St. Andrews Links Trust, which can save you hundreds to thousands in costs.

I have been fortunate enough to play the Old Course at St. Andrews twice so far. On my last visit, I happened to hit my approach shot into the infamous Road Hole Bunker. As I was up against the face of the historical  bunker, I had to play out backwards. I successfully hit the ball out of the bunker and, as I was exiting the bunker, several people who were standing nearby offered me comments of “well played!” while politely clapping (golf clap). I proceeded to double bogey the hole anyway, but it is a memory that will stay with me forever!

~by Mike Woodard

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