History is undoubtedly one of the main characteristics of the Old Course in St Andrews, which is the oldest golf course in the world, to be among the very best. Historical sources point out that people play the game there since the 15th century. The very invention of the game came at the St Andrews course. The standard 18-hole was developed in the Old Course in the XVIII century. The oldest golf tournament in the world, the Open Championship, started there in 1860 (and has been held there for 29 times). Great names, like Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus, stated their love for the gaming conditions they found at the Old Course.
But there are several objective reasons to place it very high in a ranking of golf courses, aside from history. Indeed, it represents a good challenge, with its wide-open spaces, mostly flat but with some undulation. Ther
e are bunker traps everywhere, and the changing wind condition helps players to feel that each game can be different, every time they come to the Old Course. The very peninsula where the Old Course was built adds to the beauty of the scenery.
Stats and conditions
Owned by the Fife Council, the Old Course is operated by the renowned St Andrews Links Trust.
- Holes: 18
- Type: Public
- Par: 72
- Length: 6721 yards
- Slope: 132
Caddies are available, as well as pitching/chipping area. There is a school academy for those who want to learn and practise the sport at the most venerable of courses. Walking is allowed, and credit cards are accepted. Caddies are available, as well as the necessary equipment to hire – as it should when there is a school academy. Buggies are limited to medical necessities, but there are battery or manually operated trolleys.