The Old Course at St Andrews is one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in the world. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognised across the globe, yet the greatest feature of the Old Course is that despite its grand status it remains a public golf course, open to all.
The Old Course at St. Andrews
• World Ranking – Ranked 9th in the world
• Country Ranking – Ranked 1st in Scotland
• Course designed by Allan Robertson and Old Tom Morris
• The oldest golf course in the world
The Home Of Golf
The Old Course at St Andrews is known to be the ‘home of golf’ because it was believed to be the first place the sport was played. Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter in 1552 is the earliest documentary evidence that allowed the people of St Andrews to play golf. According the the Guiness Book Of Records this is the oldest golf course in the world.
Every golfer has to go and visit the course once in their lifetime.
The Swilcan Bridge At St. Andrews
The Swilcan Bridge scrosses the burn that runs between the 1st and 18th fairways at The Old Course, St Andrews. The bridge has set the scene for many iconic moments in the sport. One including the 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus’ retirement from professional golf in 2005.
Hell Bunker At The Old Course
The 14th hole at the Old Course has one of the most notorious golfing hazards in the world! The hell bunker lies around 100 yards short of the green and covers a large area of around 300 square yards. Just to top it off the bunker is also about seven feet deep which makes for a fun challenge.
Hell must be avoided at all costs according to Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear took four to get out in the 1995 Open on his way to a ten. Gene Sarazen also ended up in the huge bunker in 1933 as he stumbled to an eight and missed the play-off by a shot.
Random Facts about St. Andrews
- Gary Player once overnighted on the beach next to the Old Course
- The 1st open winner barely broke 90
- There have been 30 Open championships at St. Andrews which is more then any other course
The Ballot To Play The Old Course
The Old Course is a weird one when it comes to playing the course. You need to enter a ballot and hope you get a little lucky if you want to play this amazing course!
The Ballot is drawn 48 hours prior to you playing and golfers should provide their names, home club and handicaps either online, by phone or at one of the clubhouses before 2pm, two days before the day they wish to play. In order to enter there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four golfers.
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