[Golfers' Bucket List①] St Andrews Old Course, the 'Golf Sanctuary'

'The Oldest Major' The Open Battle Ground, Decisive 17th Hole 'Road Hole', Photo Point 18th Hole 'Swilcan Bridge'

The "holy ground" of golf, St Andrews Old Course, is a links golf course that preserves the natural environment as it is.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Bucket list.'

A list of things one wants to do before dying. For golf enthusiasts, there are must-play famous courses. They usually prefer golf courses with a rich history and choose courses with fantastic views. These days, troubled by COVID-19, marking dream golf courses is an enjoyable pastime. The first story is about the 'golf sanctuary' St Andrews Old Course.

It is located in St Andrews, Fife, in the east-central part of Scotland. Above all, it is famous as the battleground of The Open, the oldest major championship. Since hosting the tournament for the first time 147 years ago in 1873, it has held the most tournaments, with 29 editions to date. It is interesting that it was once a sheep pasture. It is said to have been naturally formed. Most of the 112 bunkers are shaped like pot bunkers, where shepherds took shelter from the wind.

The St Andrews Old Course is home to 112 pot bunkers where shepherds used to take shelter from the wind.

It was originally a 22-hole course in 1552 but was renewed to 18 holes in 1764, completing its current form. In the early 19th century, the front and back nine holes were side by side, sharing fairways and greens. The key to conquering the course is the unique 'battle with nature' characteristic of links courses. Players must choose clubs carefully amid ever-changing winds and rain and execute various skill shots. Creative shots are necessary, such as choosing a putter from 50 yards outside the green.

It is a par 72 course with a total length of 7,305 yards. The 'signature hole' is the 17th hole (par 4, 495 yards). Nicknamed the 'Road Hole,' meaning 'the road to hell,' it was originally played as a par 5. It is a right dogleg hole. The 18th hole (par 4) fairway features the famous Swilcan Bridge, boasting a 700-year history. Legends such as 'The Golden Bear' Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson (both from the USA), and Nick Faldo (England) ended their illustrious careers here.

The Old Course must be remembered for three figures: 'The King of Golf' Bobby Jones, Nicklaus, and the 'Resurrected Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (all from the USA). Jones was a grand slammer who won all four major championships in 1930. On the third day of The Open in 1921, he struggled after getting caught in the pot bunker at the 11th hole (par 3) and withdrew, but in 1927, he won, experiencing 'hell and heaven.' He said, "Just having memories at St Andrews is enough for a happy life."

Jack Nicklaus posing after announcing his retirement at the 'Swilcan Bridge' during the 2005 Open. Photo by The Open official website

Nicklaus won at the Old Course in 1970 and 1977. Notably, he chose the 2005 Open as his retirement stage. Amid standing ovations from fans, he struck his final pose on the Swilcan Bridge. Woods also won twice. In his 2000 victory, he never once landed in a bunker. He exclaimed, "Winning The Open, the home of golf, is the ultimate achievement in this sport."

The Old Course is public property owned by Fife. It is operated by the St Andrews Links Trust. Its appeal lies in allowing amateur golfers to play easily. The white tees are set at par 72, 6,721 yards, and the ladies' tees at par 76, 6,032 yards. Green fees vary greatly depending on the season, ranging from a minimum of ?95 (140,000 KRW) to a maximum of ?195 (290,000 KRW). Various package deals are available, and if desired, knowledgeable caddies can be hired.

By downloading the app, players receive not only course information but also real-time updates. Equipment from Callaway Golf, a partner, can be rented. Carts are manual at ?5 (7,500 KRW) and battery-powered at ?20 (30,000 KRW). Before rounds, players can warm up and take brief lessons at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy. To protect the course, it is closed every Sunday and instead opened as a resting place for local residents.