Note from Editor
This is a huge week for golf enthusiasts. From Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, the world’s oldest major championship will be played at the world’s oldest golf course. We’re pleased to mark the occasion by showcasing “St. Andrews – The Home of Golf” by Peak contributor Dave Wells. Even if you don’t enjoy golf, you will find this an interesting and enjoyable read.
According to Wikipedia, “The Open Championship, or simply The Open (often referred to as the British Open), is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. Held in the United Kingdom, it is administered by The R&A and is the only major outside the United States. The Open is currently the third major of the calendar year, following The Masters and the U.S. Open, and preceding the PGA Championship.The Open at the Home of Golf is one of the great occasions in world sport. In 2015, St Andrews will host golf’s oldest championship for the 29th time.
“The Old Course at St Andrews is considered by many to be the “home of golf” because the sport was first played on the Links at St Andrews in the early 1400s. Golf was becoming increasingly popular in Scotland until in 1457, when James II of Scotland banned golf because he felt that young men were playing too much golf instead of practicing their archery.The ban was upheld by the following kings of Scotland until 1502, when King James IV became a golfer himself and removed the ban.”
St. Andrews – The Home of Golf
By Dave Wells
St. Andrews Golf Course
The Old Course at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, is the special place where the wonderful game of golf got started in the early 1400s. Going there is the golf trip of all golf trips.
When you land in Scotland, you have reached your ultimate dream of golfing, with the history of the game combined with the Scottish people who are some of the nicest, friendliest folks on earth.
Nancy and I actually planned our Scottish golf trip around the 1994 British Open which was at the Turnberry Ailsa Championship Golf Course that year with the Winner of the Open Championship being Nick Price.
Then, we had the opportunity to play several Scottish golf courses including Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie, and the Old and New St. Andrews Golf Links.
Nairn Golf Course, in northeast Scotland, was our first stop. The Walker Cup and Curtis Cup have been played at Nairn. To this day, some 20 years later, we still exchange Christmas Cards with our caddy and good friend, Mr. Walter Frazier of Nairn. Golf is such a special game because it can of bring friends together not only for a round or two, but for a lifetime.
Then on to Royal Dornoch in northern Scotland, and again with Walter and his son. WOW, what a great links golf course, as good as it gets!
Nancy and Dave Wells at Carindoustie Golf Club
Donald Ross was the club’s head greenskeeper and Golf Pro before he immigrated to the United States as one of the greatest golf architects. Many of his designs, most notably Pinehurst # 2, bear the hallmark of Royal Dornoch’s greens.
Royal Dornoch is the third oldest golf course behind St. Andrews and Leith and is always considered to be in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the world. Some golfers use their driver on all 18 holes at Royal Dornoch. When you tee it up at Royal Dornoch, it’s an experience of a life time. Located some four hours north of Glasgow, it’s well worth the trip.
Next up, Carnoustie Golf Course, the home of many British Opens and by the seashore in Angus, Scotland. The history of Carnoustie is one of the best; the par four 6th hole is still referred to as “Hogan’s Alley.” B Ben Hogan won the British Open there in 1953.
From Carnoustie, we went to St. Andrews and “The Old Course,” where the game of golf started. When you tee it up on the first hole, your nerves just might get the best of you. Nancy and I were playing with a couple from Austin, Texas, nice folks and good golfers named Sharon and Travis.
When Travis worked his way to the first tee, his swing took his golf ball left through the famous 18th fairway to the souvenir shops across the street. He said, “What do I do now?” I said, ”I think you’re OB. Hit another ball quickly”, which he did, and away we went on # 1 at the St. Andrews Old Course; our golfing history in the making.
St. Andrews Golf Course
I hit a driver and then a six Iron in the middle of the green on the par four 1st hole. Nancy hit a nice drive, then laid up on the burn(creek) in front of the green. Next, she chipped over the burn and knocked in a 30 foot putt for a par. I three putted for a bogey.
Isn’t golf a great game, and the putter can certainly be the winner as Nancy went on to par # 1 and # 2 on The Old Course. What a beautiful day as we progressed around that famous golf course, putting sometimes hfrom 20 yards off the green.
Several of the holes share the same green, and the players on the highest numbered golf hole have the right to complete the hole first. For example holes 7 and 11, with golfers on 11 completing the hole first. Also, note that all shared greens – and there are several – add up to “18” as in 18 holes, and there are some sandtraps where you absolutely have to go sideways to get out. You cannot elevate the ball going toward the hole.
Dave Wells Putting at St. Andrews
[
What a challenging golf course. And don’t forget, when you get to the road hole, # 17, stay left, stay left, and stay left some more.
Then for the famous 18th hole, and after you hit your tee shot and cross the Swilcan Bridge, your round at St. Andrews will go into your memory bank as one of the best golfing experiences in your life. Then into the Niblick Bar for refreshments and relive those beautiful golfing adventures in Scotland, a golfing place like no other.
Golf at St. Andrews is the best, and the “cadets” or “caddies” as Mary, Queen of Scots named them in the 16th century, will be leading the best golfers in the world around this links course at the upcoming 2015 ‘Open Championship’ in July.
Nancy Wells at St. Andrews
Recent Comments