St Andrews Old Course review

There is something magical about the Old Course, and it is understandably at the top of every golfer’s bucket-list.

The course is rich in history and as a staple on the Open Champion and European Tour schedule, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is one of the stiffest tests in the country. But, when the wind dies down, this exceptional course is reasonably straightforward. As long as you don't slice the ball, the chances are that you will play this course reasonably well as all the trouble is on the right. However, the best line to almost every green is from the right side.

The rolling fairways stretch out in front of you as invitingly as any in the world but you need to have a local caddie on the bag to tell you where the hidden pot bunkers are, get into one of those and all you can do is hack it back out onto the fairway. Then there are the double greens, it is possible to leave yourself a putt that can measure as much as 100 yards!

The 17th is the Road Hole and is arguably the most famous hole in all of golf. Once upon a time, you had to drive over what were railway sheds, but they have long since gone. The area is now occupied by the Old Course Hotel, and a structure shaped like the sheds has been built. Find the middle of the fairway and you then face an incredibly difficult shot to a narrow green protected by the Road Hole bunker at the front and a road to the rear.

The 18th is the most famous finishing hole, with out of bounds on the right and miles of room on the left. However the further left you go, the harder you’ll find the second shot to the huge green that slopes from back to front as well as being protected by the famous Valley of Sin. Everybody who plays this hole should take the time to stand on the world famous Swilcan Bridge, which has been crossed by every giant of the game.