Golfers planning to visit the Old Course at St Andrews will now be able to plan their round of a lifetime from home thanks to innovative 3D computer graphics technology.
A stunning virtual reality tour of the Old Course has been produced on CD by 3d Eagleview International, a pioneering software company in Ireland, working in conjunction with St Andrews Links Trust.
Using video footage which has been enhanced to a high degree, this unique CD shows fly-over views of each hole on the 600-year-old course in graphic detail from tee to green. The quality is such that features such as small pot bunkers, and every bump and hollow are clearly visible, and at each green there is a 360 degree view of the immediate surroundings.
Bringing the tour to life is the narrative by the general manager of the Links Trust, Alan McGregor. He offers advice on how to play each hole and avoid the hazards, which have caught out many a golfer, including top professionals, in the past.
"It is the ideal introduction to the Old Course for golfers planning to play here and also a marvellous memento to take home afterwards," said Peter Mason, external relations manager at St Andrews Links Trust.
The CD is available on-line at www.standrews.org.uk and in the three Links Golf Shops - behind the 18th green of the Old, in the Links Clubhouse and the Eden Clubhouse. The price is £24.95.