Visitors from around the world, many on cruise trips to Scotland, have taken part in the walks and enjoyed expert commentary from the guides. With the Old Course busy for play six days a week throughout the summer months, the tour is a great way to see the historic links from the centuries old fairways, just as golfers from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods have done, without interfering with play.
“This is a tribute to the expertise and enthusiasm of Alastair Matheson, Jim Bowie and Jim Dingwall, who have worked so hard all summer to bring the history and spirit of the Old Course to a worldwide audience,” said Alan McGregor, general manager at St Andrews Links Trust.
“We are delighted that interest in the walks has risen and this is particularly impressive given the fact that the tours were suspended during the week of the Open from July 10-17. I’m sure many more people will want to come next year having enjoyed the coverage of The Open championship on television.”
The guides are becoming so much a part of the Old Course that they have attracted international media attention with requests for press and television interviews coming in from around the world. Mr Dingwall will appear in a Channel 4 broadcast, A Place by the Sea, this month.