COURSE REVIEWS

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We have received this photo from Karl Peter Aasland of Norway, who is seen under the rainbow with colleagues Jens and Kare while playing the Eden Course on 8 October 2005.

October 2007
I got my chance on Tuesday October 16th!  I arrived at the starter's hut at 5:15 am and was the fourth in line (following three other Americans).  By 7:00 am there were approx 24 people in line and only about 20 openings for the day.  I was able to get out at 9:40 am, and despite the 30 mph wind, had a sunny beautiful day.  Dress warm though because Oct + wind + 7:15 am sunrise = a long cold morning! 

I didn't decide to take a caddie until I was about to start.  No prior arrangement is needed, simply go to the "caddy shack" once you are given your tee time.  But, as others have written...it was well worth it.  The company, advice on putts, and help finding stray balls outweighed the somewhat costly fee.

As far as the course....immaculate condition!  The week before was the Dunhill, and the course was still showing the hard work of the grounds crew.  Greens were amazingly fast, nothing prepares you for the undulations and how huge they actually are! 

While in St Andrews I also had a chance to play the New Course (also in great condition, and worth playing!), and the Strathtyrum Course (nicely maintained, quite a bit shorter, great for the novice).

Overall, great trip, when in St. Andrews don't miss a chance to play the Old Course!



George Fromm
Rochester, NY 

September 2007

Dear friends,

My wife and I just thought we would let you know how much we enjoyed our visit to St Andrews last week where we enjoyed playing the Eden Course and visited both the Eden and the Links clubhouses.

The Links Trust is truly a unique institution in the world of golf, and we admire the way you put this wonderful game of golf to the people, both locals and guests, at an affordable price.

Having visited St Andrews before many years ago, it is remarkable to see what a great asset your two beautiful clubhouses and the practice centre has become to golf in St Andrews.

We particularly enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of "JJ" and his colleagues in the Eden clubhouse. They made us feel like we were in our home club.

We look very much forward to visiting your facilities again when we return to Scotland, hopefully before too long.

Best regards,
Jesper Frigast Larsen
Denmark

August 2007

On Wednesday, August 29 I completed my life long dream of playing the Old Course.

Got to the starter's box at 4.30am, I was the fifth arrival. Then got on the course at 8am and was paired with two Scottish gentleman (Gordon and Jack) and another American. My brother Darryl caddied for me. Gordon suggested a mock Ryder cup match and I asked that he give us two up a side which was declined. I started out with a nice drive down the left side and the parred the first hole. Gordon and Jack offered their local knowledge of the course which helped me a great deal. I shot 38 on the front nine. Played nicely on the back nine with three birdies. Parred 17 from the right side of the green chipping up to about a foot. When I arrived at the 18th tee it was such a magical feeling, hit a great drive then hit my second shot to about 12ft and made the birdie putt and shot 35 on the back and 73 for the day. I still haven't come off could nine yet, probably never will.

Thanks to everyone at the Old Course for helping me fulfill my life long dream. By the way we won the mock Ryder Cup match with Gordon and Jack: thanks guys for the letting the Americans win one.

Brian Wilson
Rutherfordton , NC
United States

July 2007

I have played the course that all golfers dream of the Old Course at St Andrews.

After having put my name on the waiting list at 05.45 Friday 20/07/07 I stood on the 1st tee at 14.00 and could not hide the grin on my face!

To my big surprise my nerves did not get the better of me and after having found the middle of the fairway I sank the birdie put a few moments later on my way to my best ever 39 shots for the first 9 holes (Playing off handicap 14 this was more than I dared dream of).

Was fortunate to play with 3 great playing partners and the group as a whole had an immense day, displaying some good golf at times, on this terrific and challenging links course! My greetings go to Mark, Brian and Tom (and Tom's wife who took some great photos on the 17th tee and of us at the Swilcan Bridge). You all contributed to this round beeing a truly great golfing experience for life!


Christian Klingberg
Oslo
Norway

I arrived with a friend of mine on 3 July 2007. We put our names in the ballot that day and to my surprise we were teeing off at 0720 the next morning.

This round of golf was to be a fantastic day and one I will remember for ever.

The local caddies we had made the experience that much better with their professionalism and jokes that you had to laugh at. The eighteenth was undoubtedly the highlight for me as I birdied the last and was promptly clapped by the 50 or so people watching the day's groups come in. The walk up the eighteenth over that famous little bridge was awesome.

The fun really started on Thursday when my friend said he wanted to play the old course again on Friday Too late for the ballot, we arrived at 0600am where a very nice guy in the starter's hut named George told us that we had a 70/30 chance of playing, but we would have to wait. No problem we said, at 0740 George opens the door to the hut and gave me the good news that we would be out at 0800am. Steve met us on the tee to make sure we had not forgotten anything. Again we had loads of fun and really enjoyed the Old Course and really noticed the difference at how the course plays when wet compared to the dry. I would just like to compliment all the staff and caddies for making my experience one I will never forget. I have played golf on every continent in the world and this is without a doubt the most memorable. I cannot say enough about the people of St Andrews and their 'nothing is too much trouble' attitude. I know that when I fly back to New Zealand I will always remember the Old Course.

Christopher Andre' Hogg
New Zealand

June 2007

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for having had the privilege to play the Jubilee Course on 26 June and the Old Course on 27 June this year.

The fact that the Old Course (and the other courses) is accessible to the general public is something that St Andrews Links Trust needs to be congratulated for.

Henri Jacobs
Bloemfontein
South Africa

April 2007
I have always dreamed of playing the Old Course at St. Andrews ever since I watched Jack Nicklaus’s first win there in 1970. My dream was finally realized this past April 19, when I teed off at 1:10 P.M. as a single walk on. The experience was totally enjoyable, and was highlighted by a birdie at the par 3 eighth hole and an eagle at the par 4 ninth after having driven the green. My caddie captured my eagle putt (picture). I was in China last year and climbed the Great Wall. Chairman Mao’s is often quoted as having said, “Unless one has climbed the Great Wall, one cannot truly consider himself a man.”  My quote would be, “Unless one has played St. Andrews, one cannot truly consider himself a golfer.”

James B. Horan
Horsham, Pennsylvania

November 2006

I have been playing golf for 25 years and finally decided to make the pilgrimage to play the Old Course in St Andrews.

I flew from Chicago into London and drove up to St Andrews from our Edinburgh hotel very early on an cold November morning, hoping to get on as a single.

To my delight there was a three ball with fellow Americans who were gracious enough to let me join them.

No matter who your regard as the greatest golfer(s) of all time they all have two things in common...they played here and they loved it.

Additionally, this is where the game was born and the "Home of Golf" is almost a tangible thing you can feel as you walk upon this sacred site.

The caddies only added to the experience with their great accents, colloquialisms, and their very sharp wit. What I perceived to be a mound or patch of gorse to them was a series of individual features whereby they could locate your ball. They know this course better than you know the back of your hand. Get one if you want to hit to the right spot, club or shot. I was 150 yards out on the 13th, the caddie says it played 190... I dubiously followed his instructions and the ball came to rest 12 feet from the pin and the resulting birdie was only possible because of the local knowledge he dispensed.

You will be at the mercy of one of the most passively aggressive courses if you rely on yourself alone.

I played very well as I like to keep the ball low and have a natural draw off of the tee. I felt very familiar with the type of shots required here.

Distance is not as important as touch and imagination. The greens are in perfect condition and not all that demanding. The bunkers live up to their legend, though. I was in one of the nostrils at the Principals Nose and my attempted escape shot bounced off the front wall and further back into the bunker. I was also sprayed with a lot of sand that blew back off the wall. The amused caddie instructed me to come out sideways, I did and it worked.

I put the ball on in regulation at the short 11th hole and felt I had one up on old Bobby Jones who struggled so on this famous hole.

The famous blind tee shots add to the excitement and mystery of the experience. I felt as if I was floating above the ground as I absorbed all the lore and legend of this special place.

As I came to the Road Hole I was overwhelmed. We teed off only 10 yards in front of the championship tees. A chance to test my game against the greats... upon the greatest hole ever. I thought of Nicklaus, Daly, Woods as I stood over my tee shot and placed a draw directly over the sheds into the left side rough. I was about 190-200 yards out. I took out a 4 iron and aimed directly at Road Bunker and the flag directly beyond it. I figured with the wind in our face I could fade the ball with a mighty swing. My mind went blank as I took it back and launched the shot to just off the front right edge of the green...perfect, a chance to par the most (in)famous hole in all of golf.

I lobbed a sand wedge to the high shelf as a putt was too risky. From 12 feet away my par putt did a 180 as it lipped out, but my bogey was truly the most satisfactory tap-in I have ever had. A great drive on the 18th secured a par for a very respectable 84 (winter rules of course).

Pausing upon the Swilican Bridge I realized how many have played here and how many desire to do so... now I am part of the course as it will be forever a part of me.

Darrill Andries
Chicago, Illinois, USA

PS I'll probably quit the game as everything else will pale in comparison.

June 2006

What an experience it was to play the revered Old Course at St. Andrews.  I was so looking forward to the chance to see the course that it was practically the first thing I did after getting off the plane.  My wife and I arrived in Scotland on Sunday morning to begin our honeymoon.  This was a honeymoon we planned six years ago when we were married.  Like a fine wine, the wait has only sweetened the experience. 

We dumped our gear at the Bed and Breakfast we had reserved in Crail, and drove on up to St. Andrews to get to know our way around and take in some of the scenery.  We were delighted to find that the Old Course is not open to play on Sundays and that the course is open to the public to walk around and enjoy.  It was such a joy to see folks walking their dogs and throwing frisbees on the hallowed grounds of golf. 

We walked around a bit and took the obligatory Swilcan Bridge photos and basically fulfilled all of our tourist related duties.  This only made me more anxious to play the course which was no guarantee since I was playing as a single.

I arrived the next morning at 5:15 a.m. to get in line at the starter shack so that I could enter my name on the waiting list of single golfers in hopes of being paired up with a group lacking a 4th player.  My faithful wife had agreed to accompany me on my round so that I might have a witness with me who could tell the folks back home of any spectacular shot I might blunder in to.  (Spectacular shots are not characteristic of my golf game.) 

It was windy and cold that morning, so cold in fact that some of the gentlemen standing in line with me used what was to be their caddie money to buy sweaters.  The sweaters later proved to be insufficient as these guys left due to the cold.  I waited 5 hours before being called to the tee.  I was paired up with a couple from Seattle and a gentleman from California with whom I had stood in line all morning. 

There are many moments from this round of golf that I will never forget, but there are two that stand out.  The first is the feeling of standing on that tee box on #1.  I knew that I was very likely the least talented golfer in the group and I did not want to be the one who missed the fairway.  Turns out I hit it dead center and the cheers I got from my newfound friends still in line at the starter shack calmed me down a bit and I was able to relax. 

Moment #2 happened on hole #16.  After really laying into my drive off the tee, I was hoping that I had not found trouble.  One of the caddies assured me that I would be happy with the results.  As we approached the green I saw my ball sitting about 20 feet from the hole.  I couldn't believe that I had driven a 345 yard hole!  I missed the eagle putt but got the birdie and I was ecstatic. 

I won't tell what happened on the tee of the Road Hole, only to say that since I saw no one lying in the hotel courtyard I will assume there was no damage done.

 As I stood on the #18th tee, I looked at the Swilcan Bridge and all the folks who had lined the edges of the course to watch the golfing groups come in.  It was surreal feeling.  My wife looked at me and said " Do you realize that you haven't stopped smiling all day?".  I gave her a wink and then swung away. 

I watched my ball trickle across Granny Clark's Wynd and tipped my cap to the caddy in response to his "Well Done" compliment for my drive.  As we proceeded over the Swilcan Bridge and walked towards the green I thought to myself what a truly great day it had been. 

I parred #18 and after saying our goodbyes to the rest of my foursome, we proceeded to one of the many great pubs to relive the better moments of my round over a cold pint.

I have shared the photos and told the stories many times to my golfing buddies here in the States of a day fondly remembered at St. Andrews .  My wife has started golfing now and has vowed to return to St. Andrews to play it herself. A day I highly anticipate.  

Steve and Laurel Williams
Knoxville, Tennessee USA

June 2005

What better gift can a wife give her 50 year old golfer husband? When I started planning my first golf trip to Scotland it had to include The Old Course. I took responsibility for the itinerary so it was up to me to get the most sought after tee time in all of golf: four ball on the Old Course. I read all the requirements and all the folklore about the times being booked a year in advance, ballots, queues, and the odds being against us (especially since this is an Open year!) but was not discouraged - after all, I keep my handicap at Bethpage and never once spent the night in a parking lot to play The Black, so what is so difficult about getting a foursome on The Old Course?

We had already booked the flights and were to arrive in St Andrews hoping to play the Old Course early in the morning and still make our 11:36 4 ball on the New Course - which had already been booked. Well, I made a few calls and was lucky enough to book a cancellation (thanks Nicola) on Friday morning at 7 am - imagine that? No problem. After a restless night in the Scores Hotel, we made our way across the street for what was to be the most memorable golf any of us had ever experienced. We stopped at the caddie pavilion and then over to the starter where I met Alister, my caddie. We presented our handicap cards and were given yardage books (only as a souvenir as you must have a caddy), divot tool and a ball marker "3:57". We were first to go off!

We made our way over to the teeing area where we were joined by no less than 10 other people: the 4 of us, 4 caddies, 4 trainee caddies, the starter, and a Ranger (who firmly reminded us: 3 hours 57 minutes) all standing on the tee trying to keep warm! So many spectators and us all alone. Alister was quick to calm our nerves. We all hit the fairway, which is almost impossible to miss at 150 yards wide - Alister reminded us of that as well.

We all strode toward the Swilcan Burn. If we weren't nervous teeing off, we were by now. That soon wore off as I hit my 8 iron stiff for par. For the next 3:43 I relied heavily on Alister for direction, club selection and comic relief. I'm not going to pretend that I remember every hole, I do however vividly remember seeing Hell for the first time (en route to a birdie) the immense shared greens, how the caddies rolled cigarettes and lit them in the wind - the wind and no rain (it didn't rain our entire stay in Scotland). I recall the good shots some of the bad and of course, the gorse... I remember the gorse. You don't see these things in the States.

We made our way around the hollowed ground at a brisk pace, between pot bunkers and Alister's wit. We came to the Road Hole and received our warnings. We played it at about the stroke average during the last Open. As we stood on the 18th tee, the sun spilled over the huge fairway. There were couples taking pictures on the Swilcan Bridge, golfers walking dogs, mowers mowing, cars driving across Granny Clark's Wynd and pedestrians everywhere. Alister reminds us "pick a target and hit away!" - again, you can't really miss! We proceed across the Swilcan Bridge only to stop when Alister snaps the obligatory photo and we're off to the Valley of Sin. I'd like to say we all parred 18... In fact, I will! We all parred 18. Then Alister reminded me of 2 things: we finished in 3:56 - (the required time) and I had accomplished something he'd seen only one other player achieve - I missed every bunker - all 112 of them. We made our New Course time and then had lunch in the Links Clubhouse. The best food in Scotland I think! The entire experience was truly fantastic - We can't wait to return.

Jim Ellis, Merrick , New York

Played The Old, Eden and Jubilee last week. I've commented before on how good the Old and Eden are. Jubilee was a new experience. Great course, the most difficult of those I've played at St. Andrews (all now). The big challenge is not just driving well but having to place the second shot accurately in order to have a real chance to make par. It's a really well thought out course with no two holes quite the same and real 'gems' in numbers 8 and 15. Very enjoyable way to spend a morning in good company.

Graham Taylor, England

May 2005

Wow, what a fantastic experience, a lifetime dream came true for me, an 18 handicapper from Sammamish, Washington (near Seattle, USA) on Wednesday 25 May at 8.20 when I began my round of golf at the Old course in St Andrews for the very first time, and played with two students from St Andrews University. It took me 53 years to get here, but worth the wait.

I want to publicly thank my caddie, Willie, who made the experience one I will never forget, and Willie, thanks for all your knowledge, respect, professionalism, and patience with my golf game that day, and for your sharing your experiences and knowledge of the 600 year old course, the "home of golf". You were a true gentlemen who respects the game of golf and the golfer you are caddying for that day. And caddying for golfers like Ernie, Colin, and celebrities like actor Don Johnson, comedian Cheech Marin, and baseball pitcher Randy Johnson (a former Seattle Mariner), you have lots of experiences to share. I'll never forget one piece of advice Willie gave me when he said when you play the Old Course remember .... "Left is right and right is s***!".

For the first time golfer at the Old Course, I highly recommend that you have a caddie, they are the best. I wanted to experience links golf in Scotland in all it's glory, including some of that famous wild weather, which we had for a few holes of rain and wind, but all in all it was a perfect day for golf in St. Andrews. I think I took more pictures at each hole than I did hitting golf balls, but wanted to have all the memories I could take away to show my grand kids someday and tell my Old Course story. My best stretch of holes was no. 8 thru 12, where I parred all those holes expect no. 10, I missed a four footer for par, didn't get in the roadhole bunker, but did manage to hit on on the roadway near the wall and had to hit the ball against the wall to get it back on the green. Willie always knew what club to use and where to try to hit it, and to stay out of the gorse, if possible.

It was great to see all the camera setups and grandstands being constructed for the 134th playing of the Open Championship this July. It went by to fast, but I really treasure that I took my time to really enjoy the walk and seeing everything on each hole and to imagine I was Tom Morris or Bobby Jones or Jack Nicklaus on the tee to really understand what they understand which is that winning the Open at St. Andrews is the ultimate. The Old Course is a magical place, the mecca of golf that every golfer needs to make the pilgramage to at least once in their lifetime. I hope to bring my kids here someday so they can experience it too.

I spent two full days in St. Andrews, from morning to night, driving up from Edinburgh, and played Strathyrum too with two gentlemen from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 21st. I really enjoyed walking all over St. Andrews, around the golf course, shopping, book stores, eating at the local restaurants and Clubhouse, visiting the British Golf Museum (which is a must do for any golfer), and seeing Tony Jacklin, former Open Champion, hit tee shots from no. 1 supporting a sponsors golf event. I never wanted to leave and felt right at home in St. Andrews like I had lived here in a previous life as a Scotsman playing golf back in the days of Tom Morris.

Thank you St. Andrews, and I hope to return soon.

Craig Smith, Sammamish, Washington, USA

May 2005

On Friday 20th May, two friends and I finished off a week's excellent golf in Scotland by playing the Old Course. For me, it was my fourth experience but for my two playing partners, it was their first time. From the moment we arrived in the town to the moment we walked off the 18th, we had a fantastic day. Upon arrival we requested caddies and were lucky to get one each which further enhanced the experience.

Highlight of the round had to be Neil Gray chipping in on 14 for an eagle three! It was from 81 yards and with a seven iron due to the wind, but I don't think he will ever forget the sound of the ball clattering into the pin and I will never forget his dance of delight (even though I was looking for my ball at the time!)

We all agreed that the money was well spent and the day was even more memorable given the fact that the best players in the world will be teeing up shortly in The Open. I also will never forget my round of 78 (off 12) and playing 17 and 18 in front of those huge grandstands!

Thank you St Andrews.

Chris Mabbut, Neil Gray and Martin Wood

May 2005 - The St Andrews Old Course Experience - not to be missed !

Well what can I say this was the experience of a life time not to be missed by any true golfing fan. Despite a wait of 2 years to get a confirmed tee time for me and 3 mates to play the old course it was well worth it. We were made to feel most welcome from the moment we were photographed on the 1st tee to the moment we came up the 18th. The course was truly immaculate and a test for anyone let alone us 18 handicappers ! If you don't feel your legs shaking as you prepare to hit your 1st shot you can't be human... As well as the impossible bunkers and demanding undulations in the greens there are some breathtaking views and it is a wonderful feeling to see it all first hand rather than from the comfort of your armchair. We were blessed with warm sunshine and a slight breeze and managed to play the New Course as well which whilst still demanding offered some relief with a few more opportunities to score !

My lasting memory will be my par at the 18th - I might see if I can sell it on Ebay to Tiger or Ernie in a couple of months' time !

Wow....

Derek Ellis, Chichester, West Sussex

Steve Clemo, Mitcham, England

Alex Gardner, Cardiff, Wales

October 2004
Last Wed 27th Oct along with my father and son we had the privilege to play the Old Course with an 11.30 am tee off. It was our first time playing the course and we elected to have caddies , which was a very good move, not just for their advice on guiding tee shots but reading the greens . We had the most amazing experience, with the front nine played in sunshine and the back nine in strengthing wind and looming dark clouds.

The 1st/17th/18th holes all stand out for obvious reasons , but the par 3 11th is also a real test of nerve.

We all agreed our round went by far too quickly and look forward to
playing here again. Thanks to the St Andrews Links staff we met and of course to our caddies for an unforgettable day.

Richard Pollington, Berkshire, England

September 2004
This past Saturday (September 18), I awoke at 5am, trudged from the Old Course Hotel, down the Road Hole fairway, and over the Swilcan Bridge to the starter's hut where I found only two other fellows. Despite freezing my butt off, I was able to put my name in with the starter at 7:30am and was teeing off on the Old Course by 8:20am!!! It was an incredible experience; one I'll never forget. To top it off, I walked on to the New Course on Friday and played Kingsbarns Saturday afternoon and Carnoustie on Sunday afternoon. A lifetime experience!! Thanks to Theresa Coxon at Reservations for your advice and help along the way.

Greg Ortyl, Missouri, USA

August 2004
Myself and three friends planned a Scotland golf trip for two years. Of course the Old Course was high on our priority list but we knew tee times were hard. We balloted for the Old Course and were successful and played on August 23. To say it was the thrill of a lifetime does not do justice to the feeling of standing on the first tee. All four of us hit good straight drives and we were off. The Old Course played downwind the first seven holes and my caddie put us all in good position off the tee with his insight. A caddie is a must for first timers because you need to know where NOT to hit the ball. One of the accomplishments for me is I played the entire round with the same ball, mostly due to our caddie's placement of our tee shots. We also ran the entire cycle of weather during our round, which happened just about every day we played in Scotland. We started out in partly cloudy skies, went to a driving rain, and finished playing into a strong cold wind. We were all surprised at how close the 17th tee is to the Old Course sheds, as it much further away on TV. The 17th green, 18th tee and that wide fairway were all signs that the round was coming to an end. One last tee shot and we were all in the fairway, the pictures on the Swilcan Bridge, and our round was over much too soon. I definitely enjoyed my time on the Old Course and hope to return in the future.

David Rizzuto, Jackson, Tennessee

I am from Canada and I have been golfing for only a few years. But the Old Course at St Andrews quickly moved to the top of my "Life's To Do List". Luckily for me I have relatives that live in Edinburgh, and once they found out my dream, the trip quickly fell into place. In January this year a few last minute times for the Old Course became available. I managed to book it for the three of us after 3 hours of dialling! We had to play a 2nd course, and Theresa Coxon from the Reservations Department at the Links Trust recommended that we play the Jubilee Course because is was a real test that we would enjoy. So now we were all set, The Jubilee and the Old Course.

When we finally arrived in St Andrews in August of this year, the view of the 1st and 18th holes was simply amazing. It is such an amazing place where you can just feel the history. We sat for hours listening to the different languages of golfer fans from around the world and watching people set off of the 1st tee. We imagined ourselves teeing off in two days. I was just a little nervous!

Day one we set off to play the Jubilee. The wind is blowing the sky is
grey and the fairways are tight. I'm in heaven. I remember thinking that Theresa was so right. This course plays tough. Especially for guys like me who have never played on this side of the pond before, on a true Links course. The three of us had such a great time trying to avoid the bunkers and long grass. My Uncle managed to visit the sand so many times that we started calling him "Lawrence Of Arabia"! I really enjoyed playing the Jubilee and I even managed to shoot a decent score.

Day two and its time for the Old Course. Stepping up to the first tee and knocking a drive down that massive fairway was amazing. I remember walking down the first fairway and looking around thinking, "I'm here, I am really here!". The next few holes went by like a blur. I found it so hard to concentrate on playing golf because I was so busy looking around at the course, trying to take it all in and just trying to breath. After 4 holes it started to pour rain. It lasted for the next 45 minutes and we were soaked. My golfing highlight of the day came on the 14th hole. It's a par 5 that is the number 1 handicap hole. I hit my tee shot down the right side of the fairway but the wind grabbed it and pushed over the wall onto the Eden Course. Out of bounds. Now I'm hitting "3 Off The Tee". I managed to make a 4 on that second ball for a bogey 6. Playing the 17th after hitting over the corner of the hotel and then checking out the Road Bunker was so cool. When we walked up the 18th fairway I realized that it was just about over. And as we stood on the Swilcan Bridge to have our picture taken I decided right then, "I am coming back".

Terry Best, Ontario, Canada

My family and I have just returned from a holiday to the UK where I was fortunate enough to have experienced the ultimate in golf and
play on the Old Course.

I will never forget how my son and I got up at 3:30am and went down to the starter's box to line up with other hopefuls and to be told by the starter when he arrived that I would definitely get a game at some stage during the day.

I will also never forget how tightly I was gripping the club on the first
hole and the ensuing 17 holes.

It was a dream come true - one which I had never considered possible to have made it to the home of golf. Like many others I have watched the various Open Championships being held at St Andrews in the wee small hours of the morning wishing I was there.

I had many times studied the course layout and I thought I had a
reasonable picture of where to hit and where not to hit it - how wrong I
was! My son Todd (who caddied for me - a time to treasure) and I studied the hole layouts on each tee and did our best to position the ball as best we could.

We would like to thank Kenny who was caddying for one of the other members of our foursome who was extremely helpful to us both and made our job that much easier - particularly when it came to the 17th. Nobody can descibe the feeling you have when standing on the Road Hole tee and being confronted with a very large shed before you even look like hitting the hidden fairway.

We can only thank all the people of St Andrews for making my dream come true!

Eugene Nix, Queensland, Australia

Playing the Old Course was a once in a life time experience. The history, the golf course, the wonderful caddies, and the weather _ sunny but 45 mph winds all made this a very special day we will always remember. One tip for anyone thinking about playing the Old Course--hire a caddie. They make your round so much more enjoyable. Our caddies were experienced, very helpful and humorous. All of the people at St. Andrews made you feel welcomed, from the starter to the retail sales associate. We will cherish the memories from our first visit to Scotland and hope to come back soon.
P. S. Ladies don't forget the Ladies Open at St. Andrews in 2007!

Joan Tracey, San Francisco, USA

July 2004
The words I write fail the task of capturing my most positive experience of golf in Fife, Scotland. In the summer of 2004, my 4 rounds on the links at St. Andrews and the 6 other rounds on the links courses of Kingdom of Fife were golf in its pure, original form. This experience has had such a profound impact on me that I believe I might sell my soul to get back there to play on those links again!

Equally profound was my experience with the true representatives of golf at St. Andrews Links – the caddies. These fine folk are the real
ambassadors of the game for those who come seeking. In my experience they are some of the most knowledgeable, helpful, gracious, and enjoyable golfing companions one could ever have on any golf course. For me, these caddies were not just someone who carried my clubs - they were my royal guides to golf in the grandest place of all to play this glorious game. One should not ever underestimate the value that they bring to all who visit and play the courses of St. Andrews.

Michael Hawkins, USA

April 2004

MY BEST FRIEND WAS 50 LAST YEAR. HIS WIFE GAVE HIM A PRESENT OF A COUPLE OF GAMES IN ST. ANDREWS AND I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ASKED TO ACCOMPANY HIM FROM APRIL 12-15, 2004.

EVERYTHING THAT I HAD SEEN, READ, LISTENED TO AND DREAMED ABOUT: THE OLD COURSE WAS ALL THAT AND MUCH MORE. A MECCA FOR ALL GOLFERS MUST BE ST.ANDREWS.

TO STAND ON THE 1st TEE, ON THE VERY SAME SPOT ON WHICH ALL THE PAST GREATS OF THE GAME HAVE STOOD, WAS A SENSATION THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET. I WAS HAPPY TO CARRY GRANNY CLARK'S WYND AND THEN THE SWILCAN BURN, NAMES THAT ARE STEEPED IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME.

A MOST VALUABLE ASSET ON THE DAY WAS MY CADDIE IAN DOW WHO STEERED ME AROUND THE COURSE IN 74 NET OFF 7 H/CAP. EACH PERSON WE MET THERE WAS NICER THAN THE LAST, FROM THE HOTEL STAFF AND THE COURSE PERSONNEL TO THE LOCALS - ALL GREETED US WITH WARMTH AND AFFECTION. THE STARTER, THE CADDIE MANAGER AND THE CADDIES WERE A CREDIT TO ST. ANDREWS.

THE COURSE WAS IN FANTASTIC CONDITION AND THE WEATHER ALSO CAME UP TRUMPS WITH NO RAIN FOR ALL FOUR DAYS. THE COURSE PLAYS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY IN REALITY FROM THAT SEEN ON THE TV. SOME IF NOT MOST OF THE TEE SHOTS ARE SEMI-BLIND WHICH ADDS TO THE ENJOYMENT. PREVIOUS REVIEWS STATE THAT THE ROUND GOES VERY FAST AND IS THEREFORE A BLUR I FOUND THIS TO BE TRUE. I HAD A FEW THREE PUTTS, THE MOST MEMORABLE BEING ON THE 'LARGEST GREEN IN THE WORLD,' THE SHARED 5th & 13th. IAN, MY CADDY, INSTRUCTED ME TO HIT OUT OVER THE 'O' IN HOTEL AT THE 'ROAD HOLE' A FEAT I AM PROUD TO SAY I ACHIEVED, ALTHOUGH I MISSED A PUTT FOR PAR. I WAS VERY PLEASED TO 'BIRDIE' THE LAST AFTER HITTING A DRIVE AND A 9 IRON TO SIX FEET. A SMALL CROWD AROUND THE 18th WILL BEAR WITNESS TO MY SCORE.

BACK HOME NOW, I HAVE MY MEMORIES AND MY PHOTOGRAPHS: A FRAMED ONE OF ME STANDING ON THE 17th TEE HANGS IN PRIDE OF PLACE IN MY OFFICE. PLANS ARE CURRENTLY BEING HATCHED TO MAKE A RETURN TRIP BEFORE LONG TO TASTE ONCE AGAIN THE SWEET SCOTTISH AIR, SOAK UP THE WARMTH OF SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY AND WALK ONCE AGAIN ON THE HALLOWED TURF OF ST. ANDREWS.

Tom Crowley, Cork, Ireland

We visited St Andrews on 18th to 21st April, in celebration of my 40th birthday, but also to carry out a pilgrimage which had been a dream of mine and my two fellow golfing fanatics, Martin and Ian, for some years. My personal milestone simply gave us a perfect excuse to finally realise that dream. Having secured times in advance on the Eden Course and the Old Course, the golf and the whole experience more than lived up to the months of anticipation, which at times drove our families to distraction! We initially looked upon our round on the Eden to be warm up for the "main event", but I would recommend a round on the Eden to sample the holes that skirt the estuary, and in a capricious breeze it certainly proved a stiff test. Our first round on the Old Course the next day was simply wonderful, on a layout where it is impossible for true golfing spirits not to be moved. Where else is it possible to face a 90 yard putt for eagle? Or to be strangely pleased to have mistakenly given yourself the chance play out of the famous array of terrifying but beautifully maintained bunkers? The natural condition of the course, and the incredible greens left us in awe.

Imagine our delight when we were successful in the ballot to play the Old Course again the next day. No golfing experience can possibly rival holing out on the Road Hole and turning to aim your drive up the 18th, with the Swilcan Bridge and the most famous view in golf challenging your nerve to the last. Magical. We were so glad that we were asked to link up with Bernie from New Jersey and Bill from Johannesburg just to witness their unbridled delight at their own first rounds on the Old Course. Their reactions reinforced our own impressions that there is nothing like this anywhere else in the world.

I would like to congratulate the Links Trust for making such an experience accessible and for providing facilities around the courses that are second to none. Also, a big thank you to all the staff on and around the courses and in the clubhouses who could not have been more helpful. An unforgettable experience and an enchanting place for anyone who loves the great game. We'll be back.

Duncan Snook, Rugby, England.

February 2004

Last week I indulged in a winter break golf package to the Old Course Hotel with my cousin from England and our wives. We had 3 games on the Eden, Jubilee & Old Course and 2 nights in the Old Course Hotel. I have stayed in the hotel before so I knew what to expect (excellence), but I would like to say I was completely taken aback by the whole St Andrews Links golf experience and feel immensely proud to be Scottish.

The courses are fantastic and the new clubhouses and golf academy are simply stunning. We were welcomed so warmly by all the staff and made to feel so welcome that I had probably one of the most relaxing and enjoyable few days imaginable. Your organisation has done this country proud and I hope other golf establishments follow suit.

This is how golf should be – encouraging children to play, providing excellent facilities at a justifiable cost and managing to completely dispel the idea that golf is intended for pretentious old codgers. Even our wives were moved to take golf lessons and my cousin has returned to Sunningdale with a whole new outlook on this wonderful game. Well done to all your staff and those responsible for the vision to create such a wonderful place to visit. We’ll definitely be back.
Paul Calder, Scotland.

Old Course (submitted January 2004)

What a place. I had attended the last two Opens there and had always wanted to play it. Finally, this summer, I treated myself to four days at St Andrews. I stayed at a B and B two blocks from the first tee.

When you first see the course, it doesn't look like much. But, if you study the history of the course and golf itself, you become enchanted with its simplicity, beauty, and charm. Regardless of what others might say, it is as challenging a course you'll ever play.

A good caddie is a must if you've never played it. If you venture out there on your own you could really stray off course. And of course there are the bunkers! During one of my rounds my caddie told me to stay right and away from the Beardie bunkers on the home nine. Naturally, I pulled the ball, went left and found one. I climbed into the bunker and could not get the ball out after three swings - I took a ten on the hole and wrecked my score.The only thing which made me feel better was that I witnessed Duval's triple bogey on the Road Hole bunker the year Tiger won the Open. It took him right out of contention.

Perhaps one of the things which makes the Old Course so wonderful is the people of St Andrews. Everyone at the course is so friendly, as are the people in the town. And regardless of the weather, the game of golf continues. When I arrived it was raining fairly steady. I couldn't believe the number of people playing! So, I got my sticks, a caddy, payed my fee, and played. As it turned out, it only rained until we got to the fourth hole. The wind kicked up for a half hour, which was quite an experience, and the rest of the day was lovely. By the way, when the caddy tells you, you are putting into the wind, make sure you slug the ball!

The greens there were excellent. Very challenging. With the wind they
become almost impossible to read because the wind speed changes by the second. And before you play, practice your 40-100 foot putts. It's not uncommon to putt from the fairway.

If you're a serious golfer, you have to play the Old Course. Make sure you read plenty about its history before you go, and be sure to play it several times to get the full effect of the course. I can't wait till my next trip!!

John Ventura, New York, USA.

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