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This charming location is rich with history and golfing opportunities

The 139th British Open Championship was recently held from July 12 to 18, 2010, in St. Andrews, Scotland—the birthplace of golf. For golfers who have never been there, the images of the pot bunkers, double greens and the history of the course beckon you to make the pilgrimage.

St. Andrews is a quaint town located on the east coast of Scotland in the Kingdom of Fife. It is bordered by the North Sea and surrounded by open countryside. Once known as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, it is now known as the home of golf. Thousands of tourists travel each year to St. Andrews to walk the hallowed fairways that every great golfer who has played the game has competed on.

Golf has been played in St. Andrews for 600 years. There are a wide variety of courses in the area to delight golfers of all ages and abilities. St. Andrews Links Trust, a charitable organization, runs and manages seven popular courses—the most famous and revered being the Old Course.

The Old Course is not the most difficult course you have ever played, but it will be the most thrilling. As you stand on the first tee, even the hands of the steeliest veteran will shake a little and images of great champions teeing off from that very spot will distract you from the task at hand. As you meander your way through the links you will surely encounter one of the 112 bunkers located on course. The most famous is the Hell Bunker on the 14th hole or the Road Hole Bunker that has been the demise of a few British Open contenders. The massive double greens are also a signature part of the course and players can face putts of nearly 100 yards.

Favourites Among Golfers

The Old Course has become the favourite of some of golf’s greatest players. Jack Nicklaus said of the course that has seen him hoist two Claret Jugs, “I fell in love with it the first time I played it. There’s just no other golf course that is even remotely close.”

In addition to the Old Course there are five other fantastic links-style courses. Two championship courses are the New Course built in 1895 and the Jubilee Course, built in 1897. Both courses offer challenging layouts and true links golf. The remaining courses include the Eden, for golfers looking for a more leisurely round, the Strathtyrum suitable for high handicappers and the Balgove, a 9-hole track perfect for beginners and children.

The newest addition to the St. Andrews family is the Castle Course. Opened in late June of 2008 this cliff top course offers spectacular views of the town along with vistas of St. Andrews Bay and the North Sea. The fescue will force you to hit accurate shots and the dramatic greens will test your flat stick. After the round you can treat yourself to a beverage on the deck of the new clubhouse.

There is also a state-of-the-art practice facility and instruction centre located near town for players looking to find their game. Visitors can forge a relationship at the home of golf with one of the pros and continue to send video footage of their swing for in-depth analysis even after they have returned home.

In addition to St. Andrews Links Trust courses, the Duke’s Course is located close by and it also boasts a first class golf academy and an 18-hole championship track that is heralded as one of the British Isle’s best heathland golf courses. It offers challenging golf that ranges from tree-lined fairways to wide open countryside, with expansive bunkers and many well-guarded greens.

Take a Tour

In addition to the local golf make time in your schedule to hit some of the famous Open venues located within day trip range including Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Muirfield and Turnberry.

Although there are many bed and breakfasts that dot the Scottish countryside, when you make this trip of a lifetime splurge and stay at the Old Course Hotel. The property offers 144 guest rooms, including 35 suites. Purchased by the Kohler Company in October of 2004, an extensive renovation of the hotel has recently been completed. Rooms are lavishly designed—many featuring private balconies, large bathrooms and chromotherapy baths.

The Kohler Waters Spa offers a relaxing and rejuvenating time after you hit the links. The hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, Japanese steam room, light therapy sauna and dozens of treatment options will cure any swing fault.

The dining on property is second to none and the Road Hole Grill offers spectacular views of the coastline and the 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu items offer a diverse selection of Scottish—and where possible, organic—ingredients including Shetland Organic Salmon, East Neuk Lobster and Suckling pig from Ross-Shire.

Treat yourself to the eight-course menu with wine and champagne pairings for an unforgettable world-class dining experience. Cap the night off by moving down to the Road Hole Bar, famous for the selection of 200 whiskeys in a cozy and sophisticated setting that offers panoramic views of the Old Course. It is a golfer’s paradise.

To make the experience complete, walk out the back door of the hotel and stroll down the fairway after the last group passes through, and sit on the Swilcan Bridge. Take in the history and ambiance of the most famous course in the world and know that as a golfer you have truly come home.

Top Attractions

  • The closest major airport to St Andrews is at Edinburgh approximately 45 minutes by train or car.
  • University of St Andrews: Attended by Prince William, this is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the UK
  • St. Andrews Castle: This stunning seaside castle was built in approximately 1400. It served as a home for Bishops, as a fortress and even as a prison. It fell into ruin in the 1600s (open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. April to September—otherwise closed at 4:30 p.m.)
  • St. Andrews Cathedral and St Rule’s Tower: This ruined cathedral was at one time the most important cathedral in Scotland. It has an extensive graveside that is home to the late Tom Morris Junior. The ruins can be explored free of charge and there is a nominal fee for climbing the tower. Spectacular views await those that do (open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. April to September—otherwise closed at 4:30 p.m.)
  • West Sands (beach): One of three beaches in the area. Several scenes from Chariots of Fire were filmed here.
  • British Golf Museum: An informative and interactive exploration of the history of golf (open from Easter to October, Monday to Saturday from  9:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., otherwise daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Pubs

Top Five Pubs

  1. The Dunvegan: This is a 9-iron from the Old Course and the favourite of caddies and players after the round. It is chalk full of photos of PGA tour stars and sports and entertainment celebrities when they stopped by for a pint.
  2. Ma Bells Bistro Bar: Overlooks the sea and the Old Course and was Prince William’s favourite haunt.
  3. The Road Hole Bar: Offers phenomenal views of the Old Course and the largest selection of Scotch from every distillery in Scotland.
  4. Lizard Lounge: The closest you will get to a bar/club in St. Andrews.
  5. West Port: A high-end wine bar with trendy atmosphere.

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Lisa Longball Golf - Motivational Speaker and Golf Entertainer