This archive covers a previous British Open venue. The current Open Championship Event Guide may be found here: British Open Event Guide.
The Old Course at St Andrews, in Fife, Scotland, is widely celebrated as the very spot where humankind first took a stick to a ball, and played golf as we know it over 18 holes. When the sport's oldest championship and one of the four major tournaments, the British Open, comes to the historic course, golf fans are given a particular treat.
Rich in tradition, St. Andrews golf course provides the ideal backdrop for those tense and exhilarating moments that golf lovers expect from their sport and even casual fans watch on highlight reels for years. In fact, set on the sloping green course and under the pristine Scottish sky, nearly every moment of the tournament can seem historic. When the game's best come out to play, they know that they face both a challenge and a pleasure on the remarkable course.
The Old Course takes in the quaint and idyllic natural beauty that his become synonymous with the town of St. Andrews itself. Golf fans who have come out to watch the British Open or any of the other tournaments are in for a treat when they decide to spend a few days in the enchanting region.
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Because St Andrews does not have its own train station, visitors are advised to stop their ride at the Leuchars station, and then take a 10-minute or so bus or taxi ride into the town. Those driving through Scotland can find the Royal Burgh directly off of A91.
Local Accomodations
The area offers an array of fantastic accommodations to serve visitors between their rounds on the course and outings to the pubs and historic attractions. Guests can choose from a five-star hotel, an array of charming Bed and Breakfasts or even the more rustic camping sites.
The Courses
Once settled, linksmen looking to play a round on one of St Andrews' seven illustrious courses (the Old Course, the Castle Course, the New Course, the Jubilee Course, the Eden Course, the Strathtyrum Course and the Balgove Course), can actually get their chance to play the same holes as the pros.
There are four easy ways to play a round on the Old Course for golfers who have the appropriate handicap (24 for men and 36 for women). An advanced reservations process begins each September for those looking to play the following year. In addition, golfers can enter the Daily Ballot, a lottery that is drawn each day for play on the following day. Third, single golfers can occasionally be placed with a group by speaking with the starter on the day they wish to play. Lastly, visitors can be guaranteed a premium tee time buy purchasing tickets through the Old Course Experience Program.
Those who wish to engage with the course without the risk of making a few divots can opt for a guided walking tour of the world's most famous golf course. As guests stroll along the green lawns of each of the 18 holes, the guide will point out places of interest and tell tales of golf glory. Tours occur at 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays in June and every eligible day in July and August.
Local Attractions
For a break from golf, visitors to St. Andrews can head into the fabled town to revel in the history that lurks at every turn. St. Andrews is so named because the relics of the disciple St. Andrew were brought to the site from Constantinople in the eighth century by a monk named St Regulus - and much of the history is quite accessible.
The St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Rule's Tower rest within walking distance of the golf course. The cathedral, one of the oldest and most important in Scottish history, was constructed between 1160 and 1218, and many of its stones were removed in the 17th century to build other structures in the town. Travelers can still visit the outline of the charming building, and climb St. Rule's Tower, a vestige of the old church in the area that provides a picturesque view of the town and region.
A few steps up the road lies the St. Andrews castle, the former residence of the Archbishops of St. Andrews. The old fortress sits right on the shore, giving visitors a fresh breeze and captivating view of the sea.
Walking through the small town, guests will notice the large student population in St. Andrews. The area is home to about 15,000 residents and an additional 7,000 students. Any stroll through the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland will cut through the University of St. Andrews and several of the school's historic quadrangles, where teaching still takes place.
Guests can top off their evening in St Andrews at Aikman's Bar and Bistro on Bell Street. This traditional gaslight pub offers an assortment of European beer and ales, and the barmen will be glad to suggest a beverage. If they arrive on the right night, patrons will be entertained by live traditional music or a pub trivia session.
Event Guide Archives:
2009 British Open Event Guide