St. Andrews British Open

By Greg Stenzel P.G.A
Consultant V.P.
To A Tee, Bermuda Ltd. www.toateebermuda.com

 

This year’s British Open will return to the Home of Golf, St. Andrews Golf Links. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of playing the Old Course, it should be on your Bucket List. I have been fortunate to host several groups of golfers on their first excursion to the seaside links and the look on their faces as we approach the village of St. Andrews is one that reminds me of a child on Christmas morning: Eyes wide open, a smile from ear to ear and comments like, “There it is; there’s the R & A Clubhouse.” As you enter St. Andrews, there really isn’t anything that warns of your approach other than a road sign. Then suddenly, above the grass-lined roadside, a few holes appear. Nothing special, until you see one of the most famous buildings in golf looming above the links: the R & A. Golfers have been playing the links for centuries. In its early layout, the Old Course had 12 holes, 10 of which were played both out and in, making a total of 22 holes. As play increased, the first four holes (all of which were played twice) were combined in 1764 to make two holes, leaving a total of 18 holes. Over time, this became the standard number of holes for courses all over the world. Around 1863, Old Tom Morris had the 1st green separated from the 17th green, producing the current 18-hole layout with seven double greens. While the double greens provide an expansive target, they also are cause for careful consideration when putting. The course has hosted a number of majors and produced both exciting and troubling outcomes. Tiger won the modern grand slam with his win in 2000. Jack Nicklaus defeated Doug Sanders in 1970 when Sanders missed a slippery 3 footer on the last. Nicklaus’ career flourished while Sanders slipped into obscurity. Nick Faldo also won at St. Andrews negotiating the Swilcan Burn, the Road Hole and Hell’s Bunker finishing 17 under par in what many feel was the best in Open history. The residents of St. Andrews understand and appreciate the game and the course. As you finish your round playing the 18th, you will find locals lining the fence behind the green. Play a good shot or make your putt and they will acknowledge your accomplishments with a controlled round of applause and a Well done! Accommodations are available for any budget. I like to stay at the Russell or Hazelbank hotels, which are locally owned and operated, three stars, clean and within two blocks of the first tee. While a number of pubs abound for an after round pint and pub grub of soup and sandwich, I often stop by Ma Bells situated on the same street as my hotel and seated below the St. Andrews Golf Hotel, another recommended place to stay. I look forward to watching the British Open Championship and planning my next group trip to St. Andrews. Perhaps you should join me?

 

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