St Andrews - Old Course

[Marko77]

Well, not long back from my first playing experience on the Old Course at St Andrews and just had to say despite seeing the course on tv on many occassions and being in close proximity several times I was taken aback by how I felt walking up to the starters box thinking about the many greats who've been there before. Its the first time I've been shaking (non alchohol influenced) on the first tee in many a time with all the onlookers just waiting for someone to top it 20yds. Thankfully I got one away nicely down the middle.

I've definately developed a new appreciation for the home of golf following todays round. My two putt par from the valley of sin was a brilliant way to end the day and will keep my buzzing during the winter months.....roll on spring time.

 

[Slaighty]

How did you go about getting a round there?

 

[John_Findlay]

Sounds like a good day at the office, Marko!!

I've yet to play the Old Course and have made it my personal mission to enter the ballot in late April next year. One way or another I will make it the 100th different course I've played (presently on 97) as I don't think there are any better alternative ways to celebrate my personal mile-stone. Sooooo looking forward to it.

 

[Marko77]

Slaighty, as JF refers to, there is a ballot system which decides the day before who plays. My friend and I entered on Saturday for today and were successful.

Single golfers can however turn up on the day and look to join up where there is space, for example, we had some pleasant chap join us who was across from Canada.


That will be some achievement John. 100 different courses. Do you keep the scorecards, guide for each that you visit?

 

[madandra]

How much did it cost for the round?

 

[Marko77]

October rate was £88, think it goes down a bit more next month but you have to play off matts.

 

[John_Findlay]

Mid to end of April is the "Shoulder" season rate at £88 too. No mats and £45 cheaper than from the beginning of May onwards.

Yes, Marko. Kept my old scorecards, course-guides. Scrabbling around trying not to play too many new courses until April now. Popped up to Ladybank today for a round with a friend. Had played it once around 20 odd years ago. Oooh, those trees!

 

[viscount17]

J_F, you're going to hate this!

St A was the <u>first</u> course I ever played!

Unfortunately this was at a time when I didn't appreciate golf and had never played before. I was stationed at RAF Leuchars next door who at the time had, I think, playing privileges. I was along for the ride and my 'partners' weren't interested in encouraging a newbie.
Didn't play again for 35 years!

 

[John_Findlay]

OMG, Viscount!

I take it the starter wasn't bothered about checking the handicap certificates back then!?

I have to confess that I've been putting off the opportunity to play the course for a while now, knowing that I want to do it justice. Did play the Jubilee course years ago but back in the time when I was basically not playing golf more than twice a year and hacking it round.

Can't believe that I started playing the game 27 years ago and have never played it yet. Or that my home course is only a mile away from Muirfield as the crow flies and have never played there either! Soon sort that next year methinks!

 

[pingpal]

I take it the starter wasn't bothered about checking the handicap certificates back then!?

If you've got the £££ they'll let you on, despite what the written conditions say nobody checked handicaps when I played there but they do zip round in their buggies and check you're using the mats in winter, awful bloody things.

There really is something special about playing the Old Course especially the 1st and 18th. I've never been as delighted to get one away down the first as there with a 'safe' 4 iron, made a par on 1 with a slightly thinned 8 iron second that just cleared the burn! Set the tone for the day and I played quite well for me. Fast greens though so watch out.

 

[madandra]

J_F bow your head in shame. Come to think of it ... I live a mile away from the girl who plays Harry Potters burd and av not been on her ... I get your point