the old course

[quinn]

looks like i may be stepping out on the hallowed turf in august,( no not the ricoh ) the other one just wondering if anyone on here has played it and what they thought ??? any advice tips would be welcome, was thinking a caddie might be required ???

 

[richart]

Playing for the first time in October, so any tips you pick up, please pass on.

 

[quinn]

Cant wait mate, il let you know how it goes, you,ll probably be finding a few of my balls up there

 

[Piece]

looks like i may be stepping out on the hallowed turf in august,( no not the ricoh ) the other one just wondering if anyone on here has played it and what they thought ??? any advice tips would be welcome, was thinking a caddie might be required ???

Played it a few years ago. Simply the best course I've played. Not from a difficulty point of view or for being spectacular, it's just the immense history feel you have on the course. The buzz teeing off, the turn for home seeing the closing holes unfurl, and then just playing 17, and finally walking up 18....simply unmatched as you FEEL the legends walking up the huge fairway.

As for the course, there are some holes you can attack and some you definitely can't. You have some blind tee shots that require good course and club selection management. There are a few double greens which allow good GIR stats, but hit the ball close otherwise you'll have putts measuring 50 yards! They'll be some marshals to help speed things along.

Do you need a caddy? Most overseas visitors do, but it's a personal preference thing. They'll certainly help, but will cost. I bought a course planner to match the pins of the day sheet and that was fine for me.

I hope you get a good, still day and enjoy the spectacle. If it's windy, you better perfect the knock down shot!!

Have a great time and if I could offer some advice - don't pressure yourself to play well, enjoy it and take a camera!

 

[quinn]

looks like i may be stepping out on the hallowed turf in august,( no not the ricoh ) the other one just wondering if anyone on here has played it and what they thought ??? any advice tips would be welcome, was thinking a caddie might be required ???

Played it a few years ago. Simply the best course I've played. Not from a difficulty point of view or for being spectacular, it's just the immense history feel you have on the course. The buzz teeing off, the turn for home seeing the closing holes unfurl, and then just playing 17, and finally walking up 18....simply unmatched as you FEEL the legends walking up the huge fairway.

As for the course, there are some holes you can attack and some you definitely can't. You have some blind tee shots that require good course and club selection management. There are a few double greens which allow good GIR stats, but hit the ball close otherwise you'll have putts measuring 50 yards! They'll be some marshals to help speed things along.

Do you need a caddy? Most overseas visitors do, but it's a personal preference thing. They'll certainly help, but will cost. I bought a course planner to match the pins of the day sheet and that was fine for me.

I hope you get a good, still day and enjoy the spectacle. If it's windy, you better perfect the knock down shot!!

Have a great time and if I could offer some advice - don't pressure yourself to play well, enjoy it and take a camera!

thanks for the advice, heard it can be interesting in the wind , will def enjoy it, did you get the time to take it all in ????

 

[smange]

Played the Old Course last month as well as The New and The Jubilee.

As Piece says the buzz you get stepping onto the first tee and most of the way round and then onto the 17th and that drive over the corner before the magical 18th, walking over the Swilken Bridge then striding up the fairway, the second shot into the green with everyone standing around watching and willing you to knock it close before you putt out and walk off, then you realise it went all too quick and you will want to go play it again.

And not because its the greatest course you will ever play, because it isnt, but purely for the history and nostalgia of the place.

If you can you must play the New Course, it is a fantastic course and as a golf course knocks spots off the Old Course.

You will enjoy yourself it is a great experience

 

[quinn]

im up there for a few days so might have a look at the new course,ive always thought the old course is a course you would need to play a couple of times to find your way around,a few blind shots by the sounds of it, does the first fairway look as wide as it does on the tv when your stood on the tee

 

[Qwerty]

I really enjoyed the old course for all the obvious reasons, but I thought the holes around the turn, on the estuary were like knocking it round a football pitch,totally featureless.

I enjoyed it, but if I went back to St Andrews I would be happy to just play the new course and 1 other,I'd probably go back to Ladybank.

 

[smange]

Not a difficult course to navigate round at all, its quite slow as well so you will be closely following the group in front of you. If you dont want to pay the fee for a caddie dont bother, there really is no need.

We didnt bother with a caddie and it didnt detract from the experience at all.

It was very windy when we played and in truth it is the only real defence the course has, its not a difficult course really and if you play reasonably well you will shoot a respectable score. I was off 8 when we played and shot 85(par 72) only 5 worse than handicap in really windy conditions so I was more than happy.

Dont just think about the New Course though, you have to play it, it really is a super golf course and a must play if you are in the area.

 

[JT77]

its a great experience, just enjoy it. get a caddie for the lines off the tee as some you wouldnt think about.
the course is pretty straight forward, but it is still great fun.

hope you enjoy it, great wee town too, what other courses you playing?

 

[Steviebhoy]

How did you all go about getting booked up for the old course and how much?

Only option I have seen really are the ballots which I don’t fancy as little bit of a journey up there then not to be picked out

 

[Pull]

How did you all go about getting booked up for the old course and how much?

Only option I have seen really are the ballots which I don’t fancy as little bit of a journey up there then not to be picked out

The ballot is drawn about 4pm the day before so you'll know if you've been picked.

We've been up twice, both via the ballot.
First time up i played well shooting 87 (off 18 ) with a nine on the 17th, i was level gross on the back nine at that point!!! Second time around 100 as i didnt play well at all.

I've also played the Eden Course up there which is an interesting little course, one of the cheaper ones but still very good.

 

[Steviebhoy]

Thanks very much might need to try get a round over next few months then

 

[Piece]

If want a hard test, try the Jubilee in the wind and rain...

 

[richart]

How did you all go about getting booked up for the old course and how much?

Only option I have seen really are the ballots which I don’t fancy as little bit of a journey up there then not to be picked out

Booked up on the first September last year, to play this October. Booked both the Old and New, £100 and £50 repectively which is good value. If you book November onwards you play off mats. If you book for the summer I think the green fee for the Old is £150.

You book by e-mail and hope you are successful. I sent mine on the dot of 10.00, and not only got both courses but also tee off times of 10.30 ish on both courses. Nice full Scottish, soak up the atmosphere and we will be off.

Check out www.standrews.org.uk, and check out application for advanced reservation. Good luck.