For any golf lover, playing St Andrews is more than ticking a box - it’s a pilgrimage. Known as the “Home of Golf,” this iconic seaside town in Scotland has seen everything from royal bans to rogue sheep and even laundry interrupting play. Here are seven fun and quirky facts that make St Andrews golf courses as charming as they are historic.
1. The Old Course Didn’t Always Have 18 Holes
Today, an 18-hole round is the standard for golf worldwide - and you can thank St Andrews for that. Back in 1764, the Old Course was trimmed from 22 holes down to 18. You can find out more as to why golf courses have 18 holes here.
2. Golf Was Once Banned in St Andrews - Three Times!
Believe it or not, golf at St Andrews was once illegal. In the 15th century, Scottish kings James II, III, and IV banned golf because it distracted young men from practicing archery, which was vital for national defence. Luckily for us, the bans didn’t stick.
3. The Swilcan Bridge: A Small Bridge With a Big Story
If you’ve ever watched The Open at St Andrews, you’ve seen legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods pause on the Swilcan Bridge for a farewell photo. This tiny stone bridge, over 700 years old, was originally used by shepherds to move livestock. Today, it’s one of the most photographed spots in golf.
4. Laundry on the Fairway
In the early 1800s, locals would lay their laundry out to dry on the fairways near the Swilcan Burn. It wasn’t unusual for a golfer’s shot to land in a sea of bedsheets! Old course rules even allowed players to move the washing to play their ball.
5. The Himalayas - Mini Golf Before It Was Cool
Next to the Old Course sits the St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club, founded in 1867. Locals affectionately call it “The Himalayas” because of its dramatic humps and hollows. Many believe it’s the birthplace of modern mini golf. Even today, visitors of all ages can grab a putter and test their skills on its rolling greens.
6. The Jigger Inn: The World’s Most Famous 19th Hole
After a round at St Andrews, golfers flock to The Jigger Inn. This charming pub sits next to the 17th fairway and once housed the stationmaster for the old railway line. There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cold pint, or an iced dram whilst watching fellow golfers live out their dreams on the 17th and 18th. Its cozy interior, local ales, and stories swapped over pints have earned it a reputation as golf’s ultimate 19th hole.
7. Golf for the People
Unlike many famous courses, the Old Course is public. Locals still walk their dogs here when tee times are quiet. On Sundays, the Old Course famously closes for golf - transforming into a giant public park where families picnic and kids play.
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