If you love golf, you’ve heard of The Old Course at St Andrews - the legendary links known as the Home of Golf. For centuries, golfers have travelled from all over the world to walk its hallowed fairways, tackle its famous bunkers, and stand on the iconic Swilcan Bridge. But how did The Old Course become the most famous golf course in the world? At The Experience Golf, we believe every golfer should know the story behind this remarkable place.
A Course Steeped in Centuries of Tradition
Golf has been played on the land where The Old Course now sits for over 600 years, making it the oldest golf course in the world. Records show that golf was played at St Andrews as early as 1552, when Archbishop John Hamilton granted townspeople the right to play on the links.
Originally, the course had 22 holes - 11 out and 11 back - but that changed in 1764 and here’s our logic behind why.
Today, almost every golf course across the globe follows the 18-hole format first formalised at The Old Course.
Royal Endorsement & The Fight to Save the Links
In the 18th century, golf at St Andrews faced a crisis. The town fell on hard times, and the course was used for rabbit farming, which clashed with golfers’ use of the land. Thankfully, in 1821, James Cheape of Strathtyrum, a local landowner and golfer, bought the links and preserved them for golf - earning him the title ‘The Saviour of St Andrews Links’.
In 1834, King William IV became the patron of the St Andrews Society of Golfers, granting it the ‘Royal’ status and strengthening The Old Course’s reputation as the cradle of the game.
Legendary Holes & Famous Features
The Old Course is home to some of the most iconic holes and features in golf. The Road Hole (17th) is famously one of the toughest par 4s in the world, testing even the best professionals during The Open Championship. The Swilcan Bridge on the 18th fairway has seen countless legends - from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, wave farewell to cheering crowds.
Other legendary features include the massive Hell Bunker, the double greens (all seven of them), and the wide fairways that have witnessed so much golfing history.
The Open Championship: A Historic Stage
The Old Course hosted its first Open Championship in 1873. Since then, it has crowned many of golf’s greatest champions, from Bobby Jones and Seve Ballesteros to more recent winners like Tiger Woods and Cam Smith. For many players, lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews is the pinnacle of their careers.
A Bucket List Experience for Every Golfer
Playing The Old Course is a dream for millions. Despite its fame, it’s a public course - open to everyday golfers who want to walk in the footsteps of legends and can secure a tee time. The atmosphere, the scenery, and the sense of history make a round here truly unforgettable.
At The Experience Golf, we love sharing the stories, traditions, and skills that bring this great game to life. Did you know, we offer guaranteed tee times on The Old Course? Why not explore our options today and play where the legends have played and take a stroll through the history books.
