The Home of Golf
South African golfing legend Dale Hayes explains why St Andrews in Scotland is still one of the best golf courses in the world.
Peter Matkovich once said to me: “Golf courses are like women: Thank goodness we all like different ones.” It is always interesting to hear a golfer’s opinions on different courses, but more often than not, their “rating” of a course will depend largely on how well or how badly they played on that particular day.
Take the wide range of opinions on the “Home of Golf”, St Andrews, for example. I am often annoyed by the reaction many golfers have to St Andrews. This is probably because they are comparing it to newer, more modern, lush and manicured courses.
My love for St Andrews may be amplified by the fact that I have played well there in the past (I had my best Open there in 1978 when I finished 11th and before that I finished third in the Scottish Open), but mostly it is because there is just so much more that comes with a round of golf there.
Enjoying a round of golf is about more than just well designed holes. It is a combination of many things. For me, history and tradition are a huge factor, as are the facilities (the clubhouse and practice area), and of course the condition of the course and the greens. I also like to play a course where I do not feel intimidated on every shot, or too scared to swing back. I have felt comfortable on all the great courses that I’ve played, including Pinehurst, Augusta, Pebble Beach, Sunningdale, Durban Country Club and St Andrews.
St Andrews has a unique atmosphere. Everyone in that town knows golf and most love it. Every nook and cranny is golf related, whether it is art, books, clothing, equipment, memorabilia or pubs. In my opinion, St Andrews is a course that should be played by anyone who believes that they really love the game.
There are a number of ways of getting a game on the Old Course. If you plan ahead, you can try applying through the Links Trust’s Advanced Reservations System. They also have a premium product where you can buy tee off times through the Old Course Experience. Failing that, you can put your name into the daily ballot and take your chance on getting a game the following day. And if you are alone and can “hang around”, who knows, you may just be able to slip into a group to make up a fourth. I promise you, it will definitely prove worth the wait! Visit http://www.standrews.org.uk/ for details.
Story by Dale Hayes
