Got to play the Old Course at St. Andrews

[Burg]

Just returned from a 16 day trip to London and Scotland. Part of the trip included a 4 day stay in St. Andrews. Monday morning saw me arrive at the starter shack for the Old Course at 5 AM. I was fifth in line. Name got called at 8:30 and I got a round in with three R & A members. Great guys and the round was a dream come true.

I shot 38 on the front nine with a birdie on 9. The wind kicked up on 10 and every hole on the back nine was into the wind. Of course, the wind brought the rain which started on 14 tee and lasted for the rest of the round. Highlight of the back nine was the Road Hole which was playing dead into the wind with a hard rain. Hit a 3 wood into the center of the fairway and then a 5 wood to the front of the green. Chipped up to 10 feet and two putted for a bogey. Finished with a 46 on the back nine for a smooth 84. Amazingly enough, I played all 18 holes without setting foot in a bunker. Dumb luck but I'll take it.

What a fun round on a special course. Every avid golfer should play this course once if they can.

[Eracer]

Outstanding! I played in June, 2006. You're right, it's a special place. I shot 92 (not bad for an 18 handicap) because I was driving the ball pretty well.

I had a memorable finish. I parred 16, then bogied 17 by hitting a perfect drive over the hotel sign, missing my approach shot to the left, hitting a perfect lob over the Road Hole bunker, and two-putting. Great hole.

Oh, and I missed a four-footer for birdie on 18. Got some applause coming up the fairway. Which was cool.

Glad you got to play it.

[VAGolf]

Man you are so lucky. i only dream of playing here. do you recieve caddies? i dont think carts are available right?

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by VAGolf

Man you are so lucky. i only dream of playing here. do you recieve caddies? i dont think carts are available right?

Caddies are optional (and cost extra,) but recommended. Carts are not even available on most courses over there, although some have a couple that they will give to people with heart conditions, or who otherwise can't walk a few miles. They expect you to walk 18 holes in 3 1/2 hours, and truth be told, it's not that tough, mostly because on links courses the holes are set up to play end-to-end, and it's never more than a few yards walk from green to tee. The toughest thing is that the courses can be very hilly.

My friend and I had been talking about going there for 15 years. We saved up our money and made it happen. You should too.

[BigJim13]

Wow thats awesome! I guess I never realized how green it is on that course. When we see pics on the TV it always looks so brown since we usually only see it in mid July. What an awesome time you must have had!!!

[Burg]

Originally Posted by VAGolf

Man you are so lucky. i only dream of playing here. do you recieve caddies? i dont think carts are available right?

No carts. They have pull-carts (or trolleys as they call them) but that's it.

I was going to get a caddie if I was paired up with guys that didn't know the course but I played with three members one of whom had a caddie. I just carried my clubs.

Caddies are nice but it would have run an extra 50 pounds and that's almost another $100. Not that I'm cheap but I got by fine with just having one in the group to ask a few questions.

[Snow]

The nearest I have been to there is a bag tag and a towel friend sent me from the Old Course.

To darn jealous of all of you that have been there!!

[bballcat03]

Very nice! You are one lucky dude!