Taking The Golfer’s Pilgrimage: St. Andrews Old Course

PHOTOS COURTESY OLD COURSE ST ANDREWS

Home to the origin of the game, St. Andrews Old Course, located on the east coast of Scotland is equal parts prestigious and historic and not without humble beginnings. Picture this: The year is 1400 AD and Scottish shepherds are enjoying hitting rocks off dunes against a windy sunset as a rough pastime. Later on, rules and guidelines to the game gained recognition and eventually, popularity, and golf was born. The land of links slowly evolved from a pastoral sheep grazing plot to the most iconic golf destination in the world.

When you first tee-off at Old Course, you are following in the footsteps of legends. Tucked illustriously behind the first tee is the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, a magnificent architecture with a memorable, unflinching gaze. Expect your first drive down the tremendous fairway at the first hole to be overwhelming and perhaps a bit emotional - you are playing alongside history after all, now with the addition of your own experience.

Enjoy fish n’ chips at the assembled snack gallery after sinking your putt on the 17th hole and wash it down with a malt or ale at the Jigger Inn and Dunvegan. You might need a drink after trying your luck, skill and patience at the treacherous Road Hole. As you make your way to the final hole, make sure you get photographed standing on Swilcan Bridge - the infamous stone crossing is hundreds of years old and has been walked upon by all the greats. Yourself now included.