Golf: New Course at St. Andrews

Our Tuesday adventure was to explore and golf St. Andrews. Our group of five was unable to book anything in advance (I started 6 months ago) but was assured by our staff contact that we would be able to get a time on the New Course if we arrived around 9am, ready to play.

Heading back in on the New Course

I wanted to increase our odds so we parked by the New Course at 8:30am and we quickly geared up. I left the group to visit the starter (just a window in the big clubhouse near the first tee) and he let me know we could have two spots at 12:16 and 12:24. The caveat being that if a member showed up wanting to tee off then we might get bumped back.

So we changed our shoes back again, stowed our clubs, and started some town exploration. Paul rented his clubs which was the right move as they would run out in the late morning.

Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course

We did second breakfast at Bibi’s (very good), walked through the university and by the castle, then returned to walk out and back along the 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course.

It was a very special experience. I’ve seen this setting so many times on TV and this felt like a final piece of the puzzle falling into place: the massive shared fairways of the 18th and 1st holes, the road (hit-over-the-hotel 17th) hole, and the nearly invisible Swilcan Burn.

18th hole on the New Course

Of course the golf was special. Conditions were sunny and calm, making the course easier than I expected. I think the rough was less gnarly than other courses I’ve played in Scotland, possibly to help keep things moving along. I hit 6 iron off tee on 10 or the par 4s/5s, averaging total distance of about 210 yards. This generally put me in easy striking distance of the green. I love playing a ground game.

Next time I’ll work on an Old Course lottery pick. Julie and I while spend at least 4-5 days in town and I can enter the daily singles draw.