Scotland is a unique country in terms of golf, but St. Andrews has something even more special.

The history of golf began to be written here. Our sport was born back in the 16th century. It is the oldest and most traditional course in the world, home to the R&A, and every 5 years it hosts “The Open” (this last time, due to the 150th edition and the pandemic, it was delayed seven years).

In 2022, The Old Course hosts its thirtieth Open Championship, a tournament played since 1860. It is only contested on courses in the British Isles.

It is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, but its most important feature is that, despite its high status, it remains a public golf course, open to everyone. An average of 45,000 people play the Old Course every year.

Everyone who arrives at St. Andrews for the first time finds a magical, captivating, and moving place. The feeling is unique and indescribable.

The experience of arriving at the R&A building and sitting on one of the benches to spot the 1st hole Tee, waiting to be called by the starter, the pre-game movements, the nerves on the 1st tee, the 17th tee box, the 18th green—these are places that, for any fan of this sport, are heaven.

Its layout is characterized by a “natural” movement of the ground that is unique and impossible to imitate, with perfect turf from tee to green. Highly playable for every level of golfer, its design (which features many massive double greens) has inspired the best designers in history.

In golf history, the idea persists that every course built in the world was inspired in some part by the Old Course, and it makes sense, because it was the first of them all.

There is a kind of symbiosis between the course, the town, and its inhabitants. Golf is part of the town and its pride, and the town is part of golf. You can see golfers with clubs walking in every direction through its streets. Everything revolves around golf: it is spoken about in every corner and in every language.

The entire town is dedicated to golf; the butcher, the baker, and everyone else knows exactly what is happening on the course.

The 17th hole green is right next to the street; cars pass by and people walk alongside it—there are no fences or separations. Bordering the street with parked cars, without wire fences or defenses. Because it has always been there, and because for the town's inhabitants, it is simply a public park that doesn’t even have security.

On Sundays, it is used as a public park by locals, who take their dogs for walks across the course, and some even have picnics, even on the 18th green.
"I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There just isn't another golf course that is even remotely close." - Jack Nicklaus

Some of its highlights

• Swilcan Bridge

The bridge on the 18th, the most famous in history. Every golfer wishes to cross it at least once and take a photo there.

• The Street, next to the 17th

Behind the 17th green is the street. Cars and pedestrians pass by while players are hitting their putts on the green. It has no division or fences; it is completely open.

• The Old Pavilion

Located right next to the 1st tee, this is the place where people queue at night to play in case a reservation opens up for that same day. Sleeping there or arriving very early, accompanied by some luck, is one of the ways to play the Old Course.

• R&A Building (Royal & Ancient)

Everyone thinks it is the Old Course Clubhouse, but it isn't; it is the building of the Royal & Ancient. An incredible place that is smaller than it appears in photos.

• Town and Course Synergy

Every corner of the town, every tiny part has something to do with golf.

• Architect: "GOD"

The course does not have an architect; it is natural. With several modifications over the years (changes to greens, bunkers, and so on), the course preserves its original natural state.

• Road and Hell Bunkers

Bunkers on holes 17 and 14. The first is deep; the second is enormous.