What a surprise when I found out that we were going to St. Andrews for our first stop into Scotland. I joined my colleagues on their trip as I didn’t want to miss going to Scotland, even on business. We were driving down the street and I looked to my left and saw this! It is the 18th green at the “old course” of St. Andrews golf course – where the British Open is played every four years. It is the oldest golf course in the world. The first written record of golf played at St. Andrews was 1552 but there is little doubt it was played here before that – no one knows how much before that.
As I was standing there three guys walked up playing. You can see the old buildings in the background overlooking the course.
Next to the 18th green is the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews. Founded in 1754 it is considered the governing body of golf (in 2004 this body became known as the R&A).
What I never knew was the beach scene from the “Chariots of Fire” was filmed right next to the 18th green as well. This view is from the golf course. It is beautiful.
This is a long range picture of the clubhouse – I didn’t have time to go there due to time constraints. What a dream it would be to to play there.