FEARSOME FOURSOME

Fergus Bisset selects a quartet of testing holes on the Old Course that could be pivotal in the 150th Open Championship

- Fergus Bisset

The Old Course at St Andrews is like no other on the Open rota, nor any other in the world for that matter. With vast double greens, extraordinary bunkering, and crossover fairways, it poses a unique strategic challenge. On first inspection, many fine players over the years have been confused, even irritated, by the unusual layout. The great amateur Bobby Jones walked off the course in frustration during the 1921 Open Championship. But Jones, like all others who invest a little more in the Old Course, came to understand the subtleties and nuances of a layout that is a living and breathing embodiment of golfing history.

To win at St Andrews, players must recognize and embrace the idiosyncrasies, adapt and show patience. St Andrews demands an exceptional golfing brain and that's why winners here include Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Faldo, and Woods. The finish at St Andrews is known to all golf fans - the iconic Road Hole and the seemingly straightforward 18th played back into town - but there are other potentially pivotal holes out on the links that a prospective champion must navigate successfully. Here, we pick out four holes that could prove significant in deciding the outcome of the 150th Open Championship...

4TH HOLE

'Ginger Beer' - par 4, 480 yards