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
After the famous Road Hole 17th, Ginger Beer normally ranks as either the second or third toughest on the course: it was joint second hardest in 2015 at 4.24 for the week. It may not appear it at first glance, but this long par 4 is something of a risk/ reward hole. From the tee, the bold play is to aim down the narrow chute on the right side with a view to opening the green for the approach. But trouble waits just a little further right in the shape of bunkers short and gorse long. Anything flared out to that side could be a problem.
Esta historia es de la edición Summer 2022 de Golf Monthly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Summer 2022 de Golf Monthly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Sublime Scheffler unbeatable at Augusta National
It’s hard to put into words how special this is. It was a long week, a grind of a week.
Skechers Go Golf Blade GF Slip-ins £160
Skechers has been busy developing some of the best technologies for out-and-out comfort in golf shoes for a number of years now.
The North
From the fine Open Championship links of the west to the grand golf hotels in the east and much more, northern England has it all
Scotland
Home to around 575 clubs, the country is packed with premium links and an inland topography of spectacular extremes
The South East
From the Garden of England in Kent down to the Isle of Wight and up through
BEST GOLF SHOES
There have never been more options when it comes to picking the right golf shoe for your game.
Nick Taylor
The drills and tips the Canadian uses to keep his game sharp could improve your consistency through the bag too
MASTER THE 50-YARD PITCH
Rethinking and simplifying your action could reap big dividends
Keswick Golf Club
Jeremy Ellwood returns to this Cumbrian course with glorious backdrops just outside the north Lakes town for the first time since its on-site accommodation opened
Are the comparisons between Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods justified?
With four wins and a runner-up spot in five consecutive starts plus a huge lead in the world rankings, some are starting to talk about the 2024 Masters Champion in almost the same breath as Woods