The Home of Golf — what a moniker! It goes without saying that the Old Course at St. Andrews is an absolute must on the bucket list of any golfer, and with all eyes on these hallowed grounds for the 2022 Open Championship, we wanted to give you some useful tips and advice on how to maximize the Old Course experience for your group.
Securing a tee time
This is the most important decision of your trip: are you going to roll the dice and enter the lottery for a chance to play, or are you going to book a guaranteed tee time. Also, what other courses are you going to play during the rest of your trip? When it comes to decisions like this, utilizing a professional tour operator is without a doubt the way to go. If you’re going to do a bucket list trip, then you should do it right. They can help you navigate which options are best for your group and your budget.
There are a multitude of options in this space, but we highly recommend using Lyons Links at www.lyonslinks.com and connecting with their team to help book your trip. We feel so strongly about their services that we will cover $100 towards your trip per every four golfers that go from now through December 31, 2022.
Be sure to mention Golf Stay and Plays to their team to receive this benefit.
Pack like a champion
You’d be surprised how vital this is to a successful golf trip to Scotland. When it comes to packing correctly, you need to be ready for all conditions as the weather can change faster than you can take a sip of a proper pint.
When it comes to packing, we are huge fans of the layering system that FootJoy has implemented into their line of apparel for golfers. They have made it incredibly simple to add and remove layers quickly to adjust for the playing conditions, and any proper packed bag needs to include:
- Waterproof golf shoes: We suggest bringing a minimum of two pairs, and be sure to break in your shoes before you go on your trip. No matter what type of shoe you are looking for, FootJoy has you covered as they have a wide array of shoes that can cater to any budget, comfort, and stability preference for any golfer. We personally tend to gravitate towards the Premiere Series, which is reminiscent of the iconic FootJoy Classic lineup that was famous for years. This lineup combines modern fashion touches and enhanced technology into traditional looks to give a golfer everything they need to look good and play well.
- Rain gloves: We’d argue these modern marvels are the greatest things since sliced bread. If you’ve never tried a pair during a rainy round, take our word for it as this will be one of the best purchases you ever make. Somehow these special gloves seem to get tackier as they get wet and having a pair in your bag at all times during the trip will make you ready for any playing condition.
- Rain jacket and rain pants: Selecting the correct rain jacket is like adding a 15th club to your bag when the elements turn on you. Comfort to be able to swing is essential for not ruining your round, and you’d be surprised how many jackets labeled as “waterproof” can still leave you soaked after your round. We suggest FootJoy’s Select LS Rain Jacket as it is lightweight, easy to throw on, and most importantly is easy to swing in.
Walking or riding
Across the pond, you’ll hear many of the locals refer to it as playing “proper golf” which is playing the game the way that it was intended through walking. If you’re going to make the trip and go through all the troubles of getting to this epic course, then do yourself a favor and hire a caddy to enhance the experience.
Carts (referred to as buggies in this part of the world) are not allowed on the course unless you have a permanent condition of disability, so find a comfy pair of shoes and get your body ready for an enjoyable experience on the links.
Don’t overdo it
This is one of the hardest things to do. You’ve made your way over to golf nirvana, and the inner golf nut in you is going to want to play 36 a day every day and cross off as many links treasures as you can during your visit. While we know you may do that some during the trip, be sure the day before your Old Course round is only an 18-hole day max. You won’t want to be exhausted when you play this links legend.
Maximum handicap
There are some horror stories over the years of golfers who make the pilgrimage from the states to Scotland only to find as they approach the first tee for their tee time that they will not be allowed to play. Talk about a gut punch! As it stands currently, be sure your game is in shape as the maximum handicap for men and women in order to play the Old Course is 36.
Capping off your day the right way
There’s no doubt that for most golfers, enjoying a beverage after your round is the perfect way to cap off a perfect day at St. Andrews. While you’re there, be sure to grab a drink in the Dunvegan Hotel after. This is a must. After you have a drink at the Dunvegan, might as well make it two at the Jigger Inn. You’ll be glad you did!