Regardless of your background, identity or golfing ability, the chance to tee it up on the Old Course at St Andrews, one of the most famous and prestigious links in the world, is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who love the game. So naturally, Golf Monthly’s deputy editor Joel Tadman, women’s editor Alison Root, and Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins jumped at the opportunity to play over this most hallowed of golfing turf. Here, they reflect on their first-time experiences and explain just why this venerable old links stirs the senses like no other golf course in the world.
• Joel Tadman – Deputy Editor
I’ve walked down Golf Place in St Andrews many times – after all, this is one of the most special places in golf, where so much history has been forged and so many iconic moments created. To stroll along it with my golf clubs on my back was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, knowing I was about to tee it up and follow in the footsteps of greatness. This euphoria very soon turned to anxiety as I stepped in front of The R&A clubhouse and saw what awaited.
At 127 yards wide, it is probably the most generous opening tee-shot in golf, but seeing the out of bounds posts lining either side seemed to halve its width. Factor in the nerves and a wind blowing firmly
