ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — You’re going to hear the Old Course referred to as the “Home of Golf” ad nauseum this week. But what does that really mean? Why is this seaside links more special than the rest? What actually happened here to cement its status as the epicenter of this global game?
The short answer: a ton. In the latest Local Knowledge podcast, we race through the Old Course’s centuries-old history; examine the outsized role this course has had on the development of the game; and assess where it is now, as it hosts the golf world in the throes of a golf turf war.
This crash course on the Old Course can’t cover everything, but it packs a lot into 35 minutes: from King James’ golf ban, to the founding of the Society of St. Andrews Golfers, to the introduction of 18 holes as the gold standard of competition, to the financial difficulties of the 1790s, to the rabbit ordeal, to the saving kindness of James Cheape, to the beginnings of the Open, to the renaming of the course, to its enduring impact on golf course architecture, to Bobby Jones’ triumphs, to Arnold Palmer’s vital visit, to Jack Nicklaus’ brilliance, to Seve’s jiggle, to Tiger’s dominance and almost everything in between.
Weaving in expert interviews, archival footage and original storytelling, it’s perfect way to get you ready for a special week at a very, very special place.