A game of golf just isn’t complete without a post-round tipple at the 19th hole. Discussing the highs and lows of the round - a snaking downhill putt holed from long range or a topped drive on the first tee become legend over a wee nip of local whisky or a refreshing pint in a comfortable bar. And what better place to do it than in one of the many fine pubs and inns at 'The Home of Golf'?
In addition to being home to The Open every five years, the Old Course, along with Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, also features in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a favourite event on the European Tour calendar where celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Bill Murray and Samuel L Jackson tee it up alongside the likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose on three classic courses. For keen golfers such as ourselves, both The Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links, which is played in early October, represent excellent times to visit St Andrews, with plenty of opportunities to watch golf, play golf and visit some truly memorable 19th holes.
After a challenging round at the nearby Kittocks Course, we find a perch in the Dunvegan Hotel, only a well-struck 9-iron away from the 18th green of the Old Course. This is a popular haunt for caddies and really anyone remotely connected with this great game. Photographs of past Open champions from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods grace the walls and Arnold Palmer’s Open bagman, Tip Anderson, was a regular here; his customary seat is by the door. Today, it’s a sea of colourful golf caps and foaming pints, as customers chat and watch the latest action unfold on three plasma screens.
