The Old Course at St Andrews is more than a golf course – it’s the spiritual home of the game. Every fairway, bunker and green echoes with history. At first glance, the course appears forgiving – wide landing areas, shared fairways, and few trees. But that illusion vanishes quickly. Over 100 bunkers are waiting, often unseen from the tee. The Road Hole (17th) is one of golf’s toughest par 4s, demanding a blind tee shot over the Old Course Hotel and a precise second to a narrow green guarded by the infamous road and wall. The opening hole is famously wide, but nerves make it treacherous. The Swilcan Bridge and Valley of Sin on the 18th are iconic. Play smart – angles matter more than length. The turf is tight, the wind relentless, and putts from 40 yards off the green are often smarter than chips. The course rewards creativity, strategy and nerve. A caddie is highly recommended to navigate the local knowledge and quirks.