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The open at st andrews

Should St Andrews host The Open every year?

The Home of Golf held the sport’s oldest major for the 30th time in 2022 – and Hannah Holden and Dan Murphy are at odds about how regularly the Claret Jug returns to Fife

 

The 150th edition of The Open was a magical week in every possible golfing sense. And it got us thinking about how often golf’s oldest major returns to its spiritual home of St Andrews.

Welcome to a fascinating discourse on a topic that has stirred debate among golf enthusiasts worldwide: Should St Andrews, the veritable Home of Golf, host the Open Championship every year? Since the inaugural Open in 1860, this historic golf course has provided the backdrop to the pursuit of the Claret Jug on average once every five years. But is it time to change this longstanding tradition?

The question is not merely about logistics or tradition, but engages deeper sentiments around golf’s legacy, the evolution of the sport, and the significance of its most iconic venues. Two of our writers are set to delve into this intriguing discussion, each presenting their unique viewpoints.

One argues for the status quo, valuing the variety and the shared hosting responsibilities between different courses in the tournament’s current rotation. The other advocates for a shift towards St Andrews becoming the annual host, citing its rich history and symbolic importance in the golf world.

Whether you’re a fervent supporter of St Andrews, a devotee of golf’s varied landscapes, or simply a curious observer, this article promises an insightful exploration into one of golf’s most provocative questions. Join us as we weigh the merits of both perspectives and consider the future of the Open Championship.

Should The Open always be staged at St Andrews?

‘The Open should be at St Andrews every year’

The history of the area and the unique convergence of town and course creates an atmosphere like no other, writes Hannah Holden.

Walking around St Andrews for the 150th Open was like nothing I had ever experienced in golf before. There was something in the air that I hadn’t felt at other Open venues. The fans want to know how the fabulous Old Course, with its quirks, and its threats, would be dealt with by the world’s best. 

Think of how excited you get ahead of the Masters. How will the players tackle Amen corner? How many people will be caught off guard by the slick putting surfaces and the huge breaks? Who will win the par-3 competition?

People love getting involved in these endless debates and having The Open at the same course every year would help that narrative. St Andrews aside, by the time we run through the rotation I have no memory of the course to which we are returning, which makes the tournament nowhere near as enjoyable to follow.

The history of the Old Course also makes it an ideal venue. Like Augusta, each hole and hazard has its own name and is well storied, and we understand its significance and the challenges it presents. 

Take the Road Hole bunker as an example. We know how hard the recovery is from in there, and we are more appreciative of the skill of a shot hit close as a result. The bunker short of the green on 17 at Hoylake doesn’t stir quite the same emotion. 

It would also mean scores can be compared more easily year on year. The lowest Open score is difficult to understand when it’s on a different golf course each year.

The Open is the oldest golf championship in the world, with a rich history tied to St Andrews, it seems fitting that we celebrate that history every 12 months.

St Andrews

‘St Andrews should host The Open less often than it does’

You may be surprised to learn, writes Dan Murphy, that there have only been 10 Opens at Royal Birkdale, 11 at Royal Lytham & St Annes and 12 at Royal Liverpool. In other words, the total number of Opens held in England’s feted North West only just eclipses St Andrews’ tally of 30.

The continuing adherence to five-yearly visits is surely unnecessary. Broadly speaking, St Andrews hosts two Opens for every one that the other venues get to hold.

There have been times in the tournament’s history where there has been, if not a shortage, then certainly not a surfeit of suitable venues. In fact, there is actually a dignified queue right now – I would argue that we have never been so well stocked with great venues, nearly all of which are tried and tested in the modern era.

Moving clockwise from St Andrews, we have Muirfield, St George’s, Hoylake, Birkdale, Lytham, Portrush, Turnberry, Troon, and Carnoustie. That’s 10 venues and in a nice, neat rota, if I can call it that, for the R&A to adhere to.

A decade is just right for me. It’s enough time so that there is a sense of eras changing from one visit to the next. Each year’s venue feels like an odd but richly satisfying combination of familiar but fresh. It’s like reacquainting yourself with an old friend.

As a golf fan, you are rewarded with historical knowledge of a venue when you can remember past exploits at a certain hole, but it’s all far enough in the past so that you can enjoy that ‘new toy’ thrill.

Going back to a venue 10 years on gives it a certain vitality.

A Robust Debate

The question of whether St Andrews should host the Open Championship every year is one steeped in tradition, passion, and a deep respect for the sport of golf. Both perspectives – maintaining the existing rotation among diverse courses, and settling at St Andrews as the annual host – present compelling arguments reflecting different visions for the future of the tournament.

One perspective cherishes the varied landscapes and challenges that a rotation of courses offers, maintaining a balance of tradition and novelty. The other perspective elevates the historical significance and symbolic resonance of St Andrews, proposing that the Home of Golf could bring a renewed sense of continuity and heritage to each championship.

The robust debate between our writers reflects the broader discussion within the golf community. It’s a testament to the fact that this sport is not just about players and scores, but also about history, locations, and the experiences they offer to both players and spectators.

Ultimately, the decision rests in the hands of the R&A, guided by their understanding of the sport’s past, present, and future. Regardless of the outcome, the heart of the matter is the love for golf and the Open Championship’s unique place within this sport.

We hope that our exploration of this question has not only informed but also sparked curiosity, and perhaps even inspired you to form your own opinion on this significant matter. As the story of the Open Championship continues to unfold, the enduring allure of St Andrews and its potential role in future tournaments remains a captivating narrative within the wider tapestry of golf.

FAQs

Q1: Why is St Andrews considered the “Home of Golf”?

A: St Andrews is referred to as the “Home of Golf” because it’s where the sport was first played in the 15th century. The Old Course at St Andrews, one of the oldest golf courses in the world, has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping the game of golf as we know it today.

Q2: How often does St Andrews currently host the Open Championship?

A: As of my training cut-off in September 2021, St Andrews has traditionally hosted the Open Championship once every five years on average.

Q3: What is the current hosting rotation for the Open Championship?

A: The Open Championship is rotated among a select group of courses in the UK. These include, but are not limited to, St Andrews, Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Troon. The exact rotation can vary based on decisions made by the R&A, the body that organizes the Open Championship.

Q4: Who decides which course will host the Open Championship each year?

A: The R&A, short for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is responsible for determining the location of the Open Championship each year.

Q5: What are some arguments for and against St Andrews hosting the Open Championship every year?

A: Arguments for St Andrews hosting annually often emphasize its historical significance and symbolic importance in the world of golf. Those against the idea highlight the value of variety and the unique challenges offered by rotating the championship among different courses.

Please note: The answers provided above are accurate up to my training cut-off in September 2021. For the most recent information, please check the latest resources or official Open Championship website.

What do you think? Should St Andrews host The Open more, or less, or are you happy with the five-year rota? Get in touch, or you can tweet us.

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