For all that we love St Andrews’ Old Course, when it comes to watching the action at The Open it can be a bit, well, challenging.
You’re largely confined to the outsides of the layout – sometimes glancing a furtive look from behind the ropes at relative specks on distant double greens.
Add in record breaking crowds – some 290,000 people are expected to tread the hallowed turf during this 150th battle for the Claret Jug – and getting a prime view of your heroes can require a little bit of detective work.
I’ve done the graft for you. But you’re going to need to put in some spade work too. It’s quite a walk. In the humble opinion of this golf watcher, though, you’ll be rewarded with the best view on the course.
Where can you find such a precious spot? It’s the grandstand that flanks the 11th hole.
If you’ve ever looked at a course plan of St Andrews, it looks a bit like a shepherd’s crook. You follow a relatively straight line out, curve at the top, and then follow it back home towards the town.
Round that loop are a collection of holes that produce an unrivalled spot. If you’re initially parked by the 1st tee and 18th green – don’t ever forget to tick the box on that – it’s a good 20-minute walk to get out to that grandstand.
But find yourself a spot in there and you’ll be able to see the players from the 11th tee and green, the 6th and 8th green pan out right in front you, and the 7th green is off to your left.
Those of you who don’t mind heights and get right to the top can swivel their heads and look back across the course.
Advertisement
So why crane your necks? Add a few steps to your journey and enjoy watching history unfold within the comfort of a grandstand seat. You won’t regret it.
Do you have a special spot from where to watch The Open action? Why not let me know by tweeting me.
Visit our dedicated Open website for more from golf’s oldest major
The R&A has announced details of how you can get tickets for the historic 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2023. Click here to find out more.
