The 10 best holes in Great Britain and Ireland
17th, St Andrews (Old)
Par 4, 455 yards
I’ve played the Old three times and have made 6, 5 and 6 on this hole. It’s arguably too hard for me… and I’m not a huge fan of golf – either courses or holes – being too hard (sounds an obvious thing to say, isn’t a common thing to hear or read).
But it has to be in, it’s just so good.
It is a bit silly that the hotel is so much in play but we are all used to it now and it’s St Andrews so it’s fine. It makes the drive terrifying – you must hug its right side if you want a realistic chance of finding the green in regulation – and is the first of the iconic moments.
The next of those comes as you attempt one of the most difficult approaches in the game, the shallow green being protected by the legendary bunker and banks short of the target and then the footpath and wall beyond it.
Chances are you’ll have a chip or sand escape for your next photo opportunity and if you’ve got a vaguely makeable putt for par you’ve had a result.
Now I’ve just written all that it’s reminded me that it really is too hard for me (and the large percentage of normal golfers) but it is a phenomenal, and justifiably iconic, hole.
