The par for the Old Course at St Andrews is 72, but that simple number doesn't even begin to tell the story of one of golf's most strategic and historic layouts. To truly understand its par, you have to look at the unique character of each hole and the challenges that make a score of 72 such a monumental achievement. This article will break down exactly what par means at the Home of Golf, providing a hole-by-hole guide and the coaching advice you need to navigate this legendary track.
For daily play and most major championships, the Old Course at St Andrews plays to a par of 72. What makes this par unusual, especially for a championship venue, is its composition. Unlike a typical course with four par 3s and four par 5s, the Old Course features an irregular and captivating mix:
This layout means you face a barrage of demanding two-shot holes, with very few "rest" holes. The routing itself is a classic "out-and-back" links design. Players go "out" for nine holes away from the famous Royal &, Ancient clubhouse and come "in" for the final nine holes, often facing an entirely different wind direction on each stretch. To shoot par here, you need precision, creativity, and a links golf strategy that goes far beyond just hitting it long and straight.
Merely knowing the par is 72 isn't enough. The real anlaysis lies in understanding how each hole presents its own unique test. Let's walk through the course from a strategic perspective.
The opening stretch moves away from the town, demanding cautious play and an appreciation for subtle contours.
As you turn back towards the Auld Grey Toon, you face some of the most famous - and difficult - holes in all of golf.
The hole-by-hole guide gives you an idea, but several overarching factors make par at St Andrews a monumental task.
There are 112 bunkers on the Old Course. Many are small, deep, and revetted with sod walls. They aren't just hazards, they are round-wreckers. Often, you can't even advance the ball toward the green and are forced to play out sideways or backward. Avoiding them at all costs is the foundation of a good round.
Seven greens on the course serve two holes each. Some of these putting surfaces are over an acre in size. Hitting the green doesn't mean much if you're 150 feet away from the pin, putting you in almost certain three-putt - or even four-putt - territory. Mastering your distance control on approach shots and lag putting is essential.
As a true seaside links, the wind is the course's primary defense. It can change direction and strength without warning. The "out" and "in" routing means you might play nine holes directly into the wind and nine holes directly downwind, requiring a complete change in strategy and club selection halfway through your round.
You’re not just playing a golf course, you’re walking on hundreds of years of history. Standing on the first tee, thinking of all the legends who stood there before, can be overwhelming. Keeping your cool and focusing on your own game is as much a part of the challenge as any bunker.
The Old Course's par of 72 is built on a foundation of strategic par 4s, forcing you to think your way around rather than simply overpowering it. Understanding its quirky layout, respecting its infamous hazards, and having a smart game plan for each hole are the first steps to carding a score you can be proud of at the Home of Golf.
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