Mac
TOC was and is the face of golf both old and new. TOC set the standards and became the centrepiece for the Rules. TOC is a great golf course and if the Old Lady’s chaperone (the wind) is, awaken; you are in for an interesting round, as it will fight to keep her honour.
TOC was old in the 19th Century; it was even older in the 20th Century. What is there to understand, don’t waste your time talking about her, get out and play the course, then discuss the merits of your game which may well be different to the 4 balls before and after you.
We modern guys just love to overcomplicate everything, yet the secret to a good course is so very simple, it can be discovered by a simple question ‘Did you enjoy it’? A short Yes or No is all that is required, those smiling don’t need to be asked.
Then we must look to the history, swim in the thrill of following in the footsteps of all our current and past heroes. The excitement of the 1st Tee, perhaps just a handful of people are watching yet you feel the eyes of hundreds if not thousand boring down upon you. Standing in line waiting to Tee off, you hear all manners of prayers but the main one always seems to convey the following meaning ‘God please do not let me embarrass myself. The final hole does not fill you full of nerves, you have been looking forward to it, and after all, you have just survived the Road Hole. The 18th Old Tom’s Hole, the Swilken Bridge with the need to take that important photo, that Nicklaus Moment (or who ever is your hero), before moving on through The Valley of Sin onto the 18th Green where many Championships have been won and lost. Nevertheless, it makes no difference to you, as you are already on Cloud 9, you must have won The Open, listen to the crowds cheer, no pressure the game is won, just the last shot before you throw your ball into the crowd. Walking back to the Clubhouse steps, you, after just one round of TOC have become a veteran and can say with pride TOC of course I have played the Old Lady.
Don’t worry, the locals know, they just have to look at your face, see that permanent smile across your face to know that you are no longer TOC Virgin.
The second best prize for playing a good round of golf is that smile, of course the best ever prize in winning The Open at St Andrews, but that does not matter, well not today, after all have you not just completed your first round of golf on The Old Course at St Andrews.
There is nothing complicated in that, it’s about playing the game of golf and meeting all the challenges as your map your way around the Great Old Lady. Let’s not forget being a Lady, there will still be many secrets for the golfer to uncover. The Old Lady may be kind at times but beware she can defend her honour with brute force from time to time.
Not certain about creating a Timeless Gem after all TOC is the Crown Jewels.
Melvyn