THE ICONIC Old Course at St. Andrews is not only the oldest course in the world but it’s also the best.
The internationally renowned Home of Golf has been crowned the best in the world for the third year in a row at the 2016 World Golf Awards.
It also managed to retained its’ titles as the best course in Scotland and in Europe, to complete an impressive hat-trick at the awards held earlier this month.
Along with being the best course in the world, the historic links is also the oldest in the world, having hosted more 29 Open Championships, more than any other course.
Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, Euan Loudon, said: “We are delighted to see the world’s most famous links recognised with this prestigious awards.
“This award recognises every aspect of the memorable experiences we strive to deliver at the Home of Golf on a daily basis.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication, commitment and excellence of our entire team, this award is great recognition and a fitting tribute to their continued efforts.”
The course, which dates back to the 12th century, has played host some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
From the late Seve Ballesteros fist-pumps in 1984 to Doug Sanders’ memorable missed putt in 1970.
The latest Open Championship to be held at the Old Course in 2015 was claimed by American Zach Johnson.
Along with the infamous Claret Jug, Johnson took home a huge £1.15 million in prize money, with the runner up winning £653,000 and third place £420,000.
Previous winners at the Scottish course include Tiger Woods, who won in 2005 and 2000, and Sir Sir Nick Faldo who won in 1990.
The next Open to be hosted at St Andrews will take place in 2020. Since 1990, the championship has been played at the Old Course in five-year intervals.
Dr Alister (CORR) MacKenzie, one of the best golf course architects in the history of the game and author of The Spirit of St Andrews famously wrote about the course.
Dr MacKenzie said: “A good golf course grows on one like a good painting, good music, or any other artistic creation. It is not necessarily a course which appeals the first time one plays over it, but one that grows on the player the more frequently he visits it.”
