St Andrews Links : The Home of Golf Official Yearbook 2020

O F F I C I A L

20 20 Y E A R B O O K

G LO B A L PA R T N E R

tiger woods justin thomas

brooks koepka

bryson dechambeau

hideki matsuyama ‘the big three’ 1962

jon rahm

jason day

Rolex and golf The relationship between Rolex and golf began with ‘The Big Three’, and has spanned more than 50 years. With each new decade, the commitment deepens, supporting the champions of the game at the greatest events, who rewrite the record books and elevate the competition for all. As the sport continues to grow, Rolex will be a part of golf and the legendary moments that continue to inspire the next generation of players. This is a story of perpetual excellence, the story of Rolex.

#Perpetual

rickie fowler

OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40 IN 18 CT WHITE GOLD

W E L C O M E

To the Home of Golf Dear Golfer, This is a time like no other in our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to produce uncertainty, stress and trauma in our communities. By now, we have all been impacted by this virus, which has been devastating for so many.

Despite the challenges we are all facing every day, this is also a time that is bringing out the best in many people—from frontline healthcare providers to the essential workers providing food, products and services.

On behalf of everyone at St Andrews Links Trust we are incredibly thankful to all of you serving and caring for those in need.

Here at the Links our number one priority has always been to keep our community of colleagues and golfers safe. And though Coronavirus has impacted on plans and day-to-day operations at the Links, we have been able to recognise the vital role our sport has played during these times, providing so many people with the opportunity to exercise and engage with friends and family in a socially distant manner.

We have implemented additional rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols throughout our facilities. I am incredibly proud of the team at the Trust for working through these challenging times and putting others before themselves to produce and deliver our courses and facilities during this unprecedented time.

Our famous Links has weathered good times and bad, ups and downs, and everything in-between. The strength, restless sacrifice, compassion around us, and the level to which communities are coming together through this pandemic has been extraordinary and inspiring. Because of this, we will emerge from this much stronger and more resilient in the future.

We are all in this together and we look forward to welcoming you to the Links in the future. As we look ahead to better times we are delighted to share this digital version of our Yearbook.

Within these pages we reflect on some memorable moments from the Links in 2019 and with the help of our Partners; Allianz, Rolex, Toro, Callaway and NBC Golf, we offer an insight into what makes this place and our sport so enduring.

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy, and thank you for supporting the Home of Golf.

Euan Loudon Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust St Andrews Links

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2020 YEARBOOK 03

Welcome

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To St Andrews Links

Write your own history Walking in the footsteps of legends

St Andrews Links

Traditional clothing with a St Andrews twist

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Allianz at the Home of Golf

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Celebrating all that this great game has to offer

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Old but New

St Andrews Links Trophy Jake Burnage returns to St Andrews

St Rule Trophy

Hazel MacGarvie recaps her success in 2019

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Green sets her sights on Gold Interview with Hannah Green: Women’s 2019 PGA Champion

The Visionary The making of The Golf Channel

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Father and Son Where all generations can play equally

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PUBLISHED ON BEHALF OF

Home of Golf A unique identity for the St Andrews retail portfolio

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Home sweet home Alfred Dunhill Links Championship ST ANDREWS LINKS Pilmour House, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SF Tel: 01334 466666 enquiries@standrews.com www.standrews.com Commercial Director: Danny Campbell Head of Communications: Laurie Watson Communications Assistant: Kathryn Keith St Andrews Links would like to thank our global partner Allianz and our wonderful partners Callaway, NBC Golf, Rolex, Toro and TSI for their continued support in 2020 and beyond.

Together we share a passion for this special place, the game it gave the world and the golfers, of all ages and abilities, who want to write their own history at the Home of Golf.

St Andrews Links Trust is a registered charity.

Charity Number SC006161

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125 years of the New Course The oldest new course in the world

No Place Like Home Preserving the Living Landscape

The Rising Danny Willett’s way back to the Winner’s Circle

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Photography: Getty Images,

Saints Golf The University of St Andrews

Recounter, Kevin Murray, SAL The paper used for printing this magazine has been sourced from sustainably managed forests – trees that, harvested for pulp production, are replenished under a supervised replanting programme, and with minimal effects to the environment. We also ensure that the paper mills who manufacture our paper operate in accordance with the ISO 14001

The Gold standard

St Leonards Golf Programme

and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) standards, which are internationally recognised and externally audited integrated environmental management systems. ©2019 TRMG All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the copyright owners. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or

Community Trust

omissions. All information correct at time of press.

Supporting over 130 organisations since 2010

St Andrews Links

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Your Own History S

t Andrews retains a special place in the hearts of many. Over the next 12 months more than 250,000 rounds will take place on the famous Links, as a truly international golfing audience seeks to follow in the footsteps of golf’s greatest, each creating their own cherished memories and becoming a part of a special community.

The many who come to the Home of Golf, golfers of all ages and abilities, visit these Links on the hunt, not just for birdies but to write their own history. As we look ahead we also reflect on the memories created and shared by two world class performers, American singer / actor / performer Justin Timberlake and Germany and FC Bayern Munich World Cup Winner Thomas MĂźller.

Award-winning musician Justin Timberlake joined his first golf club when he was 12-years-old, but it wasn’t until fame struck that he really invested himself in the game. Tired of hanging around arenas, golf quickly became a daily outlet and passion project, and a sport where he clearly had some talent as he quickly propelled himself towards a scratch handicap and maintained a single digit handicap for more than a decade. However, his passion for golf extends way beyond playing with friends and over the years has led to him acquiring and developing an eco-friendly golf course with his dad in Memphis as well as hosting a PGA Tour event in Las Vegas for five years, raising millions for charity in the process.

Here in his own words, Justin shared his passion for the game and his love for this special place.

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JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

A M ER I C A N SI N GER-S ON GWR ITER

I could talk golf all day, I really love it. I really started playing golf about 13-14 years ago while I was on tour, and I had done three or four shows in a row. We were playing indoor arenas, and I started getting cabin fever. My stage manager and my crew got me out on the golf course. On that first round I hit like a perfect drive and then a pretty good approach shot on I think hole 18, and I was instantly hooked. I think I fell in love with the game because it’s always a really great break for me to just get away.

I’ve watched the Old Course on TV over the years and it’s really a classic. I mean it’s not every day you get the chance to play the Old Course, so when you do, and you’re playing with your buddies, and the sun’s shining, and you’re walking across this turf; it’s just incredibly special.

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Born in Wellheim and raised in Pähl, around 30 miles from Munich, Thomas Müller has enjoyed a remarkable career on the football field. He joined his hometown FC Bayern as a 10-year-old in the summer of 2000, and quickly set about climbing through the club ranks.

It wasn’t long before his talents were recognised on the biggest stage when aged just 19 he made his debut in the Bundesliga, quickly followed by international recognition for Germany where he has gone on to win more than 100 caps.

Over the next decade his achievements on the pitch have been truly incredible; winner of the Bundesliga; DFB Cup; UEFA Champions League; FIFA World Cup; and Golden Boot. All of these team and individual achievements making him one of football’s most recognisable and prized stars.

Away from the football field the 30-year-old lists golf as his favourite hobby, insisting he loves to be outdoors.

Although golf may not have the same physical demands as football, Thomas believes both sports pose a mental challenge and require a winning mentality, perhaps best reflected in his hotly contested matches against current teammate Niklas Süle.

Here in his own words, the FC Bayern legend describes what it was like to take his golf game to the hallowed turf.

THOMAS MÜLLER

G ER MA N FO OTBA LLER

Describing St Andrews and the Old Course in one word is very easy: WOW! It was an unbelievable experience to be able to play this historic course. My friends and I enjoyed this special day and remember our amazing trip often. Hopefully, we will get the chance to return soon, not only to play the magnificent course but also to spend time with great people and to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the town of St Andrews – the hospitality was fantastic.

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GLOBAL PARTNER

Allianz at the Home of Golf

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE 10

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hallenging the stereotypes and celebrating all that this great game has to offer. There truly is more to golf than meets the eye‌ For those who have the gift to play extraordinary golf the watching public often look on in wonder at what it is that makes them special.

As golfing voyeurs we want to understand how they propel their drives hundreds of yards with laser-like precision; deliver pinpoint approaches with amazing accuracy; escape cavernous Old Course bunkers; make miraculous escapes from seemingly impossible spots and execute knee-knocking downhill putts under pressure with incredible nerve.

Besides their physical attributes we want to know what it is that makes them fight, not just for birdies and bogies, but to triumph when faced with adversity that could so easily crush them both on and off the course.

CAROLINE MOHR - Golfer Caroline Mohr, a golfer who has overcome fear, loss and pain, can serve as inspiration to us all. In fact Caroline’s story, her experiences and attitude, which have been shaped by the game she loves, also transcend sport, borders, language, age and gender to inspire others to live without fear.

In 2011 a chain of events would begin to unfold that would alter the course of Caroline’s life. Then, having just turned 22, whilst in Christchurch, New Zealand, she and her sister got caught in the tragic earthquake which struck the area, decimating the city, destroying buildings and claiming the lives of 185 people and thousands more left seriously injured.

Having survived, just a month later a further challenge laid in-store for Caroline when she visited the hospital for a routine operation to remove a lump which was later diagnosed as “chrondosarcoma”, a rare form of cancer, and that the only treatment was amputation of her right leg due to five malignant tumours found in her thigh.

Such determination showcased her mental strength and just five days after her surgery Caroline went to the gymnastic room in the hospital and found a golf club, had a swing and realised that her passion for not just golf, but life remained as strong as ever.

As an Allianz ambassador and professional speaker, travelling the world, working with diverse audiences and developing workshops that can affect real, meaningful change for people, Caroline has committed her life to telling her story and sharing advice with others.

“I want to live without fear and try to achieve every personal goal I set.”

“I don’t just want to tell a story,” she explains. “I want to inspire people to think about how it can relate to their life.

I believe every person has the potential to achieve their goals.

People just need to explore the possibility and value what we have instead of focusing on what we do not have in life. To go for your dreams and believe in yourself. That’s what I truly believe.

“I want to live without fear and try to achieve every personal goal I set.”

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TOBIAS HEIN - SAINTS GOLF When Tobias was looking at options to study abroad, there was one place that stood out from the rest. Travelling from his native Germany to undertake a Masters in International Business at the University of St Andrews, also presented the opportunity for him to join their performance golf programme, Saints Golf.

Saints Golf offers student athletes the opportunity to pursue their golfing ambitions to the highest levels through performance coaching and the unique experience of living, playing and learning at the Home of Golf.

It was the combination of skill and athleticism that drew Tobias to the sport and what helps inspire his love for the game.

“Why golf?” he explains. “When I started playing golf, I got hooked immediately and I knew that this was a sport that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

“The physical strength and the mental strength you need on the golf course is something that is just not visible to people who haven’t played the sport.

“They don’t understand the focus and stamina required to play 18 or 36 holes, in all kinds of weather.

“Golf for me is the hardest and most physically demanding sport I could imagine to play.”

“Golf requires both physical and mental strength” 12

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“The golf courses are so much more than people expect or what they can see”

NATASHA REPINSKAJA Greenkeeper, St Andrews Links It may not have been a conscious decision for Natasha Repinskaja to pursue a career in turf management, but it is certainly one in which she is thriving!

Arriving in Scotland from her native Estonia in 2006, Natasha joined the divot filling crew at St Andrews Links and got her first insight into the world of greenkeeping.

Hailing her supervisors and managers as inspiration, she decided to “try herself as a greenkeeper” going on to complete the training and gain her qualifications.

Now a fully-fledged assistant greenkeeper with eight years of turf management under her belt across the hallowed turf of the Home of Golf, Natasha embraces all the job has to offer and more. From the early morning green cutting in the dark to exploring what lies beyond the rough.

Natasha is very proactive in the environmental management of the Links at St Andrews and has been behind some excellent environmental initiatives.

“The golf courses are so much more than people expect or what they can see,” she explains. “They are home to all sorts of birds, bees, flora and fauna – paradises of nature we take pride in maintaining.”

Although the balance between female and male greenkeepers

still tips in favour of the latter, Natasha insists gender bias has never been an issue.

“I did realise at the start of my career that I’m in the minority,” she said, “but I was never treated any differently. If anything, I'm easily remembered at conferences or when I'm meeting new people, so in some ways it’s more of an advantage than a disadvantage.

“Every person on my team is unique and brings something special to the team. I view myself as an individual who complements the team. I am one of the team. I am a greenkeeper, so gender does not stop me in any way.”

Allianz, global partners of St Andrews Links for more than 10 years, help the great game and everyone who plays it at the Home of Golf.

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brave S T

A N D R E W S

L I N K S

T R O P H Y

Fortune favours the

England International Jake Burnage returned to St Andrews with high hopes after missing out on top spot during his previous experience on the hallowed turf

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he young golfer kept his cool following a dramatic three-shot swing to land the biggest prize of his career so far by clinching the 2019 St Andrews Links Trophy, presented in association with Allianz.

Pitted against compatriot Matty Lamb, who had led from the front following impressive opening rounds of 64 and 63, the Englishmen battled it out in the final round over the Old Course.

Burnage, who had whittled Lamb’s lead down, produced a remarkable eagle on the long 14th hole to his opponent’s bogey which saw a late switch for top spot on the leaderboard The 23-year old from Saunton in Devon, parred his way in from there for a 69 and final score of 20-under aggregate (268), just one shot clear of rival Lamb. Following a third place finish in 2018's tournament, Burnage seemed at ease as he made his way down the closing holes.

“I love this place,” said Burnage. “I’m a links golfer so it’s nothing new for me, I just forgot all about last year and concentrated on doing the job this year.”

Winners of the St Andrews Links Trophy have had to produce many dramatic moments through the years to overcome the elite amateur field. Burnage’s 295 yard threewood approach at the 14th will live long in the memory of the galleries, who turned out in some number.

“It’s absolutely amazing to be able to turn around and see all these people behind you. I love a crowd. I’d much prefer to have one than not.

“I’ve not often had a three-shot swing on one hole but I hit a good drive and then hit it to 12ft,” he said.

As he reflected further on what winning at the Home of Golf meant to him, Burnage said: “It’s easily my biggest win, and it’s great to have done it at St Andrews of all places.”

Since its inception in 1989, the St Andrews Links Trophy has attracted the world’s top amateurs, many of whom have gone on to enjoy success on the PGA and European Tours, notably Ernie Els, Francesco Molinari, Lee Westwood, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy.

Burnage will be hoping to add his name to the highly esteemed list following his move into the professional ranks with his debut in the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) ranks the St Andrews Links Trophy as one of the strongest amateur tournaments in the world, based on strength of field, and it is arguably one of the strongest outside the Amateur Championship in the British Isles.  St Andrews Links

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St Rule Trophy

Royal Troon’s Hazel MacGarvie is no stranger to St Andrews having competed in events across the Links since she was eight years old. In a sparkling performance on the Old Course she stormed to a four-shot success in the 2019 St Rule Trophy

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he 19-year-old former Scottish Girl’s Champion finished with an impressive 18-under-par 208 total following rounds of 68, 70 and 70 over the New and Old Courses.

MacGarvie’s powerful performance was capped with seven birdies on the Old Course after she entered the final round just one shot ahead.

After finishing tied second in the same event the year before, the tables were turned and it was 2018 winner England’s Lianna Bailey who was her closest challenger following a last-day 74, with two of MacGarvie’s compatriots, Alison Muirhead and Chloe Goadby of St Regulus, sharing third spot with two others on 13 under.

Following recent positive performances, namely finishing third in the Irish Women’s Open and sixth at the 2019 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open, MacGarvie seems set to continue making her presence felt on the amateur circuit.

Reflecting on what winning at St Andrews meant to her, MacGarvie said: “It feels amazing, especially the fact I have been knocking on a few doors recently and have not been able to finish it off. It is extra special to win today, especially after I came second last year.

“I knew that I was playing well coming into the tournament.

I just needed to stay calm in the final round and play the way I did yesterday. Thankfully, it went my way today.”

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As the 16th Scot to triumph in the St Rule Trophy since its inception in 1984, MacGarvie hails the support of fellow club members at Royal Troon and students at Stirling University for her progress and relishes every opportunity she gets to compete across the world.

“I love golf! The fact that it’s outdoors and you get to travel all over the place meeting new people from loads of different countries.

“I find it a good stress reliever as well.

A chance to take time out and not worry about anything. It's kind of like my happy place.”

This relaxed approach may be the key to her success so far and a good indicator of the professional levels she hopes to reach in turning the game that she loves into a long-term career.

MacGarvie already has her name etched alongside a distinguished list of top lady amateur golfers who have succeeded in the St Rule Trophy, many of whom have gone on to enjoy success on the Ladies European Tour, notably Annika Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew.

Since its inception in 1984, The St Rule Trophy continues to attract players from all over the world who relish the opportunity to play on the New and Old Courses at St Andrews Links. 

“I love golf!

The fact that it’s outdoors and you get to travel all over the place meeting new people from loads of different countries”

St Andrews Links

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ïƒ The St ANDREWS Autumn/ Winter Collection includes pieces inspired by the portrait of Tom Morris

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ďƒ˘

OLD

Matching printed skirt and down jacket

BUT

NEW S

t Andrews, the Home of Golf, is a sacred place for all golfers and one which every fan of the game wishes to visit someday.

The concept behind the latest StANDREWS clothing line strives to identify what makes this place so special and channel it into an authentic golf wear brand to share with the world.

Old but New; for those who appreciate tradition with a modern twist, fit for on and off the green. ďƒ&#x;

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 Knitwear is a key theme to the Autumn Winter Collection with a range of knitted caps, pullovers and socks, keeping you warm from head to toe.

 The solar sensor equipped lining of this fleece jacket offers excellent heat retention and electrostatic properties.

 Accessories for both on and off the golf course, as well as other outdoor activities, from synthetic fibre mittens that are comfortable to wear to fluffy earmuffs that are easy to incorporate as a handy cold weather item.

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ďƒ Repeating patterns are a key theme throughout the Autumn/Winter collection

ďƒ&#x; With elegant lustre and studs, the St ANDREWS enamel caddy bags are a luxurious option designed to shine on the golf course.

This highly acclaimed progressive and innovative approach to golf wear appeals to those who love both tradition and originality.

TSI are the official clothing partner of St Andrews Links and exclusively design, manufacture and retail official fashion and apparel collections using the St Andrews Links family of brands, including Tom Morris.

Shop the latest St Andrews collections at the Home of Golf, online at standrews.com and at selected stores in Japan and South Korea.

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Gold Green sets her sights on

I N T E R V I E W :

H A N N A H

G R E E N

Women’s PGA Champion takes remarkable debut season in her stride as Australia’s latest world-beating sportswoman

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St.Andrews St Andrews Links

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Major

aiting patiently in the Old Pavilion before her first-ever round on the Old Course, Australian Hannah Green can’t help but be inspired by all the past Champions who decorate the walls. One in particular catches her eye and her dream of winning a Major at the Home of Golf.

“This is my first time seeing the course and looking at the picture of Stacy (Lewis) here it is like wow,” she exclaims.

“I’ve always wanted to win the Australian Open, even though that’s not a Major, but I’ve always had a love for the Women's Open because it’s so different to what I’m ever used to and different conditions. That was always the kind of Major I wanted to win as my first, but I’m obviously not going to complain about any other ones.”

And she certainly has no reason to, having won the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in just her second year as a professional and only the third player to do so wire-towire (no ties). Heading into the week at Hazeltine National, Green was sitting at number 114 in the world rankings and had never won a professional event. Two facts that were swiftly about to change as the end of 2019 would see her rise to number 23 with further tour success.

Hannah’s enthralling victory at Hazeltine National came as she sunk a clutch 5-foot par putt on the 72nd hole, to stave off defending champion Sung Hyun Park and see her follow in the footsteps of Australia’s golfing greats, not least her mentor and seven time Major Champion Karrie Webb.

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“It was so cool, especially to have Karrie there actually watching me. She was out there the whole entire round.”

Having won the Karrie Webb scholarship in 2015, Green got her first taste of professional golf in the same year following her at the US Women’s Open at Lancaster.

“That was my first ever time watching professional golf. Even in Australia, I didn’t watch any events, because of where I live in Perth.”

Fast-forward four years and the roles were reversed with Karrie being the one on the side-lines cheering Hannah on.

“A lot of people thought it would maybe have been more stressful to have her there. However, knowing she’d been in that position before, not necessarily just for Majors was so reassuring.”

It wasn’t just Karrie who she credits for keeping her calm throughout the week, but the whole of her national team.

“We had a big Aussie BBQ on the Saturday night, so that was really good as no one brought up that I was leading which was just what I wanted. We were all just having a lot of banter, talking about Karrie’s memories from when she was younger, and also keeping track of an on-going bet on a rugby game that was happening back home. It was just great listening to everyone's stories and just to have them there on the Sunday as well during the round. I don’t think, and I have said this to them several times, that I could have done it if it wasn’t for them cheering me on.”

“I just can’t believe there were so many people there. My parents weren’t there, I would have loved for them to be, but they would have been a nervous wreck. But to have so many people there for my first win, my first Major, I was lucky to have that.”

With her victory at Hazeltine, Hannah became the third Australian to have her name etched into the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Trophy, with Karrie Webb (2001) and Jan Stephenson (1982) blazing a trail for her to follow.

Hall of Famer Webb continues to act as a mentor, but it is her dad who she credits for getting her in to golf as a young girl.

“Dad would play on Sunday and I used to go along and hit golf balls. I then started doing some junior clinics and got very competitive. There were comps played for money which drew me in.”

As her game developed and surpassed that of other kids in the club, she got speaking to some ladies who were members at Mount Lawley Golf Club nearby and was enticed by their junior programme and that some other girls of similar age and ability were joining around the same time.

“Not a lot of other kids were looking to pick it up and so I think if I didn’t join Mount Lawley I wouldn’t still be playing golf to be honest. I just wasn’t interested when I was playing with just one other girl and the boys with scratch handicaps were really cocky.”

So what is the secret for budding young golfers who want to succeed in the industry or even just play for fun.

“I know it sounds so stupid, but I think you have to really enjoy it. I’m really lucky with my parents in that they never really pushed me into it.

Even at my level, I have to make sure I’m enjoying myself as it‘s obviously my business now and sometimes it’s not always the luck of winning, so definitely making sure that you have fun. Staying within golf has definitely matured me more and I don’t think I would be the same if I didn’t have golf in my life. Just playing golf no matter what level of ability you want to be, a club golfer or a really good amateur or professional, should be something that makes you happy!”

Happiness is certainly one of the many emotions that followed her maiden Major win, as was the feeling that something had shifted and her life would never quite be the same again.

“I was getting so much more attention than I’d ever had.

I’ve never had that much attention on social media, but the week of the PGA I just had to turn my phone off. Obviously it’s a different type of headline, someone that’s never been in that position before. Even once I won I didn’t realise how much stuff there was to do. That Sunday afternoon, I was

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“This is such an iconic golf course and there’s obviously so much tradition”

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there for about three or four hours after the round just doing a lot of stuff. Then the next morning, I had something at seven o’clock in the morning and I was like, I can’t even really enjoy it yet.”

Opting out of the next tournament in favour of a flight back to her hometown of Perth, Australia, the time for it to sink in came and the real celebrations could begin.

“I was being asked to do some media requests and then also stuff to suit the time zone in Australia, so I thought it was probably best for me to go home. Once I got there, I had a full week of media stuff to do and I think that’s when it kind of sunk in that I’d accomplished something so big.

“I got some free tickets to a local AFL (Australian Football League) game where they did a quick Q&A with me at half time, which was pretty cool. If I had not won a tournament they would have never done that! A lot of my friends were at that game so they were like ‘OMG Major Champ!’. Even last week when I was with family one of my mum’s cousins was like ‘oh, hey Major Champ!’ and I was like, this is so weird. Obviously, a very great feeling! It’s still sinking in.”

Hannah used her Major experience to great effect, clinching the LPGA Portland Classic a few months after her maiden win. With a successful season and first Major under her belt, the next goal is to be part of the Australian National golf team heading to Tokyo for the Olympics, now set to take place in 2021.

“I’m currently the second ranked Australian so hopefully that means I’ll get a spot, I just need to make sure I keep on top of it. I’d love to compete in the Olympics.”

As Hannah makes her way to the 1st tee of the Old Course, thoughts once again turn back to even more future possibilities.

“This is such an iconic golf course and there’s obviously so much tradition. To win a Major here, that would be so awesome!”  Interview by: St Andrews Links

Pictures by: Recounter

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Visionary

The

Inspiration and perspiration – the making of The Golf Channel

“G

entlemen, if I hadn’t tried to hit it through the trees a few times in my life, none of us would be here.”

In 1994 these very words were famously uttered

by Arnold Palmer at the conclusion of a pitch to secure the golfing great’s support for the creation of the first-ever single sport TV network in America.

The concept of a 24/7 network dedicated to the game of golf was the brainchild of Joe Gibbs, a Birmingham, Alabama businessman who had been extremely successful in cable and cellular phones. Gibbs had met Mr Palmer in 1991 and as their friendship grew, Gibbs shared his vision for The Golf Channel.

Both in his business and golf life, Mr Palmer was renowned as a risk taker – the golfer who would take on the toughest competitor or seemingly impossible shot in the heat of battle. Yet, he also had a significant reputation for his business acumen and, on first glance, like so many Gibbs had approached, Mr Palmer had expressed some scepticism that there was an appetite for output that one commentator had dubbed “24 hours of chubby guys in bad clothes”.

Retaining Palmer’s involvement was critical to future success and when Gibbs heard Mr Palmer confirm he was on-board, it instantly provided the project with both financial support and a credible platform to launch the channel.

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Then, with one of golf’s greatest and most charismatic figures backing Gibbs' ambitious project, momentum began to grow.

“I knew very little about golf, I’d never been in production and I didn’t have any real big money to launch a channel,” Gibbs told Day One: Making Golf Channel.

In order to overcome any scepticism about the public’s appetite or production inexperience, Gibbs forged ahead in selling his vision, touting an audience of 25 million golfers and conducting a national survey that suggested there were more than 44 million golf fans that would be interested in tuning in.

“So much risk, so much work, Einstein said it takes 1 per cent inspiration, 99 per cent perspiration and I think he was absolutely right,” Gibbs added. “You can have a good idea but now you have to put years of hard work into it.”

A go live date in 1995 loomed large, and in short order, Gibbs assembled a state-of-the-art digital facility and hired a rag-tag crew, but they were still flying by the seat of their pants. In 1994, in perhaps one of the most significant moments in the history of The Golf Channel Gibbs secured the rights to the PGA Tour, with the agreement being signed on the hood of a rental car in a parking lot at The Masters in 1994.

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As work continued to schedule programming, recruit talent and build a studio there still remained some doubt. Just two weeks before launch, producer Dave Kamens turned to a colleague and said, “Why don’t we do 12 hours of golf and 12 hours of tennis per day. I mean, 24 hours of golf?”

Producer Jeff Hymes remembers walking down a corridor of the gleaming new studio with Matt Scalici, vice president of network operations, coming from the other direction shortly before the network’s big debut.

“He looked at me and I looked at him and it was dead quiet,” Hymes recounted in “The Making of Golf Channel” podcast. “I said, ‘Matt, stop and listen. It will never be like this again. Starting tomorrow there will never be a dull moment in this building.’ ” So, on 17 January 1995, after three-and-a-half years of planning and preparation, the first 24-hour single-sport station launched in a mere 10,000 households, capitalising on the cable-TV boom in the United States.

President George H.W. Bush spoke the network’s very first words, welcoming “his fellow Americans and fellow golfers to this special occasion” before handing off to hosts Lynda Cardwell and Brian Hammons, who took the reins for two hours of live programming.

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“ GOLF Channel will be on the ground at all of the men’s and women’s major championships” At the time, few probably appreciated how the creation of the devoted, 24/7 single sport approach of The Golf Channel would change the way golf fans consume the game and paved the way for the eventual creation of dedicated channels around the world such as Sky Sports Football, the NFL Network and the growing use of over the top services to tablets and mobile phones.

“There were plenty of questions about who’s going to watch it?” recalled revered ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt, who got his start in TV as a production associate working in Golf Channel’s video library. “We kind of figured it out as we went.”

25 years on in 2020, GOLF Channel celebrates its special milestone as very much a part of the fabric of the game, becoming the place golf fans turn to watch everything from golf’s major professional circuits to NCAA Men’s and Women’s National Championships, Drive Chip and Putt Championship National Finals, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, golf’s return to the Olympics, documentaries like Arnie, original programming such as more than 100 episodes of Feherty and more than 300 episodes of School of Golf as part of its news, instruction

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and entertainment programming dedicated to showcasing the global sport in more than 70 countries and nine languages.

“Arnold Palmer was so proud of the role GOLF Channel plays in connecting the world to golf and we take great pride in carrying forward his legacy as we forge a path for the next quarter century,” said Mike McCarley, president, GOLF, NBC Sports.

“A prime example of how much GOLF Channel has grown – from just 15 hours of live programming the network’s first week 25 years ago to more than 100 live hours in any given week, across three US time zones and five countries. As we look ahead to 2021, GOLF Channel will be on the ground at all of the men’s and women’s major championships, The Players, Tokyo Olympics, FedExCup Playoffs, UL International Crown and Ryder Cup.” For the golfing audience, the willingness of Mr Palmer to “hit through the trees”, believe in Joe Gibbs’ vision and support his hard work deserves celebration as well as good cause to look forward in anticipation at what the next 25 years will deliver at GOLF Channel. 

Celebrate the Grand Old Man of Golf in 2021

standrews.com

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Father Son  Old Tom with his son Tommy Morris who he was runner up to in the Open of 1868, the only father and son to achieve this feat

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A generation game – where all generations can play and compete on an equal basis

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alent, age, physicality… with each variable, the list dwindles when considering sports one can enjoy with family. It becomes a lot shorter when doing so from a level-playing field perspective. However, despite little standardisation across venue and equipment in the amateur game, golf is one such sport.

All the family can enjoy a competitive game that bridges the generation gap where either youthful exuberance or a wise old fox can quite feasibly take home the spoils. This, for the most part, is courtesy of the handicap system. It’s the great equaliser in our game. Handicaps permit the golfing population to enjoy the sport with and against each other irrespective of age or ability.

Even without them, there are so many facets to the game where a parent can still show their child a thing or two on the course. The exuberance and zest of youth may equate to a prodigious driver of the ball but that doesn’t make for the superior player. A deft short game, astute mind and pin-point accuracy are key skills in a golfing locker that the experienced hand may use to their advantage.

“It’s not as if Neymar can go out and play with his dad”

Rory McIlroy

The professional game In the game of golf, unlike perhaps any other, there’s a rich history whereby a parent introduces their child to the game before there is an eventual passing of the guard, a proud heritage as it were where father concedes his son has ‘the edge’. However, before the passage of time takes hold, the vagaries of the sport allow the possibility of both pitting their skills against one another even at the highest echelons.

Case in point? The iconic pairing of Morris and Morris. The story of Tom and his peerlessly talented son, Young Tom, continues to reverberate some 120 years on from when their chapters in history were first being written. Iconic figures of the game with life tales of Major success, heartbreak and honed craft, Old and Young Tom not only played and competed with and against each other, they remain record holders to this day. As a pair, their list of achievements is almost second to none including Old Tom taking second billing to Young Tom in the 1868 Open Championship; the only father and son to achieve this feat. To this day, they are the oldest and youngest winners of The Open Championship at 47 (Old Tom) and 17 (Young Tom) and together attained eight Championships between them.

This duo’s sporting accolades, flair and fame transcends time. Independently they are iconic figures, together; golfing immortality.

They, however, are not the singular father and son duo of note in the game. Golfing genes and dedicated practice have elevated a few father and son pairings to the top of the professional game. 

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ďƒĄ Rory McIlroy relishes the time he gets to spend with his father Gerry on the golf course

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“I’ll never get over the emotional feeling that came over me as I stood on the Swilcan Bridge at the end of my final round in 1995” The King, Arnold Palmer While arguably they don’t hold the same ‘celebrity’ status as the Morris’, hailing from the same era, Willie Park Snr and Jnr were almost on an equal footing with their more celebrated counterparts. In terms of Open Championship success, the Parks were only two shy with six between them. As we approach the 150th playing of this coveted tournament, it is in fact Willie Park Snr who claimed the very first edition.

Moving on to more modern times and along with it more record holding father and son pairings. A son more well known for his dulcet tones in the commentary box but once a formidable golfer in his day, Peter Alliss. He was predisposed to excel in the game as his dad, Percy Alliss, was a leading English professional golfer in the 1920s and 30s, winning many tournaments in Britain and Continental Europe. Together, they are another record holding duo as the first father and son to have competed in the Ryder Cup. Only Spanish pair, Antonio and Ignacio Garrido, have done so since.

Professional sons, proud dads and the Home of Golf Being so intrinsically linked to the game, it’s hard not to show favour to the Morris name in such a thread. They are an eternal part of golfing folklore and their lives woven into the fabric of St St Andrews’ rich history. The Auld Grey Toun was their home and birthplace of the game responsible for the revered status they hold to this day. 

 Tyrrell Hatton shares a smile with Ernie and Neels Els on the Swilcan Bridge

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 Spanish duo Jon Rahm and his dad Edorta

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Nature is the principal architect of the Old Course but part of Old Tom’s legacy comes from his role as Custodian of the world-famous Links. He is the man heralded for shaping golf’s original playing ground into the one we know and love today.

Many tales have played out across the hallowed turf before and since the Morris’. In modern times, it remains a golfing Mecca to the most accomplished golfer and enthusiastic amateur. A trip to St Andrews Links is one which realises the ultimate dream for golfers worldwide.

On a near daily basis, the fairways and rough of the Links are peppered with father and son duos from around the world. A trip to the Home of Golf symbolising a bucket list experience to share together. After all, playing the course and being in town stirs the emotions of even the very best in the game: And when the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship comes around each year, it’s an event circled in the calendars of many top players. It’s a homecoming of sorts for those players that ply their trade on tour.

The format perfectly captures that unique nature of the sport. It’s a celebration of links golf and one where amateur golfers from stage, screen, business and many other industries can play alongside the best in the game.

More relevantly, it’s also one where the tee sheet is sprinkled with duplicate surnames as some pros challenge for the team prize with dad at their side.

While these elite players compete in the world’s biggest tournaments, on the grandest of stages and for the largest of purses on a weekly basis, playing at the Home of Golf remains a humbling experience for them, made even more so when they have dad for company. These are treasured times for such players and this is not lost on them. They appreciate that their sport affords them such special occasions.

Of today’s leading lights on the world stage, McIlroy perhaps best demonstrates the familial aspect of golf, his father Gerry having introduced him to the game.

“My earliest memories are when I was four or five and wanting to play 18 holes with him,” he adds.

“He would say ‘Are you sure? It’s a long time out there.

You’re going to get tired.’

“I’d get through nine holes and I remember the 10th hole at Holywood is a par 3 straight up the hill and I’d get halfway up the hill and he’d take my bag off me and carry the two bags up the hill.

“I remember the first time I beat him and it was a weird, almost guilty, feeling.

And Spanish superstar, Jon Rahm, agrees making his Old Course debut in the company of his dad and fellow rookie, Edorta, last year.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and it was really nice to share that moment with my parents,” Rahm says. “Both of them have done so much for me related to golf. It’s great to be able to do something for my dad. It was sort of a Christmas present for him, and he’s been looking forward to it for a long time. I heard he was nonstop practising last week.”

It would be easy for players of this ilk to take playing at the Home of Golf for granted. When regularly playing at the best venues the sport has to offer in usually lofty company, it would be easy for these moments to get lost in the proverbial melee.

However, there’s a commonality in golfers’ feelings on time spent here at the Links. The lure of the town, the history of the course and feeling of being part of something bigger than the game, combine for an unrivalled experience. Doing so at the Home of Golf as one part of a father and son duo can be the icing on an enviable cake.

In truth though; whenever the time, wherever the occasion, whatever the status held in the game, golf is the bond and playing it with family is undoubtedly special.   Tom cradling a baby believed to be his youngest grandchild, Jamesina  days in the Dunhill.

“I didn’t really want to beat him, but it’s one of those things.

“We still have good matches and obviously I have to give him a few shots now.

“I really appreciate the time I spend with him on the course because growing up we didn’t have as much time as he was looking after me. We’ve actually played against each other the last two days in the Dunhill. He got the better of me yesterday and I was able to just beat him today.”

One of the best players in the game and dad can still claim bragging rights! With such busy schedules, these are special days for professional son and proud dad.

A relative veteran of the game, Ernie Els, shares the same perspective as McIlroy on these precious moments; “To spend this time with my father Neels, playing golf and just walking and talking about things here at St Andrews,” he says. “I can’t tell you how special that is.”

 St Andrews welcomes the next generation of golfers to the Links

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www.clubcar.com info@clubcar.com

Club Car is proud to be the driving force at the Home of Golf Official partner of

125 Years of the New Course When the New Course opened at the Home of Golf in 1895 it did so unaware of the unenviable shadow its illustrious neighbour would cast over it.

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ORN of function rather than form, the primary purpose of the New Course was to facilitate the rising demands for golf in St Andrews; to alleviate the strain on the one course; and provide welcome relief for the tempers of those frustrated that the Old Course’s popularity was such that they could not get a time to play.

As the years have passed the prestige and desire to play the Old Course has grown in line with the popularity of golf itself. But while its older, wiser sibling undoubtedly casts a long shadow, for many there is a huge groundswell of love and appreciation for the New Course; revered as one of golf ’s best kept secrets; the world’s oldest “new” course; a classic Links layout; and undoubtedly of great quality and a true test of golf. 

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To trace its origins the story of the New Course begins in the 1870s and a flourishing St Andrews boasting visitors from near and far to play golf on the Links and enjoy the seaside town with its glorious beaches, esplanade and everything that went with it.

Golf ’s popularity was on the rise and St Andrews was becoming widely recognised as the epicentre of the game.

However, with just 18 holes of the Old Course now in operation there were only a finite number of hours on which it could be played upon and the rising demand was pushing disgruntled locals off the course.

As a result it was decided, in 1893, that a new course was needed and a committee was subsequently set up to consider the practicality of increasing the golfing facilities on the Links.

With the passing of the 1894 Act of Parliament the Town Council would take ownership of the Links and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews would be responsible for its management. As part of the agreement between both parties, the Royal and Ancient would also undertake the construction of a second course at its own expense – some £2,000.

The agreement had not been arrived at overnight and by all accounts emerged after the club acceded that the second course would not be exclusively for its members, instead it would be open to all, but for players who were neither ratepayers of St Andrews nor members of the R&A they would be required to pay a ‘tariff ’ or green fee.

Civil engineer Mr B. Hall Blyth, of Edinburgh, was commissioned to lay out the New Course. His proposals

proved controversial as it became clear he intended to take up almost all of the ground between the Old Course and the sea. The Town Council was concerned that it would prevent the public from walking the Links, a primary objective for any Act of Parliament which had ever governed the Links.

Eventually the amount of land required would be reduced and it was agreed that the two courses would neighbour each other and any demarcation between the Old and New would not be enforced from a playing point of view. This playing characteristic has remained in place ever since, ensuring any errant shot between the two is simply played as it lies! Work began apace, with 45 men employed to clear the whins and the ground supervision in St Andrews entrusted to Mr R.A. Duff of Edinburgh, who received expert advice and support from Tom Morris and his lieutenant, David Honeyman.

As well as the whins, the local Volunteer Corps found themselves on the move, as a result of their work their rifle ranges were moved from the landward to seaward side of the sand dunes. Work was completed on schedule and the course opened for play on 10th April 1895. Tom Morris, in his 70s and whose renown for course design was believed to have been heavily relied upon during construction, joined forces with Dr Duncan and played a match against Sheriff Henderson and his son to mark the opening. The result of the match is unknown but it is well documented that Old Tom had the honour of striking the first ball to open the New Course, reflecting the status and reverence in which the great man was held.

Any demarcation between the Old and New would not be enforced from a playing point of view

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 Front page of The St Andrews Citizen, in which the opening of the New Course was reported and applauded

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The arrival of the New Course was greeted with much fanfare, its greens and fairways were typically undulating, with the home green drawing particular praise from the St Andrews Citizen in 1895: “the putting green is a beautiful broad expanse of turf, not dead level… but with ridges and saucers and dips, which makes putting what it really ought to be.”

Since then the course itself has remained relatively unchanged for more than 100 years. It was stretched marginally over time when a series of Championship tees were installed, adding some length for the top level amateurs who regularly compete over its 6,781 yards compared to its original 6,440 yard measurement.

However, the green structures have never been altered and the wily nature of its layout remains as enjoyable and thrilling today as it did in 1895.

While function drove its creation, history has seen the New Course become so much more than “just” the second course at the Home of Golf. Its natural elements offer a flavour of the Old Course, but it has its own quirks and challenges.

Now, 125 years on, it is not the younger sibling of the Old Course but an important piece of golf history in its own right, a timeless test of Links golf that exists on its own merits and offers so much to any golfing experience at the Home of Golf. 

 The original routing of the New Course as laid out

by Old Tom Morris

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Š2020 The Toro Company. All rights reserved.

No Place Like Home Preserving the Living Landscape with The Toro Company that can often feel as though it’s repeated on a seemingly endless loop with a familiarity usually reserved for time with a cherished person or possession. In fact, were it not for the changing seasons – sometimes all four in one day – you could be forgiven for thinking it was something akin to groundhog day.

2020 on the other hand has not been so easy to foretell.

Yet even as the world manoeuvres its way through recent changes and challenges, there remains some comforting familiarities across the Links landscape.

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s the shadows lengthen across the world’s most famous Links, it signals the end of another busy day at the Home of Golf.

A typical year would see golfers from near and far come and go, with the setting sun marking the time to reflect, most likely while ensconced in a warm watering hole, on that day’s play; the birdies made; the ones that got away; that blasted bunker; or glorious par saving putt on 18.

It’s a familiar and much loved scene in St Andrews, one

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In the midst of this era the greenkeeping team at the Links demonstrate not only a daily reminder of the care and expertise associated with looking after the living landscape, but also a timely aide memoire of what’s going on.

In the summer months, in what often feels like the wee small hours, they emerge like the Red Arrows on a fleet of state-of-the-art Toro greenkeeping equipment. Their routes and routines all synchronised to cover every blade of grass, long before many of the day’s golfers have even reached for the snooze button on their alarm clock.

Today, the lengthening shadows in early evening signal the end of a shorter day on the course, where limited daylight hours sees fewer golfers and at times, more greenkeepers on the course, as they tend to the annual array of improvement and repair works across the seven courses.

On such days, as well as course preparation for the dedicated year round golfers, the team undertake bunker builds, tee maintenance and freshly turfed putting greens on their call sheet. Today’s duties have all been undertaken against a backdrop of piercing blue skies, the kind that often leaves office dwellers bemoaning a nice day out having been missed. Yet those on the Links land today can attest that a cold wind sweeping in from the North Sea has tested even the hardiest of souls, not to mention their multiple thermal layers and Gore-Tex jackets.

As the talented team of greenkeepers head for home in search of a cosy nook, warm bath or hot meal, Director of Greenkeeping Sandy Reid wanders across the landscape he has grown accustomed to calling home over the last 18 months.

The day job dictates he can’t spend as much time on 44

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the turf as he once did when learning the trade, but his responsibilities at the world’s most famous Links are far and wide-ranging. High on Sandy’s priority list is a commitment to delivering memorable experiences and ensuring that as the current steward at the Home of Golf, the team’s efforts are carried out in a sustainable and responsible way.

Although St Andrews is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, working with the talented team and Official Greenkeeping Partner Toro, it is Sandy’s job to ensure it reflects the proud history of innovation, always evolving for the future.

“St Andrews means so much, to so many people,” he explains. “It’s not just the local golfer for whom it’s special, but the golfers from around the world that may have waited a lifetime to come and play here.

“For us, within the greenkeeping team, it’s a huge honour to work here and to really work towards that ambition of delivering a great experience for every golfer, regardless of what course they play or whether they play here in January or July.”

Sandy’s career in greenkeeping has coincided with a period of huge technological and innovative advancement in all areas of our lives, including greenkeeping. It’s a far cry from the industry he took his first tentative steps towards as a teenager.

“I was 13 or 14 when a family friend asked if I would be interested in greenkeeping,” he says.

“So I went along to Pitlochry Golf Club, did some work and found that I really enjoyed it so I left school and did a one year college course at Elmwood College, that was really a crash course in greenkeeping. I came out of there and was

industry. I know it's the Home of Golf, but I don't think that brings any stress to me; I'm really just proud to be the greenkeeper at St Andrews. It’s the pinnacle of my career, but it's not like I want to rest on my laurels. I want to help continue to take St Andrews forward.”

For Sandy, ensuring St Andrews remains at the forefront of the industry is made easier thanks to the Partnership between the Home of Golf and The Toro Company, delivering the world’s best turf maintenance and irrigation solutions.

“It’s hugely exciting to have the Partnership with Toro and to see how it manifests itself here on a daily basis,” Sandy says. “Obviously there is the world-class machinery you can see working on the courses, but it goes way beyond that with Toro helping us to develop the team here as well as enabling us to provide input and assistance with research and development for the next generation of equipment, and all whilst being acutely aware of the impact our work has on nature and resources.

“St Andrews Links and The Toro Company are both enduring businesses, which have a shared commitment to providing a positive sporting, environmental and social legacy for future generations.”

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fortunate enough to get a job.”

From early beginnings at Letham Grange, Sandy joined Carnoustie Golf Links in 1997 where he would spend more than 20 years, becoming Head Greenkeeper of the Championship Course in 2005 and Links Superintendent in 2012.

Arriving at the Home of Golf in late 2018, Sandy believes Carnoustie was ideal preparation for landing his dream job.

“In the UK, Carnoustie is really the only course that has similarities to St Andrews,” he adds.

“From the perspective that it caters for both the local and visiting golfer in high volumes, there are multiple courses on the site, it hosts big tournaments and even in the manner it is governed.

“For anyone in greenkeeping this is the peak of our St Andrews Links

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Today, St Andrews Links' greenkeepers utilise technology, science and skill to present the courses in the best possible condition. Computerised irrigation systems, green rollers and fairway mowers capable of cutting to exacting specifications and all armed with analytical data are key components for the 21st Century Links.

For Reid, it’s a balance of respecting the old while embracing the new. “We want to be leading the way if we can, whether it be in turf management or new technologies,” he says. “But we also have to be aware of our place in the game of golf. We have to pay credit to the heritage of the game and make sure that we don't go against the values of greenkeeping, how it all started hundreds of years ago. The Toro Company help us to do just that.”

As day turns to night the next day’s play looms large on the horizon, as the greenkeeping team rest and recover, Sandy’s mind wonders to the future and what the next great sustainable innovation will be.

“There will no doubt be some ideas I'll want to kind of develop as time goes on — to support the staff the best we can, and make sure the turf's as good as it can be,” he adds. “We've got the Open Championship in 2022, so the eyes of the world are going to be on us.”  St Andrews Links

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Life through a lens

S

ince a young age, I have had an interest in photography and the landscape around me. Working on golf courses throughout my career, I’ve seen some amazing scenes unfold in front of my eyes, whether it’s a stunning sunrise or sunset; heavy snowfall or other weather events, it’s great to capture that moment in time and share it with others. I feel extremely privileged to watch the sunrise most days as I carry out my morning duties; to me it’s a perk of the job witnessing something special that most other people won’t see as they’re still in bed.

Photos tell a thousand words, and through my photographs I hope to show the dedication and hard work the greenkeeping team do at St Andrews and how proud I am about the work my team does at The Castle Course.

The Castle Course is the most photogenic course I’ve ever worked on and I literally take my camera everywhere I go when I’m working, it doesn’t leave my side. I’ve been known to have my rucksack on my back whilst hand cutting greens in the anticipation of a good sunrise photo.

This is the same for outside work; I feel lost if I don’t have my camera with me and hate missing a fantastic photo opportunity. You never know what’s around the corner.

Jon Wood – Course Manager, The Castle Course

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1 Misty Start – For some reason we don’t get many low hanging misty mornings at The Castle, so one weekend while changing holes I managed to capture this photo, within 15 minutes it had gone.

2 January Low Light – It was

afternoon and the sun was low in the sky. Everyone was packing up to go home after a day’s work but I decided to go for a drive to check up the hill (12th and 13th). Suddenly the sun dropped below the low cloud and cast sunshine across the course and down to St Andrews.

3 Sunrise – I’m usually in work 30

minutes before we start and I couldn’t resist popping out to take this photo before the day’s work began.

4 5

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4 Another Morning at the Office – I was changing holes this morning and as I approached the 7th I saw this photo and waited for the hand mover to be in the right spot. I just loved the colours and light that morning.

5 2019 Top of the Hill – 12th and 13th are two of my favourite holes on the course! The view across them demonstrates the ruggedness of the landscape perfectly and the dramatic seas beyond.

6 Best Sunrise – Driving into work one August morning I could tell it was going to be a great sunrise!

As I drove in the gates and down the drive, the sky just lit up, so I pulled in and jumped out the car to capture light before it disappeared

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9 7

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7 Autumn Sunrise over the 1st Green – As we get

into September the greenkeepers generally start as day breaks and this is one of my favourite times of year on the course. I was doing some localised hand seeding on the 1st green when the sky lit up.

Frank, who was cutting, must have thought I was mad as I laid down on the grass to get a better angle and waited for him to be in the perfect position for the clouds in the sky to capture him between them.

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8 Evening Wander – Greenkeepers never stop thinking about work generally and one evening I found myself back at The Castle Course having a wander around. I loved how the flowering gorse was backlit with the silhouette of St Andrews behind.

9 Storm Clouds Gather – I was collecting the flags behind the last group during the Ricoh Ladies Open Qualifier in 2017 and a storm was closing in. I managed to grab this photo just before the heavens opened up and I got soaked.

10 Afternoon Stroll – Late in the season I found myself still at The Castle, wanting to have a look at some work carried out that day. I drove down to the 6th hole and on passing the 3rd I had to capture this shot with the town in the background; waiting a few moments for the flag to be lit up.

Š2020 The Toro Company. All rights reserved.

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Danny Willett’s way back to the Winner’s Circle

Rising The

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T

here are a myriad of ways to smile, some are designed to conceal less than happy feelings, while others can radiate a genuine sense of delight and ease that everyone would wish to revel in.

Over the past four years Danny Willett has likely covered the entire smile spectrum as his undoubted golfing ability took him to the top of the game, winning a coveted green jacket at The Masters in 2016 before a series of injuries and introspection saw him fall from his burgeoning status as a major fixture in the world's top 10 to number 462 in the world.

His experience is not one in isolation, over the years there have been many who have reached the pinnacle of the professional game only to spiral downwards, their star descending as quickly as the ascent. For many the fall from grace carries too much scar tissue to recover from and their smile becomes one of mixed fortunes, one that shines a light on what they achieved but also conceals a sense of what might have been.

However, in their midst there exists a number of remarkable recovery stories, in recent times perhaps none more so than Willett’s, who over the past 24 months has

struggling with injury and then got to a point where I felt it was time to go down another avenue with my coaching and started working with Sean Foley.”

The reference to Foley brings a different smile to Willett’s face, the coach who gained global recognition for his work with Tiger Woods and continued success with Justin Rose, is clearly a key figure in his return to the winner’s circle, not least because his primary remit went beyond ensuring Willett could compete but, perhaps more importantly, stay healthy.

“The main thing Sean and I did, along with my strength and conditioning coach, Kevin Duffy, was to make sure I could swing pain free,” Willett continued. “It’s been a long rebuilding process, but around March 2018 I managed to play a tournament without taking painkillers, that was in Malaysia and was a huge boost for us all. That then meant we could really start to work on improving the swing and getting more consistency in my game. A lot of it has been postural set-up and trying to get that really, really good and solid. I’m working on some of these things purely for safety



fought his way back to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the prestigious PGA Championship at Wentworth, thus positioning himself firmly back within the upper echelons of the game. As he bounds across the Old Course there is no hiding the mixture of steely determination, pride, happiness and appreciation in Willett’s smile.

“I went to some pretty dark places for sure and, of course, I worried if I’d ever come back,” Willett explained. “It’s been a process and it took a long time but when I got back in the mix in Dubai and Wentworth it was incredible to be in the running in a final round, and not only come out on top, but more importantly enjoy it.”

These wins symbolise not only a turnaround in his playing fortunes, but celebrate a dramatic change in so many aspects of Willett’s approach to the game, which he is quick to attribute to those around him.

“I’m lucky to have great support from the team around me, and they always kept believing in me and supporting me throughout those tough times,” he said. “I was

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WHAT’S IN THE BAG and endurance and not necessarily for my golf swing.”

As much as he acknowledges the physical strides that have been made, Willett seems a resoundingly different character from the one first thrust into the role of leading light in golf and all that goes with it. He is blessed with a humour and perspective that can only come from emerging out of a period of “dark times”.

The mental demands of golf are well known, with many insisting over the years that it requires more fortitude than many other sports. So in the midst of some of his lower ebbs what kept Willett motivated and well-balanced.

“The team around me has kept me sane for sure,” Willett said. “Sam (Haywood, friend and caddie) has been a huge part of it, but having so many people around who believed in me and trusted the process, always kept me positive when I was at my lowest. Obviously, my wife, Nic, is always supportive and there for me.

I was probably quiet and down, so having her and the kids at home to pick me up is massive.”

Over the years Willett and his family have enjoyed regular and successful visits to the Home of Golf, a regular fixture in and around the top of the Alfred Dunhill Links leaderboard, he also recorded his best finish at The Open in 2015, a tie for 6th signalling his best finish at the world’s oldest Major and foretelling of his Major class with his Green Jacket win at The Masters the following year.

“St Andrews is just so iconic, not just in our game but around the world,” he added. “I’ve had some success here over the years and always just look forward to coming back.

I’m just trying to keep putting myself in good positions, I’m pleased to be playing with more consistency again and hoping I can keep improving. I’d obviously love to win another Major, so we will keep trying our best and see where we end up.”

While The 150th Open may loom large on the horizon there is still much for Willett to turn his attention to, not least a return for the 32-year-old to the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

"I do want to be part of the European team," he said.

"I want to get back there after what I feel like was a disappointing end of 2016 when it should have been one of the best years of my life.”

Willett is clearly revelling being able to play golf pain free, and as he strides across the Old Course it is clear that as well as his health and happiness there is something else striking about Willett these days. He knows better than most that form fluctuates but he has clear designs on this next stage of his career and what he will strive to achieve.

“I had an undying want to get back there [to the top],” Willett said. “I was willing to change whatever had to be changed and I think that’s pretty hard to do.

It’s hard to jump full throttle into something that you’re not quite sure if it’s going to work out or not. I was able to jump in there and I had the correct people around me.

“All the work that we’ve put in has come forward. To come down the stretch again in big tournaments, to win and enjoy it has been beautiful. There was a long time where I didn’t enjoy this at all. Now, I’m really trying to enjoy every moment.”

And with that he strides off down the 17th fairway, debating with his playing partners whether they want to play one more hole or call time on today’s practice. The smart money is on a quick pint with friends. But regardless of the choices he faces today, the difficult decisions Willett has made in the past have given him fresh perspective, a new impetus and are responsible for his rising once again. 

“I went to some pretty dark places for sure and, of course, I worried if I’d ever come back”

Interview by: St Andrews Links

Ball: Callaway, Chrome Soft X Double Arrow Bag: Callaway Visor: Callaway Driver: Callaway, Rogue 1st Fairway Wood: Callaway , Rogue 1st Utility Iron: Callaway, X Forged UT 2nd Utility Iron: Callaway, X Forged UT 3-9 Iron: Callaway, X Forged 18 Pitching Wedge: Callaway, Mack Daddy Forged Sand Wedge: Callaway, Mack Daddy 4 Lob Wedge: Callaway, Mack Daddy 4 Extra Wedge: Callaway, Mack Daddy 4 Putter: Odyssey, Stroke Lab Tuttle

Pictures by: Recounter

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Home of Golf A Collection which adds a unique identity to the St Andrews portfolio

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or more than 600 years, golf has been played in St Andrews, but it was Archbishop Hamilton’s 1552 Charter that included the first written record of the game of golf in its home.

It recognised a game that had been embraced and cherished by the people of St Andrews for centuries prior and rewarded those early endeavours, weaving their way round a simple track worn into the Links land.

The Charter signalled St Andrews’ prominence as the birthplace of the game and each century thereafter encouraged more followers to visit the Home of Golf and share the game and its values around the world. As early as 1691 St Andrews had become known as the Metropolis of Golf.

Since 1552 the Home of Golf has continually developed, never standing still and encouraging each new generation of golfers to celebrate its history, passion and spirit. In 2009, we created the Home of Golf brand to add another unique identity to our portfolio, one that encapsulates our origins.

Here at St Andrews Links, the Retail team aim to create and develop merchandise that not only commemorates the rich history, but provides customers with products that they can hold an emotional connection with. The buying team, which strives to deliver products with a story behind

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them, achieves this through months of planning and concept building. The globally recognised Home of Golf brand does just that, providing a talking point wherever it is worn across the world.

As St Andrews Links is ever evolving, ten years on from developing the original Home of Golf identity, it was decided to rebrand.

The reason, to modernise the identity as a way to keep it in line with the times, yet maintain tradition and place more emphasis on Archbishop Hamilton’s 1552 Charter.

Working with designers Flintriver throughout 2019 on the development of the rebrand, and after reviewing numerous concepts, a fitting logo was chosen. This logo was selected because it delivers the modern design required, while also featuring the wording ‘Since 1552’; representing the year that the charter acknowledged St Andrews as the birthplace of the game.

The Home of Golf swing tickets will also tell the story of the Charter, and will be embossed to replicate it.

The new brand will feature on a range of men’s and ladies clothing, headwear and accessories.

Clothing brands including Dunning, Bobby Jones, Donald Ross, Glenbrae and St Andrews’ own-label product from Italy will all sport the new symbolic logo. 

1. The Natural Hand quarter zip layer from Dunning

2. Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter recognises the right of the people of St Andrews to play golf on the Links

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“The Charter signalled

St Andrews prominence as the birthplace of the game and each century thereafter encouraged more followers to visit” St Andrews Links

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3. Navy sleeveless pullover from the premium Italian cotton collection 4. Navy and white patterned polo shirt

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5. Red and white patterned polo shirt

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6. Plain navy polo shirt from Dunning - called the Natural Hand golf shirt due to the fact it is super soft to the touch and extremely lightweight

7. Light blue wool quarter zip wind sweater from Bobby Jones

8. Navy short sleeved polo shirt from Bobby Jones - made from the finest, soft and durable 100% Peruvian Pima cotton

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9. Blue quarter zip sweater from Bobby Jones - made from a super-lightweight stretch fabric

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10. Ladies white quarter zip sweater from Bobby Jones; Men’s red long sleeved sweater is from our premium Italian cotton collection 11. Red, navy and white patterned polo shirt from the premium Italian cotton collection

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12. Black wool quarter zip wind sweater from Bobby Jones - outer made from 100% merino wool 13. Red baseball cap, made by Pukka

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Swilcan Bridge Collection

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ntroduced in spring 2016, the Swilcan Bridge Collection celebrates one of the most iconic and recognisable landmarks in sport. The gateway to golfing immortality for the legends of the game and the thousands of visiting golfers who follow in their footsteps each year. The Swilcan Bridge Collection embodies the history, passion and spirit of St Andrews Links.

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14. Our custom design, leather golf bag features the Swilcan Bridge logo embroidered in monochrome. This versatile bag has six storage pockets, a six way top divider, removable top cover and leather carry strap.

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15. White and navy checked tri-fold golf towel

16. Black, white and purple Victory V headcover

17. Bronze coloured 3D engraved Swilcan Bridge bag tag

Shop the collections and all St Andrews Links official merchandise at www.standrews.com/shop

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A Brewer’s

Tale

With the United Kingdom reportedly leading the way in the number of small breweries and craft beer booming around the world, the demand for locally brewed ale has never been more popular

Gradually, over time the number of brewers in the town reduced from a supposed high of 153 brewers in the 1700s, to just two commercial or common brewers, as they were known, left by 1850: West Port Brewery on the north side of South Street, which was sold to William Haig (of Haig whisky fame) in 1864 and Argyle Brewery.

Although Argyle Brewery ceased trading in 1902, it has gone on to inspire a nation of local brewers, in particular the renowned St Andrews Brewing Company.

Founded in 2012, over 100 years since the last brewery in the town closed down, St Andrews Brewing Company set out to re-establish St Andrews’ place among the great centres of Scottish brewing. And with an estimated 1,500 small breweries in the UK, more per head than anywhere else in the world, it takes something special to really stand out.

Using simple ingredients of clean Scottish water, 64

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heritage malts and local ingredients; working with independent companies and partners and championing local communities in all endeavours, all led to firmly secure St Andrews Brewing Company’s place in the thriving market of craft brewing.

It’s safe to say that big things are happening in the world of beer. It has now become more about individuality, heritage, tradition, exploration, and taste and smell captured there in a glass. Experimenting with flavours and ingredients are key to finding something unique that will not only taste good, but tell a story.

Drawing inspiration from and with a desire to share the story of the world’s most famous Links and one of its most iconic characters, the talented team at St Andrews Brewing Company created two bespoke beers in collaboration with St Andrews Links in 2019, celebrating the Home of Golf.

Road Hole Lager, which acknowledges the challenging 17th hole of the Old Course and Tom Morris Scotch Ale, recognising one of the most iconic figures in golf.

The expert team at St Andrews Brewing Company, which is located just 1137 yards from the famous Old Course, collaborated with colleagues at the Home of

 The brewery is based in St Andrews, within a mile of the Links

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rewing and malting in St Andrews has always been an important part of its rich history. From its monastic heritage via the large numbers of small brewers that serviced both ‘town & gown’ from the Middle Ages right up to 1800, to the larger industrialised breweries of the 19th century.

 1 Albany Place – The home of Young Tommy Morris

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 The grave of Old Tom Morris in front of the memorial of Young Tommy Morris

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Golf to define the flavours and taste of the two beers.

Philip Mackey, Managing Director of St Andrews Brewing Company, said: “To have the opportunity to work with the array of amazing assets and stories at St Andrews Links’ disposal, combined with our knowledge and passion for producing award winning beers, was hugely exciting. Even better was the chance to engage with team members from all parts of the Links Trust organisation to get their input into the development of the beers.

“Road Hole Lager is a fresh, crisp, light Helles style lager that we think is the perfect pint for quenching your thirst after a game of golf whilst the Tom Morris project was really about bringing back a popular style with a classic Scotch Ale recipe, which has a sweet malt flavour and hints of caramel too.”

St Andrews Links Commercial Director, Danny Campbell, said: “We are always working to improve the experience at the Home of Golf, so to work with the local and hugely renowned St Andrews Brewing Company was very exciting. Their enthusiasm for creating brilliant beers is infectious and their desire to collaborate and produce something unique for St Andrews Links really captured the imagination of staff across the Links.”

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Since opening their first bar in 2013, the original St Andrews Brewing Co. on South Street, they have gone on to introduce two more establishments; St Andrews Brewing Co. North Street and most recently St Andrews Brewing Co. Caird Hall in Dundee. The latter reaping the benefits of the £1 billion investment in Dundee’s waterfront, which has included the creation of V&A Dundee, the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland.

Having recently expanded their brewing capacity, they are committed to continue creating quality products, source the finest local produce and talent, and support both so that they can deliver the best experience for everyone.

Driven by individual experimenting and love of storytelling, the craft brewing revolution is well under way and St Andrews Brewing Company certainly looks set to remain a major part of it.

Road Hole Lager and Tom Morris Ale are available in draught and cans at St Andrews Links’ three clubhouses, Old Pavilion, Halfway House and within St Andrews Brewing Company bars in the town.  To find out more about the local brewers, visit www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com

Frenchman Victor Perez clinched his first European Tour title and made significant strides towards becoming an adopted Scot after holding his nerve to clinch the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

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n his rookie season, Perez recorded a final round of 70 at the Home of Golf to reach 22-under par and become the first Frenchman to win the tournament.

England’s Matthew Southgate was alone in second a shot further back after he failed to make the birdie he needed at the last to force a playoff.

Perez is no stranger to the famous links at St Andrews, having spent the last 18 months living in nearby Dundee, where his girlfriend attends dental school.

Perez said: “Living 20 minutes from here makes this even more special. People are going to look at me differently now which I’ll enjoy. The culture in Scotland helps me, here people live golf.”

The 27-year-old clearly enjoyed the creature comforts of home, carding three birdies and a solitary bogey to win in just his his 29th European Tour appearance.

Perez, a two-time Challenge Tour winner, added: “I’m very pleased. There are so many things that need to come together to win a golf tournament.

“There are so many great players that are still striving for their first win, and obviously it happened for me in my first year.

“Obviously I felt like I had a solid day. I did my job and it was good enough, and next thing you know, you’re a winner on the European Tour. “You have to take it how it comes and it’s a great win for me.”

C H A M P I O N S H I P

Perez began the day alongside Southgate at the top of the leaderboard but found himself in possession of the outright lead when his playing partner dropped a shot at the first.

His first birdie of the day came at the fifth when he got up and down from the rough to the right of the green.

But Southgate twice overhauled him to take the lead in a rollercoaster first nine holes. Perez’s deficit was extended to two strokes when he made a bogey at the short 11th.

But a two-shot swing at the par-five 14th saw Perez join Southgate at the top once more as he tapped in his closerange birdie putt to get to 22 under, while a poor pitch shot cost Southgate the outright lead.

Perez, whose caddie is Rory McIlroy’s former bagman JP Fitzgerald, took a one-shot lead to the 18th tee after Southgate bogeyed the 17th, and when they both made pars at the last, Perez had his hands on the trophy. 

A L F R E D

Winners of the 2019 team competition: Tommy Fleetwood and Ogden Phipps

 Golden Globe Winner Bill Murray made his sixth appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2019  Former footballer and football analyst with Sky TV Jamie Redknapp  Golfer Andrew Johnston, aka Beef, with his playing partner actor Luke Wilson

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Perez said: “Obviously J.P. knows the Old Course like the back of his pocket. It was a huge advantage for me to know where to hit it and really trust it.

“The emotions were really high all day. Matt played amazing (and) we were fortunate it was kind of a one-onone battle on the back nine.

“Going down the last with a one-shot lead is all you can ask for and luckily I was good enough.”

The 2019 team competition also enjoyed a stirring finish as two of European golf’s talismans went head to head. Six straight birdies from Rory McIlroy couldn’t prevent him and his father Gerry from falling just short in the team event.

The McIlroys finished on 39 under at St Andrews along with Tommy Fleetwood and partner Ogden Phipps who won the pro-am team event on countback.

Fleetwood’s 19-under total in the main event was four ahead of McIlroy. Therefore, the English star and his partner were declared team winners.

McIlroy revealed earlier in the week that his father, who has become a regular fixture with his son at the event, had indicated that it would be his final appearance in the celebrity pro-am event. As a result of that, McIlroy added that the team event would be just as important to him as his overall finish. After starting at the 10th, McIlroy had an up and down opening nine which included three birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. But following three pars from the first, McIlroy finished his round in style with his six closing birdies as he signed for a five-under-par 67, which ultimately came up just short.  St Andrews Links

“Southgate twice overhauled him to take the lead in a rollercoaster first nine holes”

 Rory McIlroy and his father Gerry, who introduced him to golf at an exceptionally young age  Victor Perez strides over the Swilcan Bridge on his way to victory

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he ancient city of St Andrews may be small in size but it is big in stature and reputation. Such is its renown in the rich history of both the game of golf and the world of academia that very few cities can compare.

The synergies between both sporting pursuit and educational achievement can be traced back to the 15th Century, when golf was first played in St Andrews and Scotland’s first university, the third oldest in the Englishspeaking world, the University of St Andrews, was founded in 1413. Over six centuries both have established reputations as leaders and innovators, ensuring St Andrews has become known as a distinctive hub for both golf and education.

Director of Golf and Head Coach, David Watt, leads the programme, which aims to attract the brightest and best student golfers to the Home of Golf, where they can pursue their golfing ambitions to the highest level while simultaneously studying for a degree at one of the finest academic institutions in the world.

David said: “Our squad consists of a wonderful group of competitive men and ladies with a roster that covers the globe, all of whom covet the chance to further their golfing education on the fabled Links. We compete domestically in the UK through the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) League and Championship as well as worldwide – our players have regularly travelled across Europe and both North and South America to represent the University in high level competition.”

2020 Saints Golf

The Links and the University share more than just history, and work together to marry education and golf through the University’s performance golf programme, Saints Golf

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 David Watt, Director of Golf and Head Coach

Performance is at the core of the programme with Saints Golf fortunate to draw on two key elements, the St Andrews Links stable of seven courses and world-class practice facilities at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

David, who is also a Senior Instructor at the Golf Academy, added: “The players all have Links Tickets, meaning they have full access 365 days per year to all seven courses at the Links.

Learning the intricacies of playing these great courses in our unique weather conditions gives our players unparalleled golfing experiences that further their ability. Off the course the players have full access to the Golf Academy, one of the finest practice facilities in the world that sits adjacent to the Old Course. Being able to call the Golf Academy our practice base brings many advantages to the programme, not least the ability to harness the cutting edge technology it houses including Trackman, Boditrak and the K-Coach system.”

Joining David in providing tuition and support are a range of experts assisting with a comprehensive set of disciplines, from strength and conditioning to psychology and diet.

David explained: “We look at our golfers as athletes; they are involved in an intensive strength and conditioning programme run by some of the finest professionals in their field. Each player is treated as an individual and every element of coaching is tailored to suit their own personalised development plan.”

“We are a close-knit squad and create a great team spirit that is prevalent when we work together on or away from

the course. It’s a really important part, not just the Saints Golf experience, but University life too.”

That team spirit doesn’t just ebb through the existing students but through the rich history of alumni at the University of St Andrews, many of whom made golfing and learning the game an integral part of their time in the Auld Grey Toun.

The most successful University Golf programmes have a strong community of supporters behind them and Saints Golf is no different. Alumni involvement takes many forms with supporters in recent years making donations or offering general support. It doesn’t have to simply be graduates of the University but can include those with a vested interest in supporting the game in St Andrews. David added: “‘The 600 Club’, which is our Saints Golf Donor Fund, exists to support the growth and development of the University of St Andrews Golf programme.

“The donations provided by our supporters will fund our scholarships as well as enable us to enhance the existing offer to attract the best and brightest golfers to the University of St Andrews. These funds will not only boost our ability to perform on the golf course but allow us to be proud of our future as well as our history.

“Our scholarship offers include the Arnold Palmer Scholarship and a recently introduced Post-Graduate Scholarship. This new scholarship offers the chance for an international student to experience a year in St Andrews as part of the Saints Golf programme. With no playing restrictions in place in UK student golf, this represents a wonderful opportunity for a graduate student to continue their golfing journey while studying in St Andrews.

“Supporters of the Saints Golf programme are entitled to many benefits, not least the chance to join the team at supporter events, we have been extremely fortunate in previous years to spend time with our friends and supporters on both the East and West coasts of America.

Highlights of these trips included rounds at Winged Foot and Pebble Beach among many other storied venues.”

Donors can also receive Saints Golf merchandise and regular newsletters about how the programme is performing throughout the year.

To find out more about the programme or how to support Saints Golf please visit www.saintsgolf.co.uk 

Students enjoy every opportunity to play across all St Andrews Links courses The Ladies ‑Golf Team Strength and conditioning at the University Sports Centre

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The Gold Standard S T

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St Leonards is a forward-thinking, coeducational, boarding and day school for children aged five to 18 years in a truly unrivalled location

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amed as Scotland’s Independent School of the Year 2019 by the Sunday Times Good Schools Guide, the independent school boasts a beautiful campus at the heart of the historic, university town of St Andrews, the Home of Golf.

St Leonards is an all through International Baccalaureate (IB) school and has a dynamic and internationally-minded approach to teaching and learning, reflected by its excellent examination results. Yet academic success is only part of the story. There are also a wealth of co-curricular opportunities, with over 35 different clubs and activities on offer each week, with Sport and Golf being a strong focus.

The five-tiered School Golf Programme is on offer to St Leonards students and is delivered in association with the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

The leading Programme has been developed and refined over a number of years, and attracts talented students from all over the world. It is one of the largest golf programmes in the UK, and visiting agents often refer to it as ‘The Gold Standard’. The Programme offers students 74

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the best possible training and practice facilities, with unique access to some of the finest golf courses in the world. Students enrolled on the Programme also receive expert coaching delivered by Fintan Bonner, Director of Golf, and his team of experienced instructors at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy. The St Leonards Golf Programme continues to go from strength to strength.

There are over 100 visits by St Leonards students each week to the Academy with some students hitting over 3,000 balls per month, and students enrolled on the scheme are regularly successful in national competitions.

Players of all abilities have access to this tuition and the state-of-the-art sporting technology. The Golf Programme seeks to nurture a love of the game in as many students as possible at St Leonards and, at present, there are over 90 pupils of all ages and abilities enrolled. This aligns with St Leonards’ commitment to tailoring their academic and co-curricular provision to the needs of the individual student to help them reach their full potential.

The five tiers of the Golf Programme are as follows:

High-Performance Squad – the top tier for the most experienced, skilled golfers with a handicap of 15 or better.

‘St Leonards Minis’, designed specifically for pupils aged 8-12 who are looking to gain or continue to build on an understanding of golf, including basic skills and techniques.

Performance Development Squad – designed for students who are interested in developing their game and have handicaps between 16 and 28.

Q School Programme – as an ideal stepping-stone for players coming up from the beginner tier, and is open to players with handicaps between 28 and 54.

‘Introduction to Golf’ – tailored to Senior School pupils who are new to the game.

St Leonards Minis: tailored to Junior pupils.

In 2017, the Tom Morris Scholarship was introduced, in association with the St Andrews Links Trust, to recognise an individual student’s talent, achievement, and dedication to the game of golf. The scholarship is named after the fourtime Open champion and is open to current and prospective students. The prestigious award lasts for the duration of one year and not only carries a fee remission, but also sets high-achieving golfers apart and stands them in good stead for university and college applications, especially if they are interested in applying for a Golf Scholarship in the UK,

US, or internationally. There is a scholarship assessment day for applicants held each year, which is designed to attract applications from the most talented young players, nationally and internationally and is highly competitive.

The first beneficiary of the Tom Morris Scholarship was Ben Caton, who graduated in June 2018. Ben had studied at St Leonards for many years before receiving this prestigious award, and he captained and represented the school internationally in competitions. He was a great asset to the golf team, with a handicap of scratch. He is now studying at the alma mater of Ryder Cup great Colin Montgomerie, Houston Baptist University, Texas, where he secured a Golf Scholarship. His sister Ellen is the outgoing Golf Captain here at St Leonards. Reflecting upon his time as a pupil at St Leonards and a member of the High Performance Squad tier of the Golf Programme, Ben remarked: “It was an honour to receive the first Tom Morris Scholarship. This, together with becoming the St Andrews Boys’ Open Champion in 2018, acted as a springboard to a Division One golf scholarship in the USA. The education at St Leonards, and in particular the International Baccalaureate curriculum, prepared me extremely well for university life. I am very grateful for the opportunities and training that my teachers and golf coaches provided during my time at St Leonards.”

St Leonards prepares students with the academic grounding required to succeed in today’s ever-changing world and, together with its outstanding provision of trips and activities including the Golf Programme, it is therefore truly an education ‘Ad Vitam’.

If you would like to find out more about our Golf Programme, apply for a St Leonards Golf Scholarship or would like the chance to see our school in action and learn more about life at St Leonards, please do contact the Registrar, Ms Chantelle Robson at registrar@stleonards-fife.org

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Community Development

The Community Trust, established in 2010, helps and supports more than 130 organisations and groups in St Andrews and surrounding area

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very year golfers from around the world make the pilgrimage to the Home of Golf, each determined to grace the hallowed turf and experience the place that is synonymous with the great game.

The familiar finish to the world’s most famous Links sees golfers return to the heart of the town, the place and its inhabitants deserving of special affection from the global golfing community and the Links itself.

Whether it be through free golf tuition for every child who qualifies for the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association, backing projects to improve the tourism infrastructure of the town, assisting with the restoration of the famous West Sands or supporting the St Andrews Community Trust, the Links appreciates the importance of community and being a part of it.

The Community Trust, established in 2010, through an agreement between the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council, Fife Council and St Andrews Links Trust continues to build momentum in its goal to support good causes in and around the town.

The purpose of the Community Trust is to distribute funds generated by St Andrews Links Trust through the protection and realisation of the trademark of the Town Crest of the Royal Burgh and has recently celebrated surpassing more than £800,000 of awards to worthy projects in the town and surrounding area.

Margaret Lees, Community Trust chairperson, said: “It is a source of great pride for everyone involved with the Trust to have awarded such a significant sum of money to more than 130 organisations and groups. These funds have helped

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“Events here in the summer of 1559 transformed the religious future of this country”  The board of Trustees from L-R: Patrick Marks, Dominic Nolan, Irene Morrison, Chairperson Margaret Lees, Henry Paul, Daphne Biliouri-Grant, Gordon Shepherd

a diverse and worthwhile range of over 290 projects but we know there are many more out there, all doing fantastic work, who need some help.

“As Trustees our principal focus has always been to recognise applications that advance local community development and are for the good of the residents of the town and surrounding area. That will continue to be our main objective.”

St Andrews Links Commercial Director Danny Campbell said: “The Community Trust is a source of great pride for everyone associated with St Andrews Links and we look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength, helping a diverse range of clubs, groups and projects in the area.”

In 2017, The Stevenson Trust, a charity which owns the ‘Auchterlonies of St Andrews’ brand joined forces with St Andrews Links and pledged a further £25,000 per annum.

The additional income from the The Stevenson Trust is aimed specifically at the arts and sport within St Andrews and surrounding communities. It is intended to fund projects that will improve levels of performance and to enable clubs to increase their membership and to develop new ideas.

Bobby Miller, General Manager of Auchterlonies, said: “We have worked very closely in recent years with St Andrews Links to help protect the reputation and heritage of St Andrews. We are delighted to see those efforts achieving positive results that can now help to make a real difference, delivering results for so many great causes and initiatives.

“Alongside the existing work carried out by the Community Trust, we really wanted this additional funding to focus on good causes in the area aiming to get more people involved in the arts and sport. We look forward to seeing these awards benefiting the local community for years to come.”

SMART HISTORY

Smart History is a collaboration which draws from images and manuscripts in the University’s Special Collections department to create virtual reconstructions of the town’s most historic buildings.

Their most recent project was to digitally reconstruct Holy Trinity Church as it was believed to have appeared in the mid-sixteenth century – around the time John Knox preached his famous sermon which convinced the

St Andrews’ burgh council to publicly adopt Protestantism.

St Andrews Community Trust helped fund the reconstruction which was on show to the public in Holy Trinity during the late summer of 2019 as part of a free exhibition examining the history of religion in St Andrews, with hopes to turn this into a longer term/permanent display. The resulting digital resource can also be distributed online and used in educational contexts.

Dr Bess Rhodes, of the Schools of History and Computer Science, said: ‘Holy Trinity is central to Scottish history. Events here in the summer of 1559 transformed the religious future of this country. This project, supported by the Community Trust, has tried to recapture the character of Holy Trinity as it was on the eve of the momentous changes of 1559 and our hope is that it will act as a community resource fostering awareness of a key local heritage site, and its role in shaping the burgh of St Andrews and the history of Scotland as a whole. It will also produce digital resources which could be used in future permanent exhibits, and which can be used for teaching purposes (at both primary and secondary level).’

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 Digital reconstructions of Holy Trinity Church

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ST ANDREWS SAILING CLUB

Formed in 1957, the St Andrews Sailing Club aims to promote and encourage small boat sailing and racing and the social interaction of club members, and to maintain its clubhouse, boatyard and boats for these purposes. Based in the old lifeboat shed on the East Sands, the club provides a full adult and youth training programme together with family sailing and a comprehensive racing programme.

The club regularly participates in the national RYA “Push the Boat Out” day designed to encourage wider access and attracts members of the public of all ages. With assistance from the Community Trust, the club were able to replace a safety boat engine and refurbish their specialised tractor.

In order to function effectively as a thriving and growing community water sports club, certain capital equipment is necessary to support the core sailing activities – two reliable safety boats and a powerful tractor suitable for the unique St Andrews East Sands Beach marine environment.

Paul McCombie said: ‘We are a family friendly club and welcome all, be they beginners or competent sailors; juniors from seven years old to any age. There are even members who started sailing with us at quite a ‘mature age’. Our aim is to get you on the water and for you to enjoy it!’

FAMILIES FIRST

Families First is a small, independent charity based in St Andrews, working alongside families in north east Fife with children aged 5–16 years who have additional support needs. Their core services are One-to-One Befriending (children), Children’s Group Work and Family Support (adults). Reducing isolation, developing selfesteem, improving social skills and relationships are the fundamental goals for the team at Families First.

The organisation has been supported by the Community Trust for many years. This year their project was to upgrade the computer system to make it more efficient to operate. This would enable them to monitor their work, apply for funding and report to beneficiaries on the difference they have made to the children and 78

St Andrews Links

young people they work with. In June 2016 Families First were honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – an MBE for voluntary sector organisations.

Manager Morag Coleman said: “We value the contribution of everyone who works with Families First whether directly with service users or indirectly through fundraising, administration and transport. Awards from the St Andrews Community Trust have helped us with a number of projects over the years and the funding they are able to offer is invaluable to our organisation. We really appreciate the local support we receive, last year we realised that 1/3 of all our funding comes from local people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps us make a difference to the children and young people we work with.”

 Families First offers help to those with additional support needs  St Andrews Sailing Club encourages members of all ages

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