In a unique twist on tradition, the Old Course in St. Andrews recently opened up for reverse routing, offering golfers a chance to experience the course in a completely different way. Instead of playing the course in the familiar counterclockwise direction, players now start at the first tee and work their way through the course in a clockwise manner. This change has brought about a new perspective on the iconic course, challenging golfers to reconsider their strategies and approach to each hole.
For many golfers, playing the Old Course in reverse is a disorienting experience, turning the familiar into the unfamiliar. The usual landmarks and angles that golfers are used to are now reversed, creating a sense of adventure and excitement on the course. In this new configuration, players must navigate the course in a completely different way, rethinking their approach to each hole and green.
One of the most significant changes in the reverse routing is the reversal of the 17th hole, known for its challenging drive and approach. In this new orientation, the obstacles and trouble spots shift to the opposite side, requiring players to adapt their strategy and shot selection. Other features of the course, such as the iconic Cartgate bunker and Miss Granger’s Bosom mounds, also present new challenges and opportunities in the reverse configuration.
As golfers make their way through the course in reverse, they encounter familiar landmarks and bunkers in a new context. The Admiral bunker on the 12th hole, for example, takes on a different appearance when played in the “correct” direction, adding complexity and intrigue to the game. The crisscrossing stretch of holes from 7 to 12, known as “The Loop,” presents unique challenges and keeps players on their toes with its interwoven routing.
Exiting The Loop and approaching the final holes of the course can be unnerving, with unfamiliar angles and obstacles posing new challenges for players. The reverse routing requires golfers to think creatively and adjust their game to navigate the course successfully. Despite the discomfort and uncertainty of playing in reverse, the experience offers a fresh perspective on the Old Course and a new level of excitement for golfers.
While some may prefer the conventional counterclockwise routing of the Old Course, the reverse routing offers a unique and thrilling experience for those seeking a new challenge. The Links Trust may continue to offer reverse routing for brief off-season periods in the future, providing golfers with opportunities to experience the course in a different light. Whether played forwards or backwards, the Old Course remains a timeless and iconic destination for golfers looking to test their skills on one of the world’s most legendary courses.
