A fluent command of English is essential for these tours. Speaking slowly or translating does not work.
Find out about the early development of golf through the evolution of the Old Course in St Andrews with your guide, Richard Falconer. He will take you on a journey through a golfing timeline to explore the many facets of the game here, including some rare photos and why the game we know and love may not be as old as many think.
As an author, historian and a 1980s Pro A1 Old Course Caddie, Richard will tell you how golfing on the Old Course differs from what it was like back in his day and why you can't see his old Caddie Shack for the Old Course during the Open.
You will find out why Nike bought a hotel on Golf Place for a week and see the longest-running golf shop in the world.
As you stroll by the first fairway you will hear about early St Andrews golfing pioneers Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris and the birth of the Open Championship. About the American Thomas Hamilton, who (inadvertently) raised the profile of the game.
Learn about the landmarks forming an integral part of this unique course, including the stages of organic development the Old Course went through that would see 18 holes as a global standard.
Then, across Granny Clarks Wynd - the widest fairway in the game learning about tee-off chaos and a little about Tiger and Rory
You will also find out about such things as bulletproof windows, the rubber roof, the Himalayas, railway legacies and much much more!
Plus:
Have a photo shoot on the Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days), followed by memories of Road Hole blunders and mishaps.
Finishing your tour here, you can enjoy refreshments overlooking the 17th fairway (not included) at the famed Old Course Jigger Inn.
All this in a jam-packed walking tour filled with golfing heritage!
There are also plenty of daily tour options for you to choose from:
April to September: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 4 pm
October, November and March: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm
(Sundays - Walk the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days)
*Check the booking calendar for availability
Richards Tours are also endorsed by Rick Steves and famed St Andrews Golf Historian and legend David Joy.