The Old Course Hole Names

The Old Course Hole Names is a short golf blog post that looks at the world-famous golf course that nobody really knows. So everybody knows of the Old Course in St Andrews, but how well do you know it? Did you know that of the 18 holes on the Old Course only 4 of them have their own individual green? That’s right 14 holes share 7 greens. 2-16, 3-15, 4-14, 5-13, 6-12, 7-11 & 8-10. Now let us have a look at the names of the holes. Did you know that there are only 10 holes with individual names and 4 that share names? The Old Course Hole Names Burn Named after the famous Swilcan Burn that runs across the first hole in front of the green. Dyke Believe it or not, this is named after the stone wall that runs down the left side of the hole. Cartgate (Out) This is named after a Cart road that once went across this fairway towards the sea. Ginger Beer Once upon a time, people would stop here for a drink. There used to be a Ginger Beer stand here, run by David Anderson, which is now marked by a bunker of the same name. Hole O’Cross (Out) Due to a mass of bunkers on the right called the ‘Seven Sisters’, golfers were told to play as far left as possible towards the 14th hole, to avoid the bunkers. Heathery (Out) Many years ago heather & gorse smothered the Old Course and hole 6 was once described as being the most ‘Heathery’ of them all. High (Out) The name of this hole is shared with the 11th as they are the highest points on the golf course. Short There are only 2 Par 3 holes on the Old course and this is the shortest. Usually plays about 130 yards over a couple of mounds. End This marks the furthest point away from the famous clubhouse. Bobby Jones Named after the most famous amateur golfer that ever lived. The only player to have ever won the original ‘Grand Slam’. Still my hero. High (In) Sharing its name with the 7th hole as the highest point on the course. Get your camera ready as you can get some great shots from here across the bay. Heathery (In) The shortest Par 4 on the course, but left and right of the fairway is very ‘Heathery’ indeed. Hole O’Cross (In) This would be a very wide fairway if it wasn’t for a batch of nasty bunkers that almost split the fairway. Better go well left onto the other fairway. Long Yep, I’ll agree to that. This mainly plays with the wind of the left or into your face. Whatever the weather, this Par 5 is Long! Cartgate (In) This hole shares the same name as the 3rd, as the Cart path made its way across this hole too. Corner of the Dyke This hole takes its name from the Dyke that it shares with the 2nd hole. Road One of the most famous tee shots in golf. This hole gets its name from the road that runs behind the green, which is still in play. Tom Morris Named after the architect, Keeper of the Green & Grandfather of Golf, Tom Morris, who was also born in St Andrews. His shop on the side of the 18th is still there today. (The Open Shop) What are your thoughts on The Old Course Hole Names? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, then click here.