[The Open] "30th Pilgrimage" St Andrews "The Field Where Sheep Were Raised"

2022 Season Final Major The Open Battleground St Andrews Old Course "Winning Keyword is Fighting Nature", Key Challenge is 'Road Hole'

A view of the 17th hole, the decisive spot at the Old Course in St Andrews, the final major battleground of the 2022 season.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "A field where sheep were raised."

The battleground for the final major of the 2022 season, The Open Championship (total prize money $14 million), which kicks off its epic journey on the night of the 14th (Korean time), is the 'golf sanctuary' St Andrews Old Course (par 72, 7,313 yards) located in Fife, mid-eastern Scotland. Since first hosting the event 149 years ago in 1873, it has held The Open more times than any of the 14 rotating courses, with 29 tournaments, and this year marks exactly the 30th time, the first in seven years since 2015.

It is important to note that this is the 'birthplace of golf.' It is believed that since the land was granted as common land to residents in 1123, people played games similar to golf using sticks and stones. Naturally, it was shaped by the sea breeze. In fact, most of the 112 bunkers are "pot bunkers" where shepherds hid. The course began to take shape with 22 holes in 1552 and was renewed to 18 holes in 1764, forming its current layout.

In the early 19th century, the front and back nine holes stood side by side, sharing fairways and greens. Double fairways and greens still exist, such as holes 7 and 11, 4 and 14, and 5 and 13. In the middle of the fairway lies a pot bunker, and outside the fairway are tall reed beds. The greens can be up to 100 yards long, are dried out by the wind, making them hard and fast. Experts warn that "players will experience the longest putts of their lives."

The fearsome "Hell Bunker" at the Old Course in St Andrews, the final major battleground of the 2022 season Open Championship.

The key to winning is 'battling nature.' Players must consider club selection amid rapidly changing directions and intensities of harsh weather, and execute a variety of skill shots. Creative shots unseen anywhere else are required, such as choosing a putter from 50 yards outside the green. The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods' two of his three Open wins (in 2000 and 2005) at St Andrews Old Course were powered by 'imagination.'

This year’s course measures 7,313 yards, only 16 yards longer than the 7,297 yards in 2015, showing little change. The biggest challenge is the 17th hole, 'Road Hole' (par 4, 495 yards), ominously nicknamed "the road to hell." Deep rough lies to the left, and an out-of-bounds (OB) area lurks on the right. The small 'Swilcan Bridge' on the fairway of the final 18th hole (par 4) is a 'viewpoint' where retiring players take commemorative photos.

For amateur golfers, it is the number one 'bucket list' round they want to play before they die, and it is welcome that it is a public course, making it easier to play. Green fees vary by season, usually ranging from 140,000 to 300,000 KRW. Various golf package products are available, and if desired, skilled caddies familiar with the course can be hired. To protect the course, it is closed every Sunday and instead opened as a resting place for local residents.

The clubhouse of the Old Course at St Andrews, the final major battleground of the 2022 season Open.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.