Author(s): Tom Jarrett

Golf

Recognised the world over as the home of golf, St Andrews Links has borne witness to over 600 years of golfing history. That the game evolved and developed into its final form here has never been in question: St Andrews is the home of the game's most influential ruling body, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and it was here in 1764 that today's standard 18-hole round was established when the 22-hole Old Course was reduced. One golf course has now become seven and many of golf's most dramatic moments, affecting the world's most famous players, have occurred here. It has played host to the game's greats, as well as those enthusiastic amateurs for whom the chance to play St Andrews' hallowed turf is a dream come true. As Jack Nicklaus remarked: 'If a golfer is to be remembered, he must win the title at St Andrews.' This celebratory volume of the official history of golf's most important location was written by Tom Jarrett, a caddie, journalist, golfer and author, and updated by Peter Mason, who was involved in managing the links throughout its most intensive - and controversial - phase of development.