Women To Play At St. Andrews
It was announced this week that the women professionals will be playing the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews this year. Wow. That’s very cool indeed and it’s also about time. There are still very old school practices at exclusive clubs around the world and St. Andrews was no different from some of the others (like Augusta National) in their treatment of women. However, this is the 21st century and it’s time that this type exclusivity goes by the wayside. Of course, I’m dreaming and the odds of it happening in my lifetime are slim and none.
When the men played their British Open in 2005, the course was over 7,000 yards in length, but for the women, it will be shortened to about 6,600 yards. What I think is most interesting is that the women will be playing the Road Hole (17) as a par 5 instead of a par 4. The 17th is one of the most difficult holes in all of golf for a couple of reasons. First you have to drive over a portion of the Old Hotel in order to position your tee shot in the correct spot. Second, the green is extremely narrow and undulating, and also is protected by one of the most famous bunkers in all of golf. If you end up in that bunker, you’ re looking at bogey. If your approach is long and right, it might end up on the service road, hence the name “Road Hole” and, it’s in play. And good luck from there.
It’s great the women are playing there and I think they’ll handle the course just fine.