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Enjoy this curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Apr 10
Golfer's Day
The Old Course
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
“Every golfer should make a pilgrimage to St Andrews at least once in their life.”
~ Jack Nicklaus
Do you dance… and golf? If your swing has been eluding you for a bit, dinna fash—you can dance your way through the equivalent of all 18 holes—hazards, bunkers, and all—with this 40-bar jig! The devisor, Shirley Veale, advises “St. Andrew’s ‘Old Course’ - where you have to keep attending to what you are doing!” Good advice in general!
The story of the modern game of golf begins in 14th-century Scotland, particularly along the east coast in places like St Andrews, where windswept coastal links—sandy, windy stretches between sea and farmland—provided the natural ground on which the game first took shape.
Its earliest recorded mention comes in 1457, when King James II issued a decree banning golf for distracting men from the far more serious business of archery practice!
By 1502, however, attitudes had shifted. The ban was lifted by James IV—who had taken up the game himself—and the early foundations of organized play began to take shape, including the development of the first club links.
The Old Course at St Andrews—often called the Old Lady or the Grand Old Lady—is widely regarded as the oldest golf course in the world. It is rich with storied features: the Swilcan Burn and its little stone bridge, the curiously named Miss Grainger’s Bosoms, the Valley of Sin, and the formidable Hell Bunker.
Interestingly, ntil the 19th century, play on the Old Course moved in a clockwise direction. But around 1870, Old Tom Morris separated the 1st and 17th greens, and from that point the course alternated direction week by week to allow the grass to recover.
Today, the standard direction is anti-clockwise, though on rare occasions—just once a year in recent times—the original clockwise route returns. Bow, curtsey, and “Fore”! 🕺 💃 💚 🤎 💚 🏌️♂️🏌️♀️⛳
The Old Course
Have you golfed this famous course? Lucky you!
St. Andrews Old Course, located in Fife, Scotland, is often referred to as the "Home of Golf." It's one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in the world, with a history that stretches back to the early 15th century. The course is renowned for its unique features, challenging holes, and deep connection to the history of golf, making it a pilgrimage site for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Here are a few of its most famous features:
The Swilcan Bridge: This small, stone bridge on the 18th hole is perhaps one of the most photographed spots in the world of golf. It spans the Swilcan Burn and has been crossed by golfing legends throughout history. The bridge offers a moment of nostalgia and tradition for players and spectators alike, serving as a symbolic passage back through the history of the sport.
The Road Hole (17th Hole): Considered one of the hardest holes in championship golf, the 17th hole is infamous for its difficulty. The tee shot requires players to drive over the corner of the Old Course Hotel, adding a psychological element to the challenge. The approach to the green, which is beside the road and the wall, demands precision to avoid the road itself and the bunker guarding the green—aptly named the Road Bunker. This hole has played a decisive role in many championships over the years.
The Old Course Layout: The Old Course is known for its unique layout, featuring double greens where seven of the greens are shared by two holes each. This means that the course contains only 11 greens in total, with the 1st and 18th holes having their own exclusive greens. This feature requires golfers to be mindful of both their game and the games of others, adding an extra layer of strategy and etiquette.
Hell Bunker: Located on the 14th hole, Hell Bunker is an imposing sand trap that has dashed the championship hopes of many golfers. Its size and depth make it a formidable obstacle, requiring skill and patience to escape. The bunker is emblematic of the natural and rugged features that define the Old Course, demanding respect from all who play here.
The R&A Clubhouse: Overlooking the 1st tee and the 18th green, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews clubhouse is a symbol of golf's enduring traditions and the governance of the game. While the R&A itself now operates separately from the club, the clubhouse remains a central landmark, embodying the rich history and tradition of golf at St. Andrews.
For a video tour of the Old Course, click the photo by David Cannon.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
