FEARSOME FOURSOME

Fergus Bisset selects a quartet of testing holes on the Old Course that could be pivotal in the 150th Open Championship

- Fergus Bisset

The Old Course at St Andrews is like no other on the Open rota, nor any other in the world for that matter. With vast double greens, extraordinary bunkering, and crossover fairways, it poses a unique strategic challenge. On first inspection, many fine players over the years have been confused, even irritated, by the unusual layout. The great amateur Bobby Jones walked off the course in frustration during the 1921 Open Championship. But Jones, like all others who invest a little more in the Old Course, came to understand the subtleties and nuances of a layout that is a living and breathing embodiment of golfing history.

To win at St Andrews, players must recognize and embrace the idiosyncrasies, adapt and show patience. St Andrews demands an exceptional golfing brain and that's why winners here include Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Faldo, and Woods. The finish at St Andrews is known to all golf fans - the iconic Road Hole and the seemingly straightforward 18th played back into town - but there are other potentially pivotal holes out on the links that a prospective champion must navigate successfully. Here, we pick out four holes that could prove significant in deciding the outcome of the 150th Open Championship...

4TH HOLE

'Ginger Beer' - par 4, 480 yards

After the famous Road Hole 17th, Ginger Beer normally ranks as either the second or third toughest on the course: it was joint second hardest in 2015 at 4.24 for the week. It may not appear it at first glance, but this long par 4 is something of a risk/ reward hole. From the tee, the bold play is to aim down the narrow chute on the right side with a view to opening the green for the approach. But trouble waits just a little further right in the shape of bunkers short and gorse long. Anything flared out to that side could be a problem.