What comes to mind when you think of St. Andrews? Is it the blue and white cross flag of Scotland? Is it St.Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day? Is it the birthplace of the game of golf? Or is it our 610-year-old University of St. Andrews? Whichever side, it’s our beloved St. Andrews.
Today, this blog invites you into the story of St. Andrews.
St. Andrews Old course
The game of golf started in St Andrews in 1457. Since then, all the golf-related stories have stayed in this medieval town.
In 1754, the Royal Golf Club was founded;
In 1764, the St. Andrews Old course was reduced from 22 holes to 18 holes, a format that continues today.
Even now, golf’s oldest British Open is still chosen to be held in St. Andrews. Every summer, countless fans of golf players are here to show off their skills. It is a place where they realise their sporting dreams and a place of pilgrimage for golfers.
The famous golfer Jack Nicklaus said, “Any golfer who wants to make a name for himself must have played at St. Andrews.”
Today, when we mention St. Andrews, the immediate thought is of the University of St. Andrews, a venerable institution with a rich history spanning 610 years.
This prestigious institution is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. It is the first university in the UK to surpass the eminent Oxford and Cambridge. Furthermore, according to the 2024 Guardian University Guide and the 2024 Times Good University Guide, it is the top-ranked university in the UK.
Louise Richardson, the former Chancellor of this university and current Chancellor and Professor of the University of Oxford, mentioned this on the 600th anniversary of the establishment of the university in 2013:
“Our institution – the University of St Andrews, was founded before the invention of the printing press. It predates the Battle of Agincourt, the construction of China’s Forbidden City and Peru’s Machu Picchu. It was here before Christopher Columbus discovered the New World and even before Joan of Arc’s war.”
Experience a Century of History in the St Andrews Museum
Despite its small size, St. Andrews is home to six museums. Two of these are affiliated with the university: The Wardlaw Museum and The Bell Pettigrew Museum. The former frequently hosts engaging craft workshops, while the latter boasts an extensive collection of animal and plant specimens.
If you are interested in the local history of St Andrews, why not visit the St Andrews Museum and the St Andrews Heritage Museum? They can narrate the tale of St Andrews for you. Lastly, don’t forget about the R&A World Golf Museum. After all, St Andrews is renowned as the birthplace of golf!
In conclusion, the charm, elegance, and enriching history of St. Andrews is what makes it a beacon of love for many. Its captivating cobblestone streets, stunning ancient ruins, and warm, welcoming community all contribute to the unique essence of this place. We cherish St. Andrews as a geographical location and a timeless symbol of our shared experiences, dreams, and aspirations. So yes, this is the St. Andrews we love – a town that ceaselessly inspires, nurtures, and remains nestled within our hearts.
