Getting to the Mecca of golf for the 150th Open Championship in 2022

In Sports
by David Leach
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2022 is a landmark year for golf as the 150th Open Championship will be played. Indeed, this tournament has a rich and captivating history, with the first Open Championship played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Since then, only during the world wars and, curiously, in 1871 when there was no trophy, did this championship not take place.

Other than that, it has been ever-present since the mid-1800s and, next year, the world will celebrate 150 years of this timeless tradition. On a sporting level, this promises to be the most tightly contested Open Championship for years with only really Rory Mcllroy the standout favourite in the latest golf betting at 14/1. 

Aside from Tiger Woods, who will still be recovering from a car crash come next July, the Northern Irishman is still the biggest puller of crowds in world golf and will command huge galleries on Scotland’s windswept east coast. 

Needless to say, many golf fanatics will be making the trip from London to St Andrews to be part of history but what is the best way to get there in order to enjoy a weekend that will live long in the memory? Let’s take a look.

From budget airline to luxury train

You could go the low-cost carrier route and take a trip from London as Edinburgh is well served by virtually all of the capital’s airports. The positives would be that it would be over before you knew it as your flight begins to descend by the time it reaches cruising altitude, given how close it is. But that does take away from the experience of travelling and reduces your chances of taking your clubs with you for a sneaky round at one of St Andrews’ sister courses. You could, of course, opt to have your clubs checked onto the hold but it may be cheaper to buy a house in Knightsbridge than receive a bill from Ryanair for checked luggage.  

Instead, why not take the LNER service from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. At just over four hours, this is a quick enough option but also lets you enjoy the wonders of the English and Scottish countryside. Indeed, you’ll make your way through middle England and then onto the delightful city of York before travelling through the middle of Newcastle’s vibrant city centre. It’s a must for football lovers as the fabled St James’ Park towers over your train as you creep into the station. By this stage, you’re only an hour or so away from Edinburgh and you can already begin to hear the bagpipes being played on the Royal Mile 

Consider staying the night

Once you’ve rolled into Edinburgh, perhaps staying a night to break up the journey would suit you best. At the end of the day, you don’t have to twist someone’s arm too hard to get them to stay a night in this magical city. However, if you do want to push on to St Andrews for the golf then you can catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Leuchars, which is the station that services the town of St Andrews. From there, you will find many charming taxi drivers ready to take you to the course which is a mere ten minutes away by car. 

If you’re a person who is looking for a bit of wow factor upon your arrival then you won’t be let down as the taxi drivers take you right to the doorstep of the course, which involves a drive past the Royal and Ancient. Should your legs be working at this stage and not trembling too much, then the good news is that you can now get out as you have reached your destination. Indeed, you have now arrived at the golfing Mecca of the world for the 150th playing of the Open Championship.