Golf was first played on
the links at St Andrews, Scotland, 600 years ago. It is unequivocally
the home of golf and when the Royal and Ancient (R&A) had to choose a
venue for the 150th British Open this July, there was never really a
choice. It would be held at St Andrews.

This small university town in Fife has always struck me as a place
from which to tell a story because the golf course and the town merge
harmoniously as one, which is no surprise as they have lived with each
other since the 15th century. Even non-golfers find it difficult to look
at the view toward the clubhouse without feeling some sense of visual
overload.

My concept was to tell a period story and use the town and the
historic buildings behind the 18th green as extra characters in a
cinematic celebration of the most famous view in golf. It is a scene
that has been painted many times, but I had not seen a photograph with a
revisionist take of what the links may have looked like when golfers
played “The Old Course” the other way around, as they did in the 19th
century. The goal was to be greedy and include important landmarks such
as the Swilcan Bridge and this demanded an intricate composition.

I knew who my lead would be, the iconic Gary Player, nine times a
Major winner and three times Open Champion. St Andrews has been a major
part of his life and he holds the course and the R&A in the highest
of regards. Gary, whilst in his mid 80s, is still a showman, with the
looks and style to carry the photograph with ease.

With the idea approved by St Andrews Links, we had great support from
the R&A and many of their members were game enough to be styled in
1890s gear. It was such a memorable evening and everybody played their
part in making a little bit of history. I was honoured to be behind the
lens and I think I did the town and the Old Course proud. As a Scot,
this is an important and special picture for me and I know Gary shares
my pride.