First golf festival set for St andrews

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The eagerly-awaited, action-packed inaugural St Andrews Golf Festival in the town where golf has been played for six centuries will take place between March 28-April 1st.

St Andrews is normally buzzing and a lively place to be for golfers at the best of times and the first Festival will ensure that the new 2012 season will get underway in style at the Home of Golf.

It is anticipated that the Festival will attract golfers – and non-golfers – from both near and far to an impressive schedule of events, exhibitions, tours, lectures, films and skills competitions.

First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, himself an enthusiastic golfer, is backing the event saying: “St Andrews is celebrated worldwide as the Home of Golf and it is apt the world’s first-ever Festival of Golf is happening in this ancient sporting town.

“The Festival not only aims to further raise the profile of St Andrews and Scotland worldwide but also improve tourism and business revenue regionally, nationally and internationally.

“With a rich itinerary of events, the Festival will hopefully grow in stature to become a well received fixture in Scotland’s calendar.”

Exhibitions to showcase the history of the game and the golfing greats will be held at several leading St Andrews hotels and will include tributes to Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, Seve Ballesteros, the History of Golf in St Andrews, a Keepers of the Green display, the Ryder Cup, Women’s golf and much more.

A selection of planned daily activities include putting competitions on the Links Trust putting green for charity; golf simulator virtual drive off the 1st tee of the fabled Old Course; a guided walking tour of historic locations, screening of films, book signings, art and photography exhibits and fundraising for the Seve Ballesteros Foundation.

Another highlight will see Street Golf brought to life in the charming lanes of the Old Grey Toon with 18 holes being played by golfers in period attire of the 1880s while many bars, restaurants and hotels will host real ale tastings!

On the Saturday evening the St Andrews Golf Festival Awards will be held in the town’s University’s historic Younger Hall where Bobby Jones, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player and other legendary names received honorary degrees from the ancient university.

It should be great fun and promises to be a memorable golfing few days out. And in keeping with the spirit of the game that is accessible to everyone, there is no charge to attend the Festival celebrations.

*For further information visit ww.standrewsgolffestival.com

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