Old Course
St Andrews
A Legendary Round at St Andrews
On the 29th of July, 2024, I had the pleasure of capturing a truly unforgettable moment at the Old Course in St Andrews. My client John, an avid golfer from the states, was playing the iconic course when he had an unexpected encounter with one of golf’s greatest stars, Rory McIlroy. The scene unfolded at the 5th green, a location where the joint double green of the 5th and 13th holes often creates a unique interaction among players.
Here’s how it all happened:
The Setting: A Perfect Day at the Old Course
The weather conditions were perfect for golf that day, offering a classic St Andrews experience. Here’s a breakdown of the exact conditions:
- Temperature: 18°C (64°F), pleasantly warm for a summer day in Scotland.
- Wind: Light breeze from the northwest, around 10-12 mph, which was manageable but added just enough challenge to the links.
- Sky: Clear blue skies with a few wispy clouds, providing an ideal backdrop for a round of golf.
- Humidity: Low, making the air crisp and comfortable.
- Course Conditions: The Old Course was in pristine condition, with the fairways lush and the greens running fast but true.
As John and his group were making their way around the Old Course, they reached the 5th green, where Rory McIlroy was also playing. It’s not every day you get to cross paths with a golfing legend, and John certainly had a memorable moment when he found himself on the same green as Rory.
The Moment: A Friendly Request and a Signature Smile
As John’s group approached the 5th green, they noticed Rory McIlroy just a few steps ahead, putting on the joint double green. At that point, I couldn’t resist the chance to capture a rare photograph for John, so we quickly called over to Rory.
“Hey, Rory! Would you mind if we got a quick photo with you?” I shouted from a distance. To my delight, Rory looked up, smiled, and gave a thumbs-up. He didn’t hesitate, showing his usual friendly and accommodating nature. With the stunning Old Course backdrop and the sheer magic of the moment, we snapped a photo that John will surely cherish forever.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot
For John, meeting Rory on the 5th green was an unforgettable moment, made even more special by the perfect weather and the stunning setting. As a golf photographer, it’s always a privilege to capture such moments, especially when they involve a world-class golfer like Rory McIlroy.
That day on the Old Course was more than just a round of golf—it was a story of chance encounters, stunning weather, and a lifelong memory that John will be able to look back on for years to come.
Final Thoughts: The Old Course Magic
It’s not often that the stars align for a golfer to play a round on the Old Course and meet one of the game’s greatest players. With perfect weather, a legendary course, and a memorable interaction with Rory McIlroy, John’s day on July 29th, 2024, will remain one of the highlights of his golfing journey. For me, it was another reminder of why St Andrews continues to be the home of golf and a place where magic happens on and off the course.
If you’re planning your own trip to St Andrews, don’t forget to keep an eye out for moments like these. The Old Course offers more than just great golf—it’s a place where history and personal milestones collide. I’ll be here, ready to capture those moments for you.
