St. Andrews' Castle Course Fit for King

Imagining the Castle Course in a 25 to 35 m.p.h. wind -- not uncommon at St. Andrews -- one wonders how difficult this layout might be. Not unplayable, but very close to unmanageable.

David Kidd said, when he undertook the project, "Our aim is to take people's breath away."

He has done just that.

He also said, "My challenge is ... to create not just six but 18 great holes." That might be stretching it, and it's hard to assess at this early stage, but if we have to settle for 10 or 12 great holes and six or eight that are merely excellent, the Castle Course will nevertheless be a triumph.

In fact, the Castle Course could actually turn out to be a greater test than the Old Course. But -- could the Castle ever be chosen to host the Open Championship? Since it is not a true links course and the Open, in its 136-year history, has always been played on one, the Castle's chances seem slim.

If you consider the price being charged to play it as an indicator of quality, however, it would appear the Links Trust thinks the Castle Course is every bit as good.

It's charging £120 (about $240) for 18 holes -- the same as the Old Course.