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Par 4 | 375 yards

Quite simply, the most iconic tee shot in golf. There is nothing else like it anywhere on the planet. From the band of spectators watching on in front of the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, to the gigantic fairway that measures around 130 yards at its widest point, to the images your mind will conjure of all the greats who have gone before you, it is an intimidating, exhilarating place to take a stance.

Strategically, you can play it any number of ways but the best advice is to reach for your driver – you’ll be thankful for its 460cc head – and aim slightly right of the Swilcan Bridge sitting in the distance in front of the 18th tee. Take enough club for your second shot in order to clear the burn short of the green and you’ll give yourself a legitimate chance of making the perfect start to your round.

DID YOU KNOW… There are no bunkers on the first (or the 18th for that matter). There used to be one in the middle of the fairway, called Halket’s bunker, but that was filled in around 1840.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor