The Loop

This backyard in St. Andrews is better than your backyard

July 14, 2015

In terms of personal practice facilities, Tiger Woods and Dave Pelz have claims to some of the best backyards on the market. But, as my imaginary girlfriend always tells me when we're watching HGTV, location and ambiance are everything.

Which is why this garden in St. Andrews, featuring a replica of the Old Course's Road Hole Bunker, is bananas.

Concededly, I've run the gamut of emotions on this picture. First it was pure delight. Then, jealousy: this person not only has access to the Home of Golf, but they also have a bunker in their backyard? Followed by sadness, because St. Andrews is one of my favorite places in the world, and I'm not there this week. Finished with veneration, as - golf enthusiasm aside - that's quite the stone craftsmanship displayed in that terrace.

Anyway, Luke Donald will have some serious explaining to do if he struggles at No. 17 this week.