Before Play Starts on the Old Course, St Andrews, a calmness sits over the links, stirred only by the greenkeepers readying the course for the day ahead. Soon the Starter will perform the first of many introductions to the golfers who have come on pilgrimage to the shrine of golf. For many it will be the culmination of a lifetime’s ambition. How many dreams will be made on the hallowed turf before each player crosses the famed stone bridge over the Swilcan Burn? As they stride up the final fairway to reach their drive, following in the footsteps of their heroes, will they perhaps feel there is one last birdie in the bag to elevate to myth their day at the Home of Golf?

This painting captures the peace and quiet of a gentle Fife morning on the Old Course at St Andrews, from the edge of the meandering Burn as it snakes across the 18th and 1st fairways; before play starts.