It looks like I may take a trip to Scotland mid-November this year. Looking online it says the Old Course requires that you hit off a mat in the fairway. Do any of you have experience doing that? Did it adversely affect your game?

I've played the Old Course 4 times already so it isn't like this would be my first time. I'm seriously debating taking my clubs and giving it a go. It just seems impossible for me to go to Scotland and NOT play St. Andrews.

I played the Old Course last summer a few weeks before The Open.

We had to use a small mat if we drove into certain areas on a few holes. Honestly I hit some of my best shots off the mats.

But to answer your question, I'm not sure I would want to do it for a full round. It sounds as if you are making the trip regardless so if that's the case I would play it while there. Just wouldn't book a golf trip there during the winter season.

They give you a little piece of artificial turf to carry with you. You get a perfect lie every shot!

Played it the last day before the open...had to hit off a mat on 1 hole

The ball was above my feet and that added to that...I hated it...and hooked the snot out of my ball and made double.

I wouldn't want that to be my first experience at st andrews but if it's your only chance to play then I might do it