Old Tom Morris - Brought Back To Life

St Andrews is very lucky to have a character that enriches the fabric of the city with his wit, artistic talent, and thespian skill. He acts as a great ambassador for The Auld Grey Toon on his many travels, an exploit that is only bettered by his reciprocal willingness to welcome visitors in. The man in question is David Joy - a fourth generation born and bred St Andrean.

For those of you that have walked down the back corridor at The Old Course Hotel - David's detailed and lifelike drawings of the Open Champions adorn the walls just past the desk of The Golf Steward. He is also responsible for adding a pictorial golfing theme to many of the pubs in town, The Pilmour and The Dunvegan to name but two. In fact, you may have already seen David on TV without knowing it - he played his most famous role as Old Tom Morris in a series of Titleist ads alongside John Cleese. The tweed jacket and make-up aren't just for the screen however. David is world renowned at portraying the most iconic figure in the history of golf. I have been fortunate enough to witness this performance on three different occasions now, all at golf functions in St Andrews itself. Old Tom is perhaps the most unusual and effective after-dinner speaker imaginable. He begins by running through his life, his love of golf, and the sad passing away of his son (also an Open Champion). Questions from the floor are then answered with humour and spontaneity. Each time I've seen it, I've been more impressed. It's a different show on each occasion; David simply slides into the costume and morphs into Old Tom. It's impromptu and it's the ultimate entertainment for anyone with a penchant for the history of the game.