Play Away Please: The Tale of the St. Andrews Old Course Starter's Box | Random House Books for Young Readers

Uncover a timeless symbol in golf and storytelling

Play Away Please offers a vibrant, richly detailed look at the St. Andrews Old Course Starter's Box—the small building that became a global icon in the world of golf. Spanning 77 years of service in the birthplace of the sport, the Box is explored not as a mere relic, but as a living narrative about craft, branding, and the quest for a perfect round. The book reframes a famous auction as a human-scale journey, weaving together history, culture, and the emotional resonance a single object can carry across oceans and decades.

Readers will encounter a narrative that fuses sports lore with real-world drama: a voyage from Scotland to California, a stop at the Panama Canal, and the Box’s role as a comforting symbol in the wake of global events. The author balances suspense with warmth, inviting you to see how a prominent artifact can become a touchstone for communities, patrons, and fans around the world.

What you’ll discover inside

• The Box’s long life in St. Andrews, and how it shaped local golf culture and global branding.
• Exclusive photographs and first-hand accounts that add texture and atmosphere to the story.
• A nuanced portrait of the people of Fife and their affection for the English language, local color, and tradition.
• Ambitious themes about integrity, fair play, and the emotional power of sporting artifacts without claiming outcomes as guarantees.

Who this book is for

• Golf enthusiasts and sports historians who enjoy objects with a storied past.
• Readers curious about branding, auctions, and the complex journey of cultural icons.
• Anyone who appreciates character-driven narratives that blend travel, history, and a dash of mystery.

Product highlights

• New
• Mint Condition
• Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
• Guaranteed packaging
• No quibbles returns

Supported by evocative imagery and thoughtful reflection, this book invites you to imagine the Box’s journey, the people it touched, and the lasting question of how objects crystallize a sport’s values for generations to come.