How to play the Old Course
Option 1- Guaranteed Old Course Tee Times:
An Authorised Provider of Old Course Tee Times will receive their inventory in early June of the current year. This is far and away the simplest and easiest way to secure a tee time on the Old Course in advance.
Option 2 – Advanced Application:
This is a straightforward and cost effective way of obtaining a guaranteed tee time on the Old Course. The Links Trust of St. Andrews accepts applications end of August into beginning of September. Accepted applicants will be notified directly by the Links Trust if they were successful. Please note that there is a two course requirement using the advanced application.
Nearly half of Old Course, St. Andrews tee times each year are allocated by ‘the Ballot’ to give people who have been unable to book a chance of playing. It is drawn 48 hours in advance of play and golfers should provide their names, home club and handicaps two days before the day they wish to play. To enter there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four players. (SGH Golf staff will enter you each day you are in St Andrews). Many visitors take advantage of this method of playing the Old Course, St. Andrews. With a properly designed golf tour staying three to four days in St Andrews your odds of receiving a starting time via the ballot system are increased. This Is Not a Guaranteed Tee Time.
Our Scotland office handles all the details of entering your names for the ballot. The ballot or lottery is drawn 48 hours in advance around 5 pm for play 48 hours later. Thursdays and Saturdays provide clients the best chance of success due to the amount of available ballot times on these days.
If you are successful through the ballot, our Scottish office will take care of contacting and rearranging the golf course you were scheduled to play to another available day (subject to availability). You will be entered for the ballot each day you are in St. Andrews.
*Please note: the ballot does not offer a guarantee for play on the Old Course.
The newly established ‘Single Golfer Draw’ has replaced the old and fabled line up. You can find more information here – Singles Daily Draw – St Andrews Links : The Home of Golf
Requirements to play the Old Course: The maximum handicap for play on the Old Course is 36 for men and ladies. You must have an official handicap card (USGA or equivalent) to play the Old Course. The Old Course is closed every Sunday and will be closed at different times.
