Your Guide To Playing The Old Course, St. Andrews
Obtaining a tee time on the Old Course at St. Andrews, one of the most iconic and historic golf courses in the world, can be a challenging and competitive process. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you secure a tee time:
Plan Ahead
The Old Course is incredibly popular, so start planning your trip well in advanced. Ideally, you should plan your visit at least a year to 18 months in advance to increase your chances of getting a tee time.
Check Eligibility
Before applying for a tee time, make sure you and your group are eligible to play the Old Course. The handicap for the Old course at St. Andrews is 36 for ladies and gents.
Determine Your Group Size
The Old Course, St. Andrews primarily offers tee times for groups of 2 or 4 players. Ensure you have your groups size and players details ready.
Visit Our Website And Get In Touch
Once you have an idea of your dates and group size, get in touch with us here at SGH Golf and we can let you know the options for playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. As an Authorized Provider, we have some guaranteed tee time packages that may well be what you are looking for.
Booking Windows
Unless you have secured a guaranteed tee time package from us, the main booking window for Old Course tee times is the Advanced Tee Time Application. This application usually opens around September for the following year. You can check the official St. Andrews Links website for the exact dates. (Pro Tip – Sign up for their email newsletter for up to the minute information from the Links Trust.) Submit your application online during the open period. You’ll typically need to specify three date preferences. You may have to pay the green fee upfront if your application is successful. If not, your payment method won’t be charged. If you need support with your application, please let us know and we’d be happy to help.
The Ballot (Lottery)
The Ballot is another way to secure a tee time. It’s ideal for those who couldn’t get a tee time through the Advance Application route and those who are already in country. Applications for The Ballot are accepted 48 hours in advance of the day you wish to play. For example, if you would like to play on Wednesday, you’d apply on Monday. (Pro Tip – There is no play on Sunday.) The Ballot is drawn at random, so it is a lottery. Successful ballot applications are notified by email and the full tee sheet is normally available to view on the St. Andrews Links Trust website from 5 pm on the day the ballot closes. You will need to submit your ballot application online. Any group travelling with us will have this done for them by our in-country Operations Manager.
The Queue (Line Up)
Should you be unsuccessful with the Advanced Application or The Ballot, be a single golfer or just find yourself with some extra time you can join the on the day waitlist, known as the ‘standby queue’. You’ll need to arrive early as any available slots fill up fast. Head to the Old Pavilion, situated next to the putting green at the Old Course and add your name to the list. Sometimes, same-day tee times become available due to cancellations. (Pro Tip – If you are heading down early when it’s dark and chilly, take a blanket and a nip of something to keep you warm.)
Alternate Courses
If you can’t secure a tee time on The Old Course, consider playing one of the other fantastic courses the St. Andrews Links has to offer, including the New Course, Jubilee or Castle Course.
Be Flexible and Manage Your Expectations
Keep in mind that securing a tee time on The Old Course at St. Andrews is a very competitive endeavour. Be flexible with your travel plans and dates to increase your chances. When entering The Ballot, please be mindful that it is a lottery and you will not be the only one to enter, miss out or hopefully be successful.
The demand for Old Course, St. Andrews tee times is extremely high, and there are no guarantees, unless you book a guaranteed tee time package with us. But with persistence and a well-thought-out strategy, you can increase your chances of experiencing this legendary golf course.
