Thinking about playing golf at St Andrews? The great news is, you absolutely can. Far from being a stuffy, exclusive club, St Andrews is known as 'The Home of Golf' precisely because its legendary links are open to the public. This article will guide you through exactly how you can book a tee time, what to expect, and how to make this once-in-a-lifetime golf pilgrimage a reality.
A common misconception is that "St Andrews" is a single golf course. It's actually a charitable trust, the St Andrews Links Trust, that manages seven public courses. Your dream round on the Old Course is just one of seven incredible options available to you. The seven courses are:
While the other six courses offer fantastic golf and are much easier to book, the main question on everyone's mind is how to secure that coveted tee time on the Old Course. Let's break down the methods.
Walking onto the first tee of the Old Course, with the grand R&A Clubhouse behind you and the centuries-old town of St Andrews to your right, is a feeling unlike any other in golf. Here’s a detailed guide to the four main ways you can make it happen.
The ballot, essentially a lottery, is the most popular way for groups of two, three, or four to get a time on the Old Course. It's a system designed to give everyone a fair chance.
Your chances can fluctuate wildly based on the time of year. Trying for a tee time on a sunny Saturday in July is much harder than a Tuesday in October. If you have flexibility, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) for a better shot. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on your first try, many people enter it several days in a row while they are in town.
If you're a meticulous planner and don't want to leave your dream round to chance, this is the way to go. St Andrews Links releases a limited number of "Old Course Packages" for the following year every autumn.
These packages sell out almost instantly. You need to be ready to submit your application the moment they become available. Have your group's details finalized and be flexible with your dates if possible to increase your chances.
If you are traveling alone, this is your best - and only - direct option. It's a storied St Andrews tradition that rewards the patient and determined single golfer.
Your chances are very good, especially if you are willing to spend the day waiting. Cancellations and no-shows happen. Be friendly and patient with the staff. This method can save you money, as you'll only be paying the standard green fee, not a package price. Embrace the experience, you’ll meet other golfers from around the world on the very same quest.
For those looking for a completely stress-free experience, booking through an Authorised Provider (a golf tour operator) is a great choice. These companies are allocated a certain number of Old Course tee times each year which they sell as part of comprehensive travel packages.
You cannot play the Old Course without proving you have an official golf handicap. This is a strict rule.
Note: Handicap certificates are not currently required to play the other six St Andrews Links courses.
While the Old Course is the primary goal, failing to play any of the other courses would be a huge mistake. Booking the New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, or Castle Course is much more straightforward. You can typically book these well in advance directly on the St Andrews Links website, and availability is far better.
Playing the New Course, for example, is like stepping into a time machine back to the 1890s. The Jubilee offers a modern championship challenge. They are all maintained to the same immaculate standards as the Old Course and provide a true, world-class links golf experience at a more accessible price point.
Playing golf at St Andrews is an achievable dream for public golfers, not an exclusive privilege. With careful planning, a bit of flexibility, and a little luck, you can walk the same hallowed fairways as every great champion in history, from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods. It requires effort, but the feeling of sinking a putt on the 18th hole in the shadow of the town is a memory that will last a lifetime.
When you finally step onto that historic first tee, having a little extra help in your pocket can remove uncertainty and let you focus on the moment. With our app, Caddie AI, you can get instant strategic advice on how to play each hole, understanding the unique challenges of links golf. From picking the right target line on the Valley of Sin to figuring out how to play from a dreaded pot bunker, it's like having a local caddie's knowledge, empowering you to hit every shot with more confidence.
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