Playing a round at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, is a dream for most golfers, but figuring out how to actually get on the storied Old Course can feel like solving a difficult puzzle. The good news is that it’s more accessible than you might think. This guide breaks down every method available to secure a tee time, providing clear, step-by-step instructions to help you walk the same fairways as golf legends.
Unlike a private country club, St Andrews is a public links, meaning anyone with a valid handicap can play. The challenge isn't exclusivity, it's demand. The Old Course is arguably the most famous golf course in the world, and there are several different systems in place to manage the thousands of golfers who want to play it. Your best approach depends on your group size, your budget, how far in advance you’re planning, and how much you’re willing to leave to chance.
We’ll cover four primary methods: the daily Ballot (a lottery system), the Advance Application, walking up as a single golfer, and booking through an Authorized Provider for a guaranteed time.
The Ballot is the most common method for visiting golfers to get a tee time on the Old Course. Essentially, it's a daily lottery for tee times scheduled two days ahead. It was created to give golfers who are in town for a few days a fair shot at playing without having to book years in advance. It’s an exciting system, but it relies on a bit of luck.
If you are a meticulous planner and your trip is more than a year away, the Advance Application is your best route. This is an annual application process where the Links Trust allocates about a third of Old Course tee times for the entire following year. It’s still a lottery, but it allows you to plan accommodation and travel with certainty if you are successful.
For the solo traveler, this is the most romantic and often most successful way to get a tee time on the Old Course. The starters at the Old Course are fantastic at fitting single golfers into existing two-ball and three-ball groups to make them complete foursomes. It requires patience and an early start, but the reward is unforgettable.
If you prefer a certainty and are willing to pay a premium, your best option is to book through an Authorized Provider or Golf Tour Operator. These reputable companies are allocated a certain number of Old Course tee times each year, which they sell as part of a larger travel package.
While the Old Course is the crown jewel, St Andrews is home to a total of seven public courses managed by the Links Trust. If the ballot isn’t kind or if you have extra days, you must play the others. The New Course (built in 1895, making it not very "new") is a championship test that many locals consider to be just as tough as the Old. The Jubilee Course runs along the sea and offers spectacular views and a stern challenge. The Castle Course, set on cliffs overlooking the town, provides a modern links experience.
Booking these other courses is much simpler and can usually be done online, directly on the St Andrews Links website, well in advance of your trip.
Securing a tee time at the St Andrews Old Course involves strategy, a bit of luck, and good timing. Whether you choose the daily ballot, the advance application, walking on as a single golfer, or a guaranteed tour package, you now have a clear roadmap to make your dream a reality.
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