Playing the Old Course at St Andrews sits at the top of nearly every golfer's bucket list, a pilgrimage to the very home of golf. This guide will walk you through exactly how to secure a tee time on the hallowed links, from the famous daily ballot to other proven methods. We'll also cover how to prepare for this unique style of golf so you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime round.
The best AI golf app: Caddie is your personal AI golf coach. Get expert-level golf advice instantly, 24/7 to help you play like a pro. Try it free →
Understanding the St Andrews Links
First, it's helpful to know that St Andrews is more than just one course. The St Andrews Links Trust manages seven public courses, all woven into the fabric of the town. While the Old Course is the main attraction, the others are world-class links designs that shouldn't be missed.
The Old Course: The holy grail. Opened around 1400.
The New Course: Opened in 1895 and designed by Old Tom Morris. Many locals consider it a tougher test than the Old.
The Jubilee Course: Situated between the New Course and the sea, this is a challenging championship layout.
The Castle Course: The newest addition (2008), perched on cliffs with dramatic views of St Andrews Bay.
The Eden, Strathtyrum, and Balgove Courses: These offer a more forgiving but still authentic links experience. The Balgove is a fantastic 9-holer perfect for a warm-up or for families.
Understanding this assortment of courses is step one. While your heart may be set on the Old Course, a trip to St Andrews can and should include rounds on these other spectacular tracks, which are far easier to book.
Get pro-level golf advice instantly, 24/7
Ask Caddie anything. From “what club should I use?” to “how do I play this shot?” and get instant answers.
Alright, this is the big one. Unlike a typical golf club, you can't just call up or book a tee time online months in advance for the Old Course (unless you go a specific route, more on that below). The Links Trust works hard to keep the course accessible to as many golfers as possible. Here are the primary methods for getting your tee time.
Method 1: The Old Course Ballot (The Most Common Way)
The ballot is a lottery for tee times, and it’s how most visiting golfers get to play. It’s designed for groups of two, three, or four golfers. If you’re a solo player, this is not an option for you (see Method 2).
Here’s exactly how the ballot works:
Timing is Everything: You must enter the ballot two days before you wish to play. For example, to play on a Wednesday, you would enter the ballot anytime on Monday. The deadline to enter is 2 p.m. UK time.
In person at one of the clubhouses (like the Old Pavilion or the Links Clubhouse).
Required Information: You’ll need the full name, home club, and handicap for every golfer in your group. It’s a requirement to have a valid handicap certificate. The maximum handicap for men is 36, and for women, it's also 36. You will be asked to present proof of this handicap when you check in for your round, so don't overlook this!
Getting the Results: The results of the ballot are announced at approximately 4:30 p.m. UK time on the day you enter. You will receive an email if you registered online, or you can check the results posted on the official website.
A Few Tips for the Ballot: Your chances fluctuate based on the time of year. In the peak summer months (June-August), demand is astronomically high, and your odds might be low. In the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October), your chances improve significantly.
Method 2: The Singles Queue (For the Solo Golfer)
If you're traveling alone, this is your best shot. The Old Course holds a few spots each day to accommodate single golfers. The system is simple and wonderfully old-school: show up and wait in line.
Each day, a number of tee times are allocated to single golfers who can be slotted in with twosomes or threesomes from the ballot. To get one of these spots, you must queue outside the Old Pavilion, which is right next to the first tee. You don't line up two days before–you line up on the morning you want to play.
Tips for the Singles Queue:
Get there early. Very early. In the peak season, it’s not uncommon for golfers to begin lining up at 2 or 3 a.m. for a chance at a spot. Bring a warm jacket, a camp chair, and maybe a thermos of coffee. The camaraderie in the line is part of the experience.
Be patient. The starter will come out when the Links opens (usually around 6 a.m.) and begin taking names. They will let you know what your chances look like. You might get out first thing, or you may be told to come back later in the afternoon.
Have your handicap certificate ready. Just like the ballot, you'll need to show proof of your handicap eligibility.
Although it might mean a sleepless night, the singles queue is a near-guaranteed way to play the Old Course if you’re flexible and determined.
Method 3: Advance Reservations via an Authorised Provider
If you need absolute certainty and are planning your trip far in advance, this is the way to go. St Andrews Links works with a select group of tour operators and local hotels known as "Authorised Providers." These companies are granted a certain number of Old Course tee times each year, which they bundle into golf packages.
These packages are typically an all-inclusive deal including your tee time, accommodation, and sometimes other rounds of golf. The main downside is the cost–this is by far the most expensive way to play. The main advantage is that you can book your round a year or more in advance, guaranteeing your spot and allowing you to plan your entire trip around it. It takes all the uncertainty out of the process.
Method 4: Winter Packages
If you don't mind braving the Scottish elements, consider visiting in the off-season. From late October to late March, St Andrews Links offers official "Winter Packages." These packages represent incredible value and include a guaranteed tee time on the Old Course, plus two more rounds on the other Links courses.
You’ll share the fairways with locals, experience authentic Scottish golf weather, and have to play all your shots off a small fairway mat (called an Astroturf) to protect the turf. It's a different but incredibly rewarding experience.
Plan every shot like a pro
Describe your situation and Caddie AI helps you pick your target, shot shape, and club with confidence.
Getting the tee time is a victory in itself, but you want to be ready to play your best. Playing the Old Course is unlike any other round of golf. Here’s how to prepare.
Learn to Play the Ground Game
The turf at St Andrews is firm and fast. The greens are huge and often protected by deceptive dips and humps rather than bunkers. The wind is almost always a factor. You cannot play "target golf" here. Instead of flying a sand wedge high to the hole, you’ll be much better off playing a low bump-and-run with an 8-iron from 40 yards out. Practice hitting low, skidding shots before you go.
Embrace the Putter
The fairways and approaches are mown so tightly that they often feel no different from the green. You can, and should, putt from 30, 40, or even 50 yards away from the green surface. It's often the safest and most effective play. Known as the "Texas wedge" in America, it's just called "golf" here. Don't be too proud to pull the flatstick from a long way out.
Hire a Caddie
This is non-negotiable for a first-timer. The local caddies at St Andrews are legends. They all have an incredible depth of knowledge about the course. There are no hole maps on the scorecard and very few yardage markers. Your caddie is your guide. They will give you the right lines off the tee (which often seem completely wrong), read the baffling double greens, save you from hidden bunkers, and tell you stories that will enrich your entire experience. A caddie will easily save you 10 shots and is worth every penny.
Play Golf like a Pro with Caddie
Learn and improve your golf game as you play. Get pro-level tips, strategy and guidance anytime.
Securing your spot on the Old Course at St Andrews requires planning, a little bit of luck, and a good understanding of the system, whether you try the daily ballot, brave the singles queue, or book an advance package. Preparing for the unique challenge of links golf is just as important to making the most of a truly memorable day.
Navigating the strategic puzzles of the Old Course, like figuring out the best line off the tee on the 17th or choosing the right shot around those cavernous bunkers, can be taxing. This is where I find an AI-powered tool like Caddie AI to be a massive help when you can't have a local caddie with you. It can provide you with a smart, simple strategy for each hole so you're not just guessing. Having that expert second opinion in your pocket helps you play with more confidence and frees you up to enjoy the historic walk on a course you’ve dreamed about your whole life.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
Other posts you might like
How to Store Golf Clubs in a Bag
Opening your golf bag to find a jumbled mess of tangled shafts and clanking clubheads is a frustrating way to start any round. A well-organized bag is more than just a matter of looking good, it's a simple, practical step that protects your equipment, speeds up your gameplay, and even makes walking the course more comfortable. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, the best methods for storing clubs in any type of golf bag, giving you an easy system for an organized, stress-free experience from the first tee to the final putt.
Knowing the exact length of your golf clubs is fundamental to a consistent setup and swing, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to find out - just a standard tape measure. This guide will walk you through the correct method used by club fitters and manufacturers, the very same one sanctioned by the official rules of golf. By the end, you'll be able to measure any club in your bag with complete confidence.
That weak, curving slice that robs you of distance and lands you in the right-side trees is almost certainly caused by an outside-in golf swing. It’s one of the most common swing faults in golf, but the good news is that it’s entirely fixable. This guide will walk you through understanding why it happens and provide you with specific, easy-to-implement drills to retrain your swing path and start hitting powerful, straight golf shots.
A grimy driver face does more than just look bad - it can actively hurt your distance and accuracy by messing with spin and launch. A clean club is a consistent club, and a consistent club leads to better golf. This guide will walk you through a simple, effective routine for cleaning every part of your driver, from the face to the grip, so it performs its best and you can swing with confidence.
Your golf grip is your one and only connection to the club, the literal steering wheel for every shot you hit. Yet, most golfers play with stock grips that are a one-size-fits-all solution, which rarely fits anyone perfectly. Getting the right grip size for your hands is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make to your equipment, directly influencing your comfort, control, and even your ball flight. In this guide, we'll walk through exactly how to determine your perfect grip size and take the guesswork out of building a better connection to your clubs.
A grimy, mud-caked golf bag doesn't just look bad, it can shorten the life of your expensive gear. Giving your bag a thorough cleaning is one of the most satisfying and simple maintenance jobs in golf, leaving you feeling organized, prepared, and ready for your next round. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, the professional way to wash your golf bag so it looks fantastic and serves you well for many seasons to come.
