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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Use the contours of the land. Practice hitting low, skidding shots before you go.
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.
This is non-negotiable for a first-timer. The local caddies at St Andrews are legends. They aĺĺ 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.
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 anAI-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.
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