Thinking about a pilgrimage to the Home of Golf is one thing, but actually making it happen can feel overwhelming. This is your no-nonsense guide to visiting St Andrews Links. We'll walk through exactly how to get a tee time on the legendary Old Course, what to do if you can't, and how to soak in the atmosphere even if you never tee it up.
Before we go any further, let's clear up a common point of confusion. "St Andrews" isn't a single golf course. It's the St Andrews Links Trust, a public institution that manages seven distinct public courses. The Old Course is the most famous, but it's part of a larger family. The other six are:
Knowing this is your secret weapon. While everyone fixates on The Old Course, securing a time on one of the other six is far simpler and offers a world-class links experience in its own right.
Okay, this is the holy grail. Getting a tee time on the Old Course requires planning, a bit of luck, or a healthy budget. There is no simple online booking system for visitors. Here are the four realistic methods to get on.
This is the most popular method for groups of two, three, or four golfers. Think of it as a daily lottery for tee times. You enter your group's details, cross your fingers, and hope your name is drawn.
The Pro tip: The ballot is for groups of two or more. If you're a foursome, you have a better chance of being drawn than a twosome, as they try to fill the course in fours. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on the first try, many people enter it several days in a row.
If you are traveling alone, this is your best shot. Each day, a number of slots are left open to accommodate single golfers. The Old Course starter will fit these single players into twosomes or threesomes that have been drawn in the ballot.
There's no online form. You just show up. Early. Very early. The tradition is to get in line at the Old Pavilion (the small building next to the first tee) in the wee hours of the morning. In peak season, this means arriving at 2 or 3 AM to find a handful of people already there. You wait in line until the staff arrives (usually around 6 AM), give them your name and handicap information, and then wait to see if you get a spot.
Success is not guaranteed. It depends on how many slots are available and how many people are in the queue. You might get out right away, or you might be told to come back later in the afternoon. It's an adventure, and it’s a great way to meet fellow golf fanatics from around the world. Just bring coffee, a book, and a good attitude.
If you're planning your trip a year or more in advance, you can try the Private Advance Tee Time application. St Andrews Links allocates a portion of tee times to these applications.
This method requires long-term planning, but it's a great option if you have a specific travel window in mind.
This is the most certain - and most expensive - way to play The Old Course. A select number of Authorised Providers of Old Course Tee Times (golf tour operators) are allocated a certain number of guaranteed tee times each year. You book a package with them that includes your Old Course round, accommodation, and often other golf and transport.
This bypasses any lottery or uncertainty. If you have the budget and want to eliminate all stress, this is the way to go. Be prepared to pay a significant premium for the convenience and guarantee. A quick search for "St Andrews Old Course Authorised Provider" will give you a list of official partners.
What if the ballot fails and the singles queue is a mile long? Don't even think of being disappointed. You are at the Home of Golf, with six other incredible links courses at your disposal. The New Course, designed by Old Tom Morris, is considered a championship test by many locals. The Jubilee is a rugged course that hugs the coast. The Castle Course offers a more modern links design with dramatic cliffside views.
Unlike The Old Course, booking these courses is straightforward. You can book them well in advance directly on the St Andrews Links website just like a "normal" golf course. Playing one or two of these is an essential part of any golf trip to St Andrews and will leave you with an amazing experience.
You don't need a set of clubs to have an unforgettable time at St Andrews. The entire area is a living golf museum.
A trip to St Andrews is the ultimate goal for many golfers. Success relies on understanding your options - from the lucky-dip ballot to the guaranteed tour package - and embracing the incredible alternatives if you can't get that coveted Old Course time. With a little planning and the right mindset, you're sure to have an amazing visit, whether you're playing 18 or just walking the historic fairways.
If you're one of the fortunate golfers who secures a time, you’ll face shots you've probably only seen on TV. Playing The Old Course for the first time is full of blind shots and tricky situations. We actually built Caddie AI for moments like these. When you don't have a caddie or just want a second opinion, you can get instant strategic advice on how to play a new hole or handle a difficult lie, all so you can step up to every shot with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
