To play the famous Old Course at least once in a lifetime is the ultimate goal for a golfer. However, the rules to achieve that goal can be a bit complex. With the help of our agency, you will find below the different possibilities to play the Old Course:
Through the ballot system (minimum of 2 golfers): most of our clients get a positive result. We enter your group in the ballot the day before you want to play the course before 14h00, then we will get the results after 16h30. If successful, the green fee is payable directly to the starter, in cash or by credit card. Please note that 50% of the tee times everyday are allocated to the ballot system.
If unsuccessful, we will organize you another golf course or an activity of your choice. We can also re-enter your group another day or you have the possibility to present yourself to the starter on the day. There are always between 20 to 30 free spaces.
For guaranteed tee times (minimum of 2 golfers), we will send an application during the first week of October the year before, with name, handicap and the home club of each golfer, together with your possible dates of travel (we suggest you to send us several possible dates to increase your chances). Please note that those tee times are automatically sold for 2 courses, the Old Course and another public course in St Andrews such as the Castle Course, the New Course or the Jubilee Course. We advise you to be 4 golfers per tee time to split the cost.
Easier to purchase, but more expensive, are the guaranteed packages of 3 nights minimum available during the high season in 4 or 5 star hotels, with all private transfers, the Old Course guaranteed with other golf courses and more.
The last possibility to get a guaranteed tee time is during the winter season, from the 1st of November to the 31st of March. Availability and prices are very good. However, every time the ball lies on the fairway, the ball has to be played on the small mat provided by the club. Also, we advise you to come in November or March, as temperatures are around 0 degrees between December to February.
Individual golfers cannot apply for guaranteed tee times and cannot enter the ballot system. Every day, between 20 to 30 spaces are voluntary available to give a chance to everyone, on a first-come, first- served basis! We advise you to come early to put your name on the starter’s list, he will then tell you to come back at a certain time.
Conditions:
- A minimum handicap of 24 for men and 36 for women is required.
- A handicap certificate is compulsory and will be automatically asked by the starter.
- No golf carts allowed, unless with a medical certificate.
- Trolleys are not permitted in the morning, only from 12pm onwards.
We advise the use of a professional caddy to enhance this unique experience.
Please click on that link to acess description and pictures of the Old Course
