St Andrews Old Course ballot: Everything you need to know

Despite its global popularity, the Old Course at St Andrews maintains its longstanding daily ballot system (excluding Sundays and tournament days), with tee times allocated two days in advance.

The ballot is designed to give visiting golfers a fair opportunity to play this iconic course and reflects its ongoing commitment to keeping the Old Course as accessible as possible to the public. For many, it remains the most realistic way to secure a tee time, particularly if advance bookings are unavailable.

Often referred to as a lottery, it is still one of the most effective routes onto the Old Course for those willing to be flexible.

1. Entries must be for a minimum of two players and a maximum of four. You will need the names, handicaps and home clubs or associations for all players. 2. One person can submit the entry on behalf of the group. 3. You can enter the ballot in three ways:

• Enter online
• Calling the Links Trust and providing the information over the phone: +44 1334 466 666
• In person at the Old Pavilion (Starters Hut by the 1st tee) or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse

4. The ballot closes at 2 pm, two days before your intended play date. 5. Results are typically published around 4:30 pm the same day and can be checked online or by phone. 6. The Old Course is closed on Sundays, so there is no ballot drawn on Fridays. 7. If unsuccessful, single players can enter the Singles Daily Draw, which allocates last-minute tee times. Entries must be made in person at the Old Pavilion or Links Clubhouse between 9 am and 5 pm the day before play.

1. If you are flexible with when you can play (morning or afternoon) then this will increase your chances of getting a tee time.

2. If you successfully obtain a ballot tee time for the Old Course, then all players will need to provide the starter with a valid handicap certificate from their home club or golf association on the day of play. The handicap limit is 36 for men and ladies.

3. Entering duplicate/multiple ballot entries for the same day will cause your entries to be disqualified. Golfers can however apply for ballot tee times on multiple different days during their trip.

4. Only the named golfers on the ballot will be permitted to play on the day.

5. Thursdays and Saturdays have the most ballot tee times available. Please consider this when planning your golf holiday. It is often a useful idea to keep one or both of these days free and your Golf Travel Expert will be able to help you with this.

Even without a confirmed Old Course tee time, St Andrews offers one of the best golf trips in the world.

The key is to think beyond a single round. The Old Course may be the highlight, but it is just one part of a much wider experience that combines incredible golf, great accommodation and a unique atmosphere you will not find anywhere else.

Play world-class courses nearby

St Andrews is home to many links courses, meaning your trip can be just as memorable regardless of your Old Course outcome.

Must-play:

• Kingsbarns Golf Links
• Carnoustie Championship Course
• Dumbarnie Links
• The New and Jubilee Courses

Hidden gems:

• Crail Golfing Society
• Elie Golf House Club
• Scotscraig Golf Club

By building your trip around these courses, you create a standout itinerary, with the Old Course sitting at the heart of the experience rather than being the only focus.

Explore the town and its history

St Andrews is as much about the atmosphere as it is the golf:

• Walk across the Swilcan Bridge and visit iconic Old Course landmarks
• Visit the R&A World Golf Museum
• Explore St Andrews Cathedral and castle ruins
• Enjoy the bars, restaurants and buzz of the town centre
• Plan a wider Scotland golf trip

Discover some of our top reasons to book a golf trip to St Andrews here!

• Head to East Lothian to play North Berwick and Muirfield
• Travel north to the Highlands for Royal Dornoch, Nairn and Castle Stuart

A broader itinerary allows you to experience the very best of Scottish golf, rather than focusing on just one tee time.

Q: Is it hard to get a tee time on the Old Course? A: Yes, demand is extremely high, but with the right approach, many golfers successfully play it each year through the ballot, packages or singles draw. Check out our tips for getting a tee time on the Old Course here!

Q: What are the chances of winning the ballot? A: This varies by season. Spring and autumn can see success rates above 80%, while peak summer months are more competitive.

Q: Can I play as a single golfer? A: Yes, through the singles daily draw. This is a popular and proven way for solo golfers to access the course.

Q: Do I need a handicap? A: Yes, a valid handicap is required to play the Old Course, with limits depending on gender.