4 tips for getting a tee time on the Old Course, St Andrews

Best for: complete peace of mind

If playing the Old Course is the main priority, a guaranteed package is the most reliable route.

VIP packages that guarantee a tee time on the Old Course get booked up fast, so if you know your travel dates, it is worth planning early to secure your spot. While they do cost more than other options, they offer complete certainty that you will be playing the Old Course.

These experiences also include rounds at other world-class courses such as Kingbarns, the New Course and Carnoustie, alongside four or five-star accommodation, creating a truly special St Andrews golf trip.

Best for: flexibility and strong odds outside peak season

The ballot is the most common way golfers secure a tee time and remains a well-trodden route onto the Old Course.

• Enter 48 hours before your chosen day
• Minimum of two players required
• Success rates can exceed 80% in spring and autumn
• Drop to under 50% during peak summer

While not guaranteed, many golfers have successfully walked the famous fairways through this method over the years, including many members of the Golfbreaks team.

Top tip: Enter the ballot every day you are in St Andrews to maximize your chances. If you are successful, simply give us a call and we will rearrange the rest of your tee times around your Old Course round.

Our St Andrews packages are designed with this flexibility in mind, including rounds at Kingsbarns, the New Course, Carnoustie and Dumbarnie Links, as well as access to fantastic hidden gems like Crail, Elie, Scotscraig and the Jubilee Course.

For a full breakdown of how the process works, check out our guide to the Old Course ballot.

Best for: solo golfers or flexible groups

If ballot success is proving elusive, the singles daily draw offers another excellent route onto the Old Course.

• Enter in person the day before play
• Available at the Old Pavilion or Links Clubhouse (9am to 5pm)
• Designed to improve access for single golfers

If you are travelling as a group, you will need to split into singles to enter. While that may sound like a compromize, it is a well-trodden path to playing the Old Course and often leads to a memorable day meeting new friends!

Best for: long-term planners

Advanced tee times are extremely limited and often heavily oversubscribed, with reduced availability in recent years.

Due to a backlog of reservations from previous seasons and ongoing demand following The 150th Open, opportunities to secure an advanced tee time are rare.

If you have been successful, firstly, congratulations. From there, we can help build your trip around your Old Course date, creating a complete St Andrews experience.

You can combine your round with other bucket-list courses in the area such as Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, or extend your trip further to explore the Scottish Highlands, including Royal Dornoch, Nairn, and Castle Stuart.

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.

Q: What is the easiest way to play the Old Course? A: A guaranteed package is the simplest and most reliable option, as it secures your tee time in advance.

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.

Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is one of the great experiences in golf, but it shouldn't be the only focus of your trip.

By building a well-rounded itinerary that includes world-class courses, great accommodation and time to enjoy the town itself, you can create a far more complete St Andrews experience.

With the right approach and a bit of flexibility, you give yourself the best chance of playing the Old Course while still guaranteeing an unforgettable golf trip!