How to get a tee time on the Old Course, St Andrews

Playing the Old Course is one of the most memorable experiences in golf and if you are planning on making a UK golf vacation a little bit special, here’s how to go about getting a tee time on the Old Course, St Andrews.

There are several benefits to organizing this bucket list golf vacation with a St Andrews Links authorised Tour Operator, such as Golfbreaks. A major reason is that they can guarantee an Old Course tee time on a set date and time, allowing you to plan your trip itinerary and flights around it. You will also cut out any anxiety of going through the ballot system or having to stand in line at the starter’s hut at dawn hoping to join a 3-ball!

Speaking for Golfbreaks, there are many additional benefits of booking with us. We’ll manage your whole itinerary; booking up all your tee times, accommodation, transport and even flights (which will save you hours of your time), plus we will give you top tips on where to visit, eat and go out.

Furthermore, if you have any changes of plan, either before or during your trip, we are on hand to help and make those amendments for you. All this and we will still guarantee you a great price for your package!

Remember, remember the month of September! If you know that you want to play the Old Course next year, mid-September is the cut-off date to apply for advanced reservations through the St Andrews Links Trust.

After reading the guidelines on the St Andrews Links Trust website, golfers can submit an application for an advanced reservation during a 20 day period from mid-August, but there are few points to note;

• Advanced reservation applications will be selected at random from all applicants
• The Old Course is closed to play on Sundays
• Check the flagged ‘busy dates’ as you are less likely to be successful if you apply for one of these days

If you are successful with your application – congratulations! Please let us know, as Golfbreaks would be delighted to organize your trip around your Old Course tee times.

If however, you are unsuccessful in receiving an advanced reservation but are still planning to play the Old Course, then not to worry, there are a number of other good options.

Almost half of the tee times on the Old Course, St Andrews are allocated in the ballot and anyone can enter 48 hours before the day of play as long as your group is two or more.

Applying for a Saturday or a Thursday will aid your chances of being successful as these days have a greater number of ballot tee times available. Also, remember to present your handicap certificates before playing the course, with the minimum handicap requirements being 24 for men and 36 for ladies.

If ballot success is alluding you, you could put yourself down for the SIngles Daily Draw. This is a new process to improve the allocation of single on-the-day tee times. To apply, you must visit The Old Pavilion or the Links Clubhouse between 9am and 5pm the day before you wish to play.

Note that if you are a group you will need to split into singles, but on the upside, this is a well-trodden path to Old Course glory, and you'll make lots of new friends!

If you are prepared to play in low season and endure some 'seasonal' Scottish weather, then you can apply for a three-round package directly from the Links Trust. This includes a round on the Old Course and the pick of two others from the seven courses in Links Trust, such as the New, Jubilee or Castle courses.

Note however, you will need to be prepared to play off mats on the Old Course and you need to have booked accommodation in either St Andrews or North East Fife. And remember to bring a few thermal layers!

Finally, there is always a chance you might bump into your tee time on the Old Course in the Jigger Inn. Residents of St Andrews and members of local golf clubs have priority on the ballot and reservation system. So, be friendly to everyone you meet in St Andrews as you never know, you could find yourself in the express lane to playing on the Old Course.

So, we conclude our summary of the ways that you can play the most famous golf course in the world.

If you need help planning a trip to St Andrews, then please reach out to the team at Golfbreaks. We have been booking trips to Scotland and worldwide since 1998 and have a wealth of knowledge on St Andrews and the surrounding areas.