Overview of access to St. Andrews Old Course

Tom Kozlak

September 27, 2020

Advance Reservations

Each year the Advance Reservations window opens in late August for two weeks.

  • It is best if you are prepared to make "good application" at this time.
  • A "good application" is an application where you know the names of the trip participants and have identified dates that you can travel.
  • A "good application" is an application where you know the names of the trip participants and have identified dates that you can travel.
  • It is best if you are prepared to make "good application" at this time.
    • You will get an opportunity to make name changes but it is limited
    • You will have the opportunity to choose three sets of dates that work for you. Each set can be up to a two-week window.
    • The season for this process is April 15th to October 13th
    • Advance Reservations are not available in September--and October and August selections will provide the least probability of success.
  • The Advance Reservations are allotted in late October.
    • Typically that is early enough to access tee times at other courses that you will need to fill out your trip
    • To purchase an Old Course Tee Time, you will also need to purchase a tee time at one of the other St. Andrews courses.


The Daily Ballot

The Ballot is a system to access the Old Course for those visiting St. Andrews without an Old Course tee time. Despite its overwhelming popularity, the Old Course still upholds the tradition of a ballot (lottery) drawn two days ahead of play (except for Sundays and tournament days). 

This enables golfers who are in the area to still have the opportunity to play the Old Course during their visit. This reflects the public spirit of St Andrews Links and its commitment to staying as open and accessible to all golf lovers.

    • The Ballot often works but there is no guarantee.
    • The ballot is drawn at 4 pm two days before the day you hope to play. That being the case, you have time to rearrange your schedule to accommodate your Old Course tee time. The courses in St. Andrews are more than happy to accommodate you in moving your tee time to play the Old Course--that is if there is space available.
    • If you are working the Ballot--we like to leave an open day in your St. Andrews schedule so that should you be successful in the Ballot--you have room to rearrange your schedule.
    • If unsuccessful in the Ballot, you can always try to use the Singles Queue to be joined to a three or fourball that has not been filled out.
    • Also, if you do not make the Ballot--you can walk on the New or Jubilee Course on your open day as they always reserve one of the courses for walk-ons.

Singles Queue

Last resort when all else fails :)  Each day you can report to the Starters Box at the Old Course and get in line to fill any open spots that may become available at the last minute.


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