So, getting a guaranteed tee time at the Old Course in St Andrews isn’t just a matter of making a booking; it’s quite the event! We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to try and get on the hallowed turf.
Authorised Providers
Only a few companies in the world are selected as ‘Authorised Providers’ by the St Andrews Links Trust. These spots are so exclusive and in-demand that they’re often snapped up 18 to 24 months in advance. If you’re hoping to hit the greens there, you’d have to look as far ahead as 2025 and beyond.
Going through an Authorised Provider does guarantee you a slot, but it’s also the priciest option. The Trust insists you add another round at one of their other courses like the New, Jubilee, or Castle Courses, so you must pay to play at two of the Links Trust courses.
Direct Application
If you’re the planning type and can schedule your trip a year or more in advance, you might try your luck with a ‘Direct Application.’ You need to get your application and deposit in by mid-August the year before. They usually let you know if you’ve been successful by late September or early October. It’s a good idea to be flexible with your dates, maybe spreading your availability over a week or two to boost your chances. This route is much more wallet-friendly if it works out.
The Ballot
Missed out on the Direct Application and Authorized Provider options? Your next best bet is the ‘Ballot’—a lottery system for tee times. If you’re going this route, plan to spend at least four days in St Andrews, ideally from Wednesday to Saturday, to increase your chances. Half of all tee times are decided this way, so it’s a popular option. Remember, you can only enter the Ballot in groups of two to four, and if you’re in a bigger group, you might not all get to play together. Results are announced around 4:30 PM two days before your intended play date, so for example, if you want to play on Saturday, your application would be submitted on Thursday morning, with results announce at or around 4.30pm on Thursday.
Trying to bribe the starter or submitting multiple entries is a big no-no and will get you disqualified.
Walk-ons
If all else fails, you might try walking on. Sometimes singles or doubles can get a spot if there are no-shows or cancellations. If you’re going for this, be ready to camp out at the Starter’s Hut from the night before to get your name on the list when it opens at 6 AM.
Exploring Other Options
If after all of the above fail and getting onto the Old Course proves too tricky, remember, St Andrews is steeped in golfing history, and you can still soak up the atmosphere with a walk across the Swilcan Bridge or a tour around the course. Or, why not explore some of Scotland’s other legendary courses like Carnoustie, Turnberry, and Troon? They offer world-class golfing experiences that might just rival the Old Course.
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