How to Play the Old Course at St. Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews is on every golfer’s bucket list, however there is a common misunderstanding that it is near impossible to play, we’re here to tell you that is not the case! DP&LGOLF can organise everything for you.

If the Old Course is your main priority then we can build your Scottish golf package around that so you get the most from your trip to Scotland. The best time to play the Old Course is anytime from mid-April to mid-July, this is when the most tee times are available and events such as R&A competitions are at a minimum. The Old Course is definitely the hardest public course to get a tee time at but there are a number of methods you can use to try and secure a round, let us explain!
Image

Guaranteed Tee Times

DP&LGOLF are an Authorised Provider of Old Course Tee Times and can offer guaranteed tee times for the Old Course as part of package to the St. Andrews area.

These are very limited and any golfers who would like to secure one of these slots will need to note interest at least a year before they wish to play, for example, if you are wanting to play during the high season, around April-July , we would need to hear from you at least 12 month prior.

These time slots come as part of a package that will include accommodation in St Andrews as well as an additional golf, local tourism and other extras. DP&L Golf Old Course packages can be viewed by clicking here.


Annual Ballot

The annual private ballot opens for a two-week window in late August of each year and ends in early September. This ballot is now open to single golfers as well golfing groups from 2 to 16 golfers. The tee times are allocated in a lottery style with those who are successful being notified by early to mid-October.

Your entry into this ballot must include a second round on one of the other St Andrews Links courses such as the New, Jubilee or Castle and if successful you will pay the cost of around £500 (High season 2023 price) per person by the end of November. Tee times are also available in Low (01 Nov to 31 Mar) and Shoulder (01-15 Apr and 16-31Oct) seasons . Although DP&L Golf cannot enter this ballot for you we can assist in your application.


Daily Ballot

This ballot offers around half the available tee times for the Old course to those who haven’t been able to book it in advance. The times are balloted two days in advance and DP&L Golf can assist in entering your request with the St Andrews Links Trust. Your ballot form needs to be submitted before 2pm two days before you wish to play the Old Course and you will be made aware if you have been successful or not after 5pm that day.

There is a two-golfer minimum and an eight-golfer maximum for the request. The daily ballot fees are just the same as the green fees which are £295 during the 2023 High season (17 Apr-14 Oct).


Single Golfer Walk Up

This method is the best for single golfers wanting to play the Old Course who have not been succesful in the annual Private Ballot as they are not eligible for the daily ballot process. For the best chance of getting a tee time it is advised that you arrive as early as possibly, even as early as 03:00am during the summer high season!

You are waiting for space in other peoples 2 balls and 3 balls, so be prepared to play golf with other people. This is the best method when you have a spare day during your trip and want to chance your luck. The price is just the standard green fee which is £295 during the high season (17 Apr - 14 Oct). You may find you get onto the course reasonably quick or on the other hand you could wait all day to no success.


Winter Package

(1st November to 31st March)

A winter package guarantees you an Old Course tee time at a reduced rate. The dates for these packages run from the 1st November to the 31st March and the price depends on the dates you wish to play. This method requires that you book tee times on two other Links Trust courses and a ballot style request system opens on 1st June each year for 10 days with results being given early July.

You should be aware that play will be from mats on all fairways, however, it is a fantastic value way to experience the Old Course. Prices start from £195 for the golf only depending on which months you choose to play in.


Sundays

On a Sunday you can do just about anything on the Old Course but golf...unless you are good enough to be playing in the final round of The Open!!

Keep this in mind when you are planning your trip.


DP&L Golf are members of ABTA, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, as well as being holders of ATOL and IATA licences.


When you book with DP&L Golf, you book with confidence.