Overview of Access to St. Andrews Old Course

Advance Reservations

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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.
• 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.

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The Daily Ballot

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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.

How To Enter the Ballot

• To enter the ballot there must be at least two players and all names, Home Clubs and handicaps will be required.
• You may enter online, by phone on +44 (0)1334 466666 or in person by visiting The Old Pavilion or one of our Clubhouses.
• The ballot closes at 2pm two days before you hope to play. Entries are accepted on the day the ballot is drawn or on the day before, once that day's ballot has closed (approx 2.15pm).
• As the Old Course is closed on Sundays there is no Friday ballot.
• If you are available to play at any time this will give you the best chance of success.
• The result of the ballot is available after 4.30pm the same day. You can check the Ballot Results page or phone back after this time.
• If successful, a current official handicap card (Golf Club affiliated to a Golf Union/Association) record or certificate must be presented to the starter prior to play. Maximum handicaps - 36 for men and ladies. Unfortunately St. Andrews does not accept letters of introduction from your local Club Professional. Please check in for your round at least 20 minutes prior to your tee time
• Only the named golfers on the ballot entry are permitted to play.
• If you are unsuccessful you may wish to enter the Singles Daily Draw, a new process in place to efficiently manage the allocation of any available on-the-day tee times for single players at the Old Course. Single players will be able to enter the draw between 9am and 4pm on the day before they wish to play at either The Old Pavilion or Links Clubhouse.
• Duplicate ballot entries will be disqualified.

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Singles Daily Draw

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• Between 9am and 4pm on the day before you wish to play, visit either The Old Pavilion next to the first tee of the Old Course or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse.
• Upon arrival, complete the entry form using the tablet devices available. This includes providing some personal information such as your name, contact information, and handicap.
• Submit a clear and identifiable photograph of yourself using the camera on the tablet device, which will serve as the primary means of identification during the draw process.
• Once you have successfully entered the draw, you will receive confirmation of your participation. This will be in the form of an email and SMS message, if you have provided your phone number.
• The draw will take place at 4pm, and the results will be randomised. Any available tee times will then be allocated in chronological order starting at the top of the list. You will be notified via email and SMS message, if phone number provided, whether you have been allocated a tee time for the following day.
• If you receive a tee time offer, ensure to accept it within the specified timeframe to secure your spot. Failure to accept within the specified timeframe will result in the offer being passed to the next person on the waiting list.
• If you accept the tee time offer, make sure to check-in at The Old Pavilion at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tee time. You will also need to pay the applicable green fee at this time. A valid handicap certificate (paper or digital) must be presented to the Old Course Starter on the day of play. If you requested a caddie or club hire, the team at The Old Pavilion will assist you with this upon arrival.

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