How to get an Old Course tee time in St Andrews

Securing a tee time on the Old Course at St Andrews can be challenging due to its global popularity, but there are several ways to do so:  

Advance Reservations

Advance reservations are made online through St Andrews Links Trust, typically for play in the following year. Applications open annually, and golfers should submit their preferred dates as early as possible. Demand is high, and reservations are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Old Course Ballot

The Ballot is drawn 48 hours in advance of play, and golfers should provide their names, home club, and handicaps either online, by phone, or at one of the clubhouses before 2 PM, two days before they wish to play. To enter, there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four players.

Single Golfers

Single golfers can now enter the daily singles ballot. Solo golfers need to visit the Old Pavilion next to the first tee of the Old Course or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse between 9am until 5pm the day before you wish to play. There is now no all night queue option at the starters hut. 

If you’re successful, you have to accept the tee time within the required time frame and book in and pay the green fee. 

Authorised Tour Operators

Authorized tour operators such as Scotland for Golf and St Andrews Golf Travel provide guaranteed tee times as part of golf packages that include accommodations and rounds on other courses. Bookings are made directly through these operators, offering a convenient way to secure a time on the Old Course.

The Old Course Hotel

The Old Course Hotel and other hotels and guesthouses offer exclusive packages that include guaranteed tee times on the Old Course. Guests should book through the hotels or guesthouses to take advantage of this option, which often includes additional amenities and rounds at other local courses.

St Andrews Links Trust Packages

St Andrews Links Trust offers multi-course golf packages that guarantee a round on the Old Course alongside access to other St Andrews Links courses. Packages are available for groups and are booked directly through St Andrews Links Trust.