The Old Course St Andrews
The Home of Golf, St Andrews
Known as ‘The Home of golf', The Old Course is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. St Andrews Old Course has hosted The Open Championship a record 30 times. Most recently The Old Course celebrated hosting the 150th Open Championship in 2022. The Old Course, St Andrews was originally just a couple of golf holes with various people throughout the years extending it. Old Tom Morris made the final adjustments to the course in the mid 1800's to the layout it is now. The first Open Championship was held at the Old Course in 1873. Since 1990, The Old Course has been the venue every 5 years. However, this sequence was broken due to 150th Open held in 2022. One of the unique features of St Andrews Old Course is that there are only 4 holes on the course that have their own putting surface. The other holes have huge double greens where 2 holes share the same putting surface. Strangely enough the 2 hole numbers that share a green add up to 18 e.g. 4th Hole & 14th Hole, 8th Hole & 10th Hole etc. Golfers also need to be aware of the 112 giant bunkers located throughout the golf course. Each of which are named individually and has their own history, the most well-known being the hazardous ‘Hell Bunker'.
The 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge, which allows golfers to cross the Swilcan Burn after their tee shot on the 18th, is probably the most iconic attractions in golf and recognised around the world. Before golfers get to the 18th however, they need to tackle what is considered the trickiest par 4 in golf; the 17th “Road Hole”. Golfers need to be very accurate with their tee shot, which flies over part of the Old Course Hotel.
How to Play The Old Course, St Andrews
The Old Course at St Andrews attracts more than 50,000 rounds a year. Making it the most popular course to play in Scotland. We know playing The Old Course is every golfer’s dream! Therefore we will try our best to guide you through the best method and advise the best way of gaining a tee time on this iconic course.
Direct Application
Each year St Andrews Links accepts applications directly from golfers for tee times for the following year. Golfer’s must apply for The Old Course along with one other St Andrews Links course such as; the New or Jubilee. This is an online application which is open for 2 weeks from late August to early September. The results of the application are usually released end of October/beginning of November. If successful the golfer will pay St Andrews Links directly for the 2-round package. We can provide you with all the relevant information and details.
The Old Course Ballot
Around 50% of The Old Course in St Andrews availability is allocated by the ballot. Details are submitted to St Andrews 48 hours in advance of play . Details include names of each golfer, home club and handicap. The Ballot only allow entry for a minimum of 2 player. The results are then published later on the day of entry around 4:00pm. If successful the green fee of £295 per golfer (2023 rate) is paid to the starter on the day of play. You can enter the ballot as many days as you like as long as there are no competitions or events taking place. Please also note that there is no ballot draw on Fridays as The Old Course is closed every Sunday. If unsuccessful with the ballot, there is always the opportunity to line up at the starter’s box at the beginning of each day and they will fit you in if/when spaces become available.
Guaranteed Old Course Packages
As a Scottish Golf Tour operator, we do have access to guaranteed old course packages. However due to the high demand to play The Old Course, St Andrews advanced booking is essential. Therefore, we recommend around 12-16 months prior to arrival. For further details, check out our Guaranteed Old Course Package.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you play The Old Course and start building your dream golf tour to Scotland….
Accommodation, Golf Tee Time Reservations, and Transport!
We take care of every aspect of your tour including accommodation, golf tee time reservations and transport needs along with any other individual requests including:
Accommodation
With such a range of accommodation available in Scotland, it can be difficult knowing where to start and that’s where we come in. You may wish to stay in 5-star luxury resorts, boutique hotels, quaint Scottish B&Bs or your very own exclusive use property. Our tour packages include a variety of options however please feel free to discuss with us your accommodation needs. Also check out our exclusive use golf tour packages for some inspiration!
Golf
We arrange and assist with all golf tee time reservations. To help you decide which of the many courses you wish to play in Scotland, check out our section on Scotland's Golf Courses. Includes details of the top golf courses in the main golfing areas in Scotland.
Transport
From self-drive to chauffeur we can recommend and provide the right transport for your group. If you are looking for something really special we can even call in the chopper.
Not Just Golf..
As much as golf is the main event we know Scotland has a whole lot of other fantastic offerings off the course including famous scotch whisky distilleries, stunning historical castles and breath-taking scenery! We are happy to assist with any additional requests such as the following;
Private dinners
Whisky tastings
Brewery tours
Outdoor adventure
Working with Us
From the initial contact, our team work closely with you to plan each detail of your golf tour and Scotland Golfing Breaks provide you with your own personalised golf tour itinerary.