6 ways to book The Old Course

However, securing a tee time on the world’s oldest and most famous golf course can be tricky – so here’s our insider guide to making it onto the 1st tee at The Old Course.

Book in advance 
Golfers can apply to St Andrews Links Trust for an Old Course Private Advanced Tee Time which, if successful, will result in the allocation of a fourball tee time at the Old Course and another St Andrews Links course of choice.  2025 advance tee times have all been snapped up – but look out for 2026 applications opening in late August/early September 2025. 

Enter the Ballot
Groups of two to four golfers wishing to play The Old Course can enter The Old Course Ballot 48 hours before the day they wish to play. To enter the ballot, each golfer’s name, home club and handicap should be provided online (https://standrews.com/old-course-ballot), by phone (+44 (0)1334 466666) or at The Old Pavilion or one of the St Andrews Links’ clubhouses before 2pm. As The Old Course is closed for play on a Sunday, there’s no ballot on a Friday.

The results of the ballot are available after 4.30pm on the day of application. Successful? Simply pay your green fee directly to the starter two days later, immediately before your round on the Old Course. 

If unsuccessful, you’ll be offered a tee time on The New, Jubilee, Eden or Castle Courses – which is a pretty impressive consolation prize!

Ditch your golfing pals!
As a single golfer, you can enter The Old Course Ballot between 9am and 4pm on the day before you wish to play at either The Old Pavilion or The Links Clubhouse. You can also queue up at the Starter’s Box at the 1st Tee, ask the Starter to add your name to the waiting list and then keep your fingers crossed for a cancellation or a no-show.

Book with an authorised St Andrews Links Provider
During the high season (April – October), several golf tour operators and local accommodation providers offer packages that include guaranteed Old Course tee times. Check for the official ‘Authorised Provider’ logo on websites, social media platforms and correspondence before booking.

Go ror Low
From April to October, demand for tee times is at its highest. But, during the Low Season, from November to March, more tee times at the Old Course tend to be available through the Old Course Ballot.

Move to St Andrews!   
Break open that piggy bank! St Andrews residents (and students studying at the town’s ancient university) can apply for a Links Ticket which, for an annual fee of £386, provides access to the seven courses managed by St Andrews Links. In addition, residents of north east Fife who are members of recognised golf clubs in St Andrews can also apply for a Links Ticket (£658) – however, there’s a long waiting list.