How to play the Old Course, St Andrews

The most famous golf venue on the planet, the Old Course at St Andrews is the dream destination for every golfer.

Some of us have been lucky enough to play it, but knowing how to get on the Old Course at St Andrews can be tricky.

How can you play the Old Course, St Andrews?

There are a few different options. Firstly, you could enter the ballot system.

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The ballot can be entered either online, by phone or in person at St Andrews Links. The ballot is done two days in advance, with players notified if they have been successful.

This is the most common way to play the Old Course, however you should note that there is no ballot on Friday. This is because the Old Course is closed on a Sunday, when it becomes free for the public to walk on.

If you are successful in the ballot, you will need to provide a handicap certificate on the day, with the limit being 36 for both men and women.

If you’re not successful in the ballot, there are other ways you can play the Old Course.

Another method is by waiting at the pavilion to be joined with an existing group on the morning you wish to play.

Players in St Andrews will often be seen queuing at the first tee of the Old Course in the hope of joining with a two or three ball, but the St Andrews Links Trust are quick to state that no guarantees can be made.

Another method to play the Old Course is through a guaranteed provider. Some travel companies will offer packages where you can play at the Old Course. These are usually paired with a mix of other courses in Scotland. Naturally, these trips are very popular with those visiting the Home of Golf.

Finally, St Andrews Links Trust do offer a Winter Package for golfers to play at the Old Course and two other St Andrews Links courses. This package, however, means that players must play the Old Course on mats, but it does make for a cheaper experience.