Can You Play the Old Course Without a Guaranteed Tee Time?

Yes, you can.

But it depends on how you approach it.

A lot of golfers assume you either have a guaranteed tee time at St Andrews or you don’t play the Old Course at all. In reality, there’s a middle ground, and most visiting golfers fall into it.

Understanding how that works is what makes the difference.

The Short Answer

You can play the Old Course without a guaranteed tee time by:

• entering the daily ballot
• applying in advance where possible
• or building flexibility into your trip

None of these guarantee a round. But they give you a real chance.

How the Ballot Actually Works

The most common route is the ballot system.

You apply two days before the date you want to play, and results are released later that day.

If you’re successful, you’ll be given a tee time for the Old Course.

If not, you try again.

For most groups, this becomes part of the trip rather than a one-shot attempt.

As PGA Professional John Scott often says,
“You don’t plan one day for the Old Course. You give yourself a few chances.”

Why Flexibility Matters

This is where most trips succeed or fail.

If your itinerary is too rigid, you only get one opportunity. If it doesn’t come through, that’s it.

A well-built trip allows for:

• multiple ballot entries
• flexibility in scheduling
• alternative rounds nearby

That way, you’re not relying on a single outcome.

What Happens If You’re Successful

If your ballot entry is successful, the day becomes straightforward.

You play the Old Course, adjust the rest of the schedule if needed, and everything flows from there.

This is why strong planning matters. The rest of the itinerary needs to be able to adapt.

What Happens If You’re Not

This is the part people worry about most.

In reality, it’s rarely an issue.

Because the surrounding area offers so much:

• the New Course
• the Jubilee Course
• Kingsbarns
• Crail
• Lundin Links

You’re still playing world-class golf.

John often explains it like this,
“If you’ve built the trip right, you’re still having a great week whether the Old Course happens or not.”

Other Ways to Access the Old Course

Beyond the ballot, there are other routes, though they’re more limited.

These can include:

• advance applications
• authorised tour operator allocations
• standby opportunities depending on availability

Each comes with its own process, and none are as simple as a standard booking.

The Biggest Misconception

The most common misunderstanding is treating the Old Course as the foundation of the trip.

It shouldn’t be.

It should be:

• part of the itinerary
• something you aim for
• but not something everything depends on

When that shift happens, the entire trip improves.

Quick Summary

• Yes, you can play the Old Course without a guaranteed tee time
• The ballot is the most common route
• Flexibility across your trip is key
• A strong itinerary works with or without it

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ballot difficult to win?

It depends on demand and timing, but having multiple attempts improves your chances.

How many times should I enter the ballot?

Ideally across several days during your stay in St Andrews.

Can groups of 4–8 enter together?

Yes, and this is one of the most common ways to apply.

Is there a guaranteed way to play?

Not always, but there are structured options that can improve your chances.

Plan for It, But Don’t Rely on It

Playing the Old Course is a special experience.

But the best trips aren’t built around hoping it happens.

They’re built so that everything works regardless.

If you’re planning a Scotland golf trip and want to give yourself the best possible chance of playing the Old Course, without risking the overall experience, ProScot Golf can help you structure it the right way from the start.