5 Questions About Playing St Andrews Old Course
The Old Course at St Andrews is the ultimate bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide. But securing a tee time and understanding the rules can be a challenge. Here’s everything you need to know before you step onto golf’s most historic fairways.
1. Do You Need a Handicap to Play the Old Course?
Yes! The Old Course has strict handicap requirements. The maximum handicap is 36 for both men and women, and you must present a valid handicap card or certificate when you arrive. No proof, no play—so make sure you bring yours along!
2. How Do You Secure a Tee Time at St Andrews Old Course?
There are four main ways to book your dream round:
- Authorised Providers – Certain tour operators, like ProScot Golf Tours, have access to guaranteed tee times as part of a package.
- Private Advanced Tee Times – A limited number of tee times are released each year for golfers who book directly in advance.
- Old Course Ballot – A lottery system that allows golfers to apply for a tee time 48 hours in advance.
- Single Player Draw – A new process introduced in 2024 for solo golfers hoping to get a last-minute spot.
3. What Is an Authorised Provider?
Authorised Providers are approved tour operators who offer guaranteed tee time packages during the high season (April – October). These providers display the official ‘Authorised Provider’ logo on their websites, so you know you’re booking with a trusted source. ProScot Golf Tours is proud to be an Authorised Provider, ensuring our clients get exclusive access to the most sought-after tee times.
4. How Does the Old Course Ballot System Work?
The Ballot is drawn 48 hours before play, giving golfers a chance to secure a tee time. To enter, you need to provide your name, home club, and handicap either online, by phone, or in person at a clubhouse before 2 PM, two days prior to the day you wish to play. Keep in mind, you’ll need at least two golfers to enter.
At ProScot Golf Tours, we assist our clients with the ballot process taking the stress out of the experience.
5. Can a Single Golfer Enter the Ballot?
No, solo golfers cannot enter the standard Ballot. However, from March 12, 2024, a new Singles Daily Draw was introduced. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the Old Pavilion or St Andrews Links Clubhouse between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM the day before you want to play.
- Register your details in person.
- A randomised draw takes place at 5:00 PM.
- If selected, you’ll be notified by SMS and email with your tee time for the following day.
This new system replaces the old tradition of queueing outside the starter’s hut overnight—so solo golfers now have a fairer, more organised way to land a coveted spot!
Why Book with ProScot Golf Tours!
At ProScot Golf Tours, we specialise in crafting unforgettable golfing experiences at St Andrews and beyond. As an Authorised Provider, we offer guaranteed Old Course tee times, hassle-free ballot entry assistance, and golf packages tailored to your needs. Our expert team ensures you enjoy a seamless trip, complete with top-tier accommodations, transportation, and access to Scotland’s best courses.
Final Thoughts
Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is an unforgettable experience, but planning ahead is key. Whether you’re booking through an Authorised Provider, trying your luck in the Ballot, or entering the Singles Draw, there are multiple ways to get on the first tee.
Prepare wisely, and you could find yourself walking the same fairways as the legends of the game!
Want to make your dream golf holiday a reality? Contact ProScot Golf Tours for expert help planning your perfect Scottish golfing adventure.
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Proscot provided our group of 4 an outstanding experience in Scotland and the trip of a lifetime. We advised John that we wanted a mix of golf and site seeing for our 2 week trip. He provided us with great options for golf, accommodations, points of interest for sites and restaurant recommendations. We ended ended up visiting 6 cities and playing 6 rounds and every booking and reservation they provided for us went so smoothly. Nicola also made sure we were happy with everything along the way and provided us with a point of contact for our whole trip. Our accommodations were beautiful and perfect location in relation to our golf rounds and things to do. Thank you Proscot for providing us with an amazing itinerary and something we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Read moreHad an outstanding experience with Pro Scot Golf Tours from start to finish. Their customer service was exceptional—they responded quickly to every question, and the staff was always friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely eager to help. John, Nicola, Margaret and Patricia were all amazing. We played 9 courses in 7 days. The accommodations and restaurant choices were spectacular. John was a great guide and really took care of each and every golfer in the group. Every detail of the trip was handled smoothly, which made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable! They truly went above and beyond to ensure everything exceeded expectations. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a professionally organized golf trip with outstanding service. I will definitely book with them again!
Read moreMy son and I took a wonderful Golf and Whiskey Tour in Scotland through ProScot Golf Tours Ltd. The proprietors, John and Nicola, did an amazing job planning and executing our tour. They recommended great golf courses consistent with our playing ability and arranged several personalized scotch distillery tours that let us sample some of the best scotches in scotland! We can't thank them enough for making the trip so amazing!
Read moreJust returned from an amazing trip. John and team took care of everything from trip planning, accommodations, transport, and reservations for a group of 8. We played 8 fantastic courses in 7 days. Hotel and dinner selections were great, and the transport was comfortable. The team did a very nice job making adjustments where needed (ie., flight delays, adding on rounds of golf). I would definitely recommend ProScot for your group trip.
Read moreHighly recommend ProScot Golf Tours to be your go to when booking a trip to Scotland. John and Nicola had everything set for us and John took great care touring us around for our 5 day bucket list golf trip as we travelled from Canada. John made us feel at home and we had lots of laughs along the way. We were able to play Royal Troon, Prestwick, St Andrew’s Old Course and Carnoustie. ProScot had our hotel and dinner reservations in advance, food was great, everything was on schedule. Sprinter van was new and clean for our travels. Excellent trip for us start to finish!! Thanks again John and Nicola! We will be back…
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