When Do St Andrews Tee Times Open?

If you’re planning a golf trip to Scotland, this question comes up early.

When can you actually book St Andrews?

It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as most people expect. The Old Course doesn’t operate like a standard golf booking system, and understanding how access works is a big part of planning your trip properly.

The Short Answer

There isn’t one single “open date” for St Andrews tee times.

Instead, access to the Old Course typically falls into three main routes:

• the ballot system (most common)
• advance applications
• authorised allocations through tour operators

Each works differently, and none function like a typical online booking.

The Ballot System (The Main Route)

For most visiting golfers, the ballot is how you’ll try to play the Old Course.

You enter the ballot:

• two days before your intended round
• with results confirmed later that same day

If you’re successful, you’re given a tee time.

If not, you try again.

It’s simple in structure, but it relies on availability and demand, which can vary throughout the season.

As PGA Professional John Scott often says,
“The ballot is the most realistic route for most golfers, but you need to give yourself more than one chance.”

Advance Applications

There are also opportunities to apply in advance for certain tee times.

These are limited and highly competitive, especially during peak months.

Applications are typically submitted well ahead of the season, and not all are successful. That’s why they’re often treated as one part of a wider strategy rather than the only plan.

Why There Isn’t a Single Booking Date

Unlike many courses, the Old Course balances access between:

• local play
• visitor demand
• and traditional systems like the ballot

That’s why there isn’t a simple “tee times open on this date” answer.

The system is designed to spread access rather than release everything in one go.

How to Plan Around It Properly

This is where most successful trips differ.

Rather than building everything around a fixed tee time, the strongest itineraries are designed to work with or without the Old Course.

That usually means:

• staying in St Andrews for several nights
• entering the ballot across multiple days
• having strong alternative rounds nearby

John often explains it this way,
“You don’t plan one shot at the Old Course. You build a few chances into the trip.”

What Happens If You’re Successful

If your ballot entry comes through, everything becomes simple.

You play the Old Course, adjust your schedule if needed, and carry on with the rest of the trip.

This is why flexibility in the itinerary matters. It allows you to take advantage of the opportunity without disrupting the rest of the week.

What Happens If You’re Not

If you don’t get a tee time, the trip doesn’t fall apart.

St Andrews still offers:

• the New Course
• the Jubilee Course
• nearby options like Kingsbarns, Crail, and Lundin

You’re still playing some of the best golf in Scotland.

That’s why the overall structure of the trip is more important than a single round.

Quick Summary

• St Andrews tee times don’t open on one fixed date
• the ballot is the most common way to play
• advance applications are possible but limited
• the best approach is to plan for multiple opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a set date when Old Course bookings open?

No. Access is spread across different systems rather than a single release date.

What is the ballot system?

It’s a daily draw for tee times, entered two days in advance.

How many chances should I allow?

Ideally several attempts during your stay in St Andrews.

Can I guarantee a tee time?

Not always, but there are structured ways to improve your chances.

Plan for Access, Not Just Availability

The Old Course is one of the most sought-after rounds in golf.

But getting onto it isn’t about being first to book. It’s about understanding how the system works and building your trip around it properly.

If you’re planning a Scotland golf trip and want to give yourself the best possible chance of playing St Andrews without compromising the rest of your itinerary, ProScot Golf can help you structure it in a way that works from the start.