5 Questions on playing St Andrews Old Course

Do You Need a Handicap To Play The Old Course?

There are strict handicap restrictions for golfers wishing to play the Old Course. The handicap limit is 36 for both men and ladies. All golfers must provide a current handicap card or certificate at the time of play.

How Do You Get a St Andrews Old Course Tee Time?

There are 4 ways :-

Authorized Providers of Old Course tee times

Private advanced tee times (now closed for 2023)
Old Course Ballot

Single Player

What Is An Authorized Provider?

An Authorized Provider offers packages, including guaranteed Old Course tee times, throughout high season (April – October). They can be recognized by the official ‘Authorized Provider’ logo displayed on their websites. We are proud to be an Authorized Provider.

What Is The Old Course Ballot System?

The Ballot is drawn 48 hours in advance of play and golfers should provide their names, home club and handicaps either online, by phone or at one of the clubhouses before 2pm, two days before the day they wish to play. To enter there must be a minimum of two and a maximum of four players.

Can a Single Player Enter The Ballot?

No – minimum of 2 players is required to enter the ballot. From 12th March 2024 a new process was introduced for single golfers hoping to play St Andrews Old Course. A Singles Daily Draw will now take place. The daily draw requires individual golfers to enter their details in person at the Old Pavilion or St Andrews Links Clubhouse between 09.00-17.00 the day before they wish to play. A randomized draw will then take place at 5pm with golfers being notified by SMS messages and email whether they have been allocated a tee time for the following day. This new digital system replaces the previous practice of golfers queuing outside the starter’s hut prior to play.