How to Actually Get a Tee Time Old Course St Andrews

The Holy Grail of Golf: How to Actually Get a Tee Time on the Old Course

For any golfer, standing on the first tee of the Old Course at St Andrews is a bucket-list moment. But figuring out how to actually secure that tee time can feel like trying to solve a complicated puzzle.

If you are dreaming of crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge, there are four main ways to get onto the most famous fairways in the world.

1. The Guaranteed Tee Time (The Stress-Free Route)

"If you prefer to bypass the uncertainty entirely, securing a guaranteed tee time as part of a curated luxury package is the definitive solution. At TMI Golf & Travel, we eliminate the guesswork by locking in your Old Course rounds well over a year in advance. With a St Andrews native managing the logistics, we handle the complex scheduling behind the scenes so you can simply show up and enjoy a completely stress-free golf vacation."

2. The 48-Hour Daily Ballot (The Lottery)

If you don't have a guaranteed time, you can enter the Old Course Daily Ballot. A number. of tee times are available and are allocated this way.

• How it works: You must enter as a group of two, three, or four golfers. You submit your entry before 2:00 PM, exactly two days before you want to play (e.g., enter on Sunday to play on Tuesday).

• The rules: The ballot is not drawn on Fridays, because the Old Course is closed on Sundays. Every golfer must provide their name, home club, and handicap (the maximum allowed is 36).

• The odds: "While entering the ballot on multiple consecutive days is the best strategy to improve your odds, it does require a flexible itinerary. However, it is crucial to follow the rules: you may only submit one entry per day. St Andrews Links closely monitors the system and will automatically disqualify your group if you enter more than once in a single day."

3. The Singles Daily Draw (No More Overnight Queuing)

Historically, solo golfers would camp out overnight at the Old Pavilion, hoping to snag a spot with a two- or three-ball group. As of March 2024, that grueling queue has been replaced by a much more civilized digital system: the Singles Daily Draw.

• How it works: Solo players must visit the Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse in person between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM the day before they wish to play.

• The process: You enter your details on a tablet, confirm your handicap, and take a quick headshot photo.

• The results: A randomized draw takes place, and results are sent via text and email later that same evening. It is fair, modern, and means you can spend your evening enjoying a local whisky tasting instead of sleeping in a freezing line!

A view across the green fairway towards the first tee and starter's hut at the St Andrews Old Course in Scotland, where golfers are gathering to begin their round. To the right stands the majestic, historic stone building of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the ultimate bucket-list experience featured on our luxury escorted golf tours.

How to Actually Get a Tee Time Old Course St Andrews

4. Playing with a Local Ticketholder

"For those fortunate enough to know a resident, teeing it up as the guest of a local St Andrews Links ticketholder is one of the most authentic ways to play. In the long days of the Scottish summer, locals often snag those magical early-morning or twilight times. While you are still responsible for the standard visitor green fee, walking the fairways with someone who calls this historic town home offers a deeply personal and unforgettable perspective on the Old Course."

Beyond the Old Course: The 7 Courses of St Andrews Links

While the Old Course is the crown jewel, St Andrews Links is actually the largest public golf complex in Europe, boasting a total of seven spectacular courses:

1. The New Course (1895): Designed by Old Tom Morris, the favourite of the locals a traditional links golf Course.

2. The Jubilee Course (1897): Originally built for beginners, it has evolved into a championship layout and the toughest course in town.

3. The Castle Course (2008): Set on rugged cliffs just outside town, offering dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views over St Andrews Bay.

4. The Craigtoun Course (1995) The newest member of the St Andrews Collection, stretching over 7,500 years making it one one the longest in the region, originally The Duke’s Course.

5. The Eden Course (1914): A Harry Colt design that features strategic bunkering and undulating greens, redesigned in 1989 by golf course architect Donald Steel.

6. The Strathtyrum Course (1993): Perfect for higher handicappers or a relaxed afternoon round, with fewer bunkers and wide fairways.

7. The Balgove Course: A 9-hole layout designed specifically for beginners and children, capturing the true inclusive spirit of the game.

Navigating the logistics of a St Andrews trip shouldn't require a master's degree in scheduling. We combine two unique perspectives to create a flawless experience. Continuing the TMI Golf & Travel brand standard of excellence is at the heart of everything we do, backed by 28 years of experience as an LPGA Class A professional—meaning you are always covered if you need emergency swing tips on the practice tee. Off the course, Managing Director Alan Tulleth brings his lifelong insider knowledge as a St Andrews native to orchestrate every intricate logistical detail. Together, we ensure your luxury itinerary to the Home of Golf is seamless, authentic, and absolutely perfect."