Golf in St Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews may be one of the most important courses in golf history, but it is also a public course and remains open to all. It’s run by the St Andrews Links Trust, which takes care of seven courses in St Andrews.

Here’s everything you need to know about playing the Old Course:

Will I need a handicap?

Yes, you will - a maximum of 36 for men and women. You’ll need to present your handicap certificate to the starter on the day too. 

There are quite a few ways to book the Old Course.

If you’re playing by yourself you can check in at the Old Pavilion on the day and staff will try to match you with a two or three-ball group.

If you are playing in a group of two or more you can:

• Enter the Old Course ballot (lottery). This is drawn 48 hours in advance of play (except Fridays, as the course is closed on Sundays, and before tournament days).
• Book your holiday with an Authorised Provider who can offer you a golf package which will include a guaranteed Old Course tee time. Look for golf tour operators and local accommodation providers who have the official ‘Authorised Provider’ logo on their website.
• Play in the winter. You’re more likely to secure a tee time from November to March when there is less demand. Winter packages from mid-October till mid-April include a round on the Old Course and two other St Andrews Links golf courses.
• Apply for private advance tee times.

In 1552, a charter granted the townspeople of St Andrews use of the land for golf and other pastimes. However, it is thought that golf was played here for much longer than that.

In 1764, several holes were combined, reducing the number of holes played to 18, creating the standard model for golf courses around the world.

The only man to have won the Open Championship and the Amateur Championship at St Andrews is legendary golfer Bobby Jones. He was made an Honorary Burgess of St Andrews in 1958, only the second American to receive this honour, after Benjamin Franklin 200 years earlier.