How to Play The Old Course, St Andrews as a Single Golfer.
Month: March 2024
12 March 2024
A Guide to Booking a Tee Time on The Old Course as a Solo Golfer in 2024.
As of March 12th 2024 the Singles Daily Draw will be the new way of entering the daily ballot at the Old Course, St Andrews. The new draw will give solo golfers the chance to play with existing groups of two or three golfers without queuing up at the starters hut for hours on the morning they would like to play. The Singles Daily Draw is a new digital application process that will replace the previous queuing system. The day before the golfer would like to play they should visit either the Old Pavillion next to the first tee of the Old Course or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse where they can enter the daily draw via the dedicated tablet device. Keep reading to find out the steps to enter the draw and the process of accepting a tee time and playing the Old Course. View the Green Fees and advice on checking for No Ballot days.
How to enter the Old Course Singles Daily Draw
Below you will find our guide to booking a single golfer tee time on the Old Course, St Andrews.
Visit the Old Pavilion or St Andrews Links Clubhouse to enter.
To enter the daily singles ballot, solo golfers need to visit the one of two designated locations in St Andrews, the Old Pavilion next to the first tee of the Old Course or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse. The entry application window is between 9 am and 5 pm the day before you want to play.
Visit the Old Pavilion or St Andrews Links Clubhouse to enter.
To enter the daily singles ballot, solo golfers need to visit the one of two designated locations in St Andrews, the Old Pavilion next to the first tee of the Old Course or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse. The entry application window is between 9 am and 5 pm the day before you want to play.
Complete the Digital Ballot Entry Form
Complete the digital ballot entry form on the tablet device provided at either the Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse. You will be asked to provide the following details:
-
- Full name, date of birth, email address, country of residence and mobile number.
- Do you require a Caddie – Yes / No
- Do you need to hire clubs – Yes / No. (Male/Female, Right/Left Handed/Regular Shaft/Stiff Shaft)
- Confirmation you have a handicap of 36 or above and confirm you can show handicap certification upon request.
- Take a headshot photo using the tablet provided this will be the primary form of identification during the draw process. (Ensure you follow the instructions given, incorrect photos can void your entry)
- You will then be sent a text message confirming your registration.
Image: via St Andrews Golf Links
Wait for the Ballot Draw Results - Same Day
The ballot results will be sent via SMS and email later the same evening. Unsuccessful entries will be added to a waiting list for last-minute cancellations on the day.
Accept Tee Time Offer Within Timeframe
If you received a tee time offer, you must accept it within the specified timeframe to secure your spot. Failure to accept in the timeframe will result in the tee time being offered to the next person on the waiting list.
Booking In and Pay the Green Fee
If you accepted the Old Course tee time, head to The Old Pavilion 20 minutes before your assigned tee time to check-in. At this time you will pay the green fee (see fee below) and present a valid handicap certificate (paper or digital). If a caddie is required the team at the Old Pavilion will assist with this.
Complete the Digital Ballot Entry Form
Complete the digital ballot entry form on the tablet device provided at either the Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse. You will be asked to provide the following details:
-
- Full name, date of birth, email address, country of residence and mobile number.
- Do you require a Caddie – Yes / No
- Do you need to hire clubs – Yes / No. (Male/Female, Right/Left Handed/Regular Shaft/Stiff Shaft)
- Confirmation you have a handicap of 36 or above and confirm you can show handicap certification upon request.
- Take a headshot photo using the tablet provided this will be the primary form of identification during the draw process. (Ensure you follow the instructions given, incorrect photos can void your entry)
- You will then be sent a text message confirming your registration.
Image: via St Andrews Golf Links
Wait for the Ballot Draw Results
The ballot results will be sent via SMS and email later the same evening. Unsuccessful entries will be added to a waiting list for last-minute cancellations on the day.
Accepting the Old Course Tee Time Offer
If you received a tee time offer, you must accept it within the specified timeframe to secure your spot. Failure to accept in the timeframe will result in the tee time being offered to the next person on the waiting list.
Checking In and Paying the Old Course Green Fee
If you accepted the tee time, head to the Old Pavilion, St Andrews Old Course 20 minutes before your assigned tee time to check-in. At this time you will pay the green fee and present a valid handicap certificate (paper or digital). If a caddie is required the team at the Old Pavilion will assist with this.
"For many golfers, playing the Old Course is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the new singles daily draw will ensure golfers successful in securing a tee time can enjoy the experience after a good night's sleep while maintaining the practice of allowing single golfers to join pre-existing groups of two or three"
Neil Coulson, Chief Executive, St Andrews Links Trust.
Old Course Busy Days - No Ballot
Before planning a trip and travelling to the Old Course to enter the Singles Ballot it is advised to check that the course is open on the day you wish to play. The St Andrews Links has a list of the days when no ballot is available. Click the button below for full details.
How much does it cost to play the Old Course at St Andrews?
Below you will find the 2024 Old Course green fees. Prices range from £150-£320 to play a round at St Andrews Old Course, prices depend on the time of year and season. The least expensive time to play is between November and March, the most expensive time to play is high season which runs April – October.
Old Course, St Andrews Green Fees
01 November 2023 – 31 March 2024 (Low Season)
£150
01 April 2024 – 14 April 2024 (Shoulder Season)
£210
15 April 2024 – 13 October 2024 (High Season)
£320
14 October 2024 – 31 October 2024 (Shoulder Season)
£225
FAQ'S
What is the Old Course Singles Draw?
The Old Course Singles Draw is the new digital process for solo golfers to apply for a tee time at the Old Course. Single players are required to enter the draw in person at the Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse between 9am and 5pm the day before they wish to play.
How does the Singles Daily Draw work?
Once the daily draw closes at 5pm a randomized waiting list is created and tee times are allocated to single players based on their position on the list.
Can I still queue up to play the Old Course, St Andrews?
No, the new digital Singles Daily Draw means there is no need for overnight queuing on the day of play.
Am I allowed to enter the Old Course Singles Draw more than once?
No, individuals can only enter once into the Singles Daily Draw. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Although only one entry can be made each day, solo golfers can enter for as many consecutive days as they wish.
What is the maximum handicap allowed for playing on the Old Course?
The Old Course has a maximum handicap of 36 for men and women. Proof of your handicap is required before playing.
How will I be identified as a participant in the Singles Daily Draw?
When applying for the daily draw a headshot photo is taken on the tablet provided this photo becomes the primary means of identifying you. You may also be asked to provide further photo identification for verification purposes.
What happens if I am offered a tee time as a single golfer?
Tee time offers must be accepted within the specified timeframe. If the offer is not accepted within the timeframe the offer will be void and given to the next person on the waiting list.
Can I change my tee time or waiting list position?
No changes can be made to the tee time or waiting list position, this includes swapping with friends or family.
What if I decline a solo golfer tee time offer?
If a solo golfer declines the offered tee time within the specified timeframe the tee time will be forfeited and the golfer removed from the waiting list.
What if I fail to respond to a tee time offer?
Failure to respond to the tee time offer will result in the tee time being forfeited and the golfer being removed from the waiting list.
Can my application be declined?
Yes, the tee time application can be declined if;
- The golfer has duplicate entries.
- The photograph that was taken when applying for the tee time does not comply with the specified requirements.
- If your handicap exceeds the Old Course limit of 36.
- The application was incomplete.
Main Header Image Credits: Ryan Caven
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