The Old Course St Andrews Ballot

As golfers begin to shake of winter and prepare to golf 2015 many are going to be focusing their attention on traveling to golf in Scotland and, as the excitement grows for this year's 144th Open Championship at St Andrews, the question arises: How do you golf the Old Course without an advanced and guaranteed tee time?
Ballot success for our 'Ganebring 4Ball' from Sweden.
Answer: The Old Course Ballot

 This is the historic lottery held by the St Andrews Links Trust every afternoon, except Friday, for a number of un-allocated tee times on the Old Course.

  • Applications are made 48 hours before your day of play 
  • Applications are accepted before 2:00pm 
  • Phone +44 (0)1334 466 666
  • You can apply in person at the Old Course Pavilion or Links Trust Clubhouse
  • The golfer submits at least two names 
  • Home club membership and handicap details of all golfers are required
  • Request 'play at any time' to increase the chances of success
  • The Ballot result is available by phoning after 4:00pm that same day, visiting their website, Old Course Starter's Box, local pubs and hotels 

The 2015 Old Course green fee is 170 Great British Pounds (GBP) - approximately $260.
Driving from the 18th tee Old Course St Andrews.
If you are going to be visiting St Andrews for a number of days the odds should favour success getting you out golfing the ancient links by use of the Ballot. The official line is that 50% of tee times are available through the Ballot every year and this is true over a 12 month period. In my experience there are 30 - 40% during April, May and June and this decreases dramatically through August and September going as low as 10 - 15%.
The Old Course St Andrews.
Golfers have to be aware that entering the Ballot over 4 or 5 consecutive days does not guarantee success but if you are not in it your not going to win it. Flexibility is the key and while waiting for your Old Course tee time some of these compelling Scottish Links golf courses in the area should keep you occupied: 

New, Jubilee, Eden, Kingsbarns, Crail, Lundin, Leven, Scotscraig, Panmure, Monifieth, Carnoustie.

Please remember that Caddie Golf Tours are here to offer advice and organize the best route for your golf vacation in Scotland and St Andrews. Do not hesitate to contact us through the usual channels, we look forward to hearing from you...Fore!

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