How can I book a tee time at The Old Course at St. Andrews?
This is perhaps the most common question received by our Expedition Planning Managers. There are four ways to book a tee time on The Old Course:
For an in-depth explanation of these methods, we invite you to visit our complete guide for Old Course at St. Andrews tee times.
Are you able to assist with tee time only bookings?
Guaranteed Old Course at St. Andrews tee times through Haversham & Baker are only available as part of an Expeditionary package with minimum stay and golf requirements.
We are unable to assist with requests for stand-alone tee times.
Consult the guide above to learn about the three options available for golfers seeking stand-alone tee times.
Should I book a guaranteed Old Course tee time?
The short answer: It depends. So much so that we’ve provided an entire guide to the question of Do I need a guaranteed Old Course at St Andrews tee time? As you’ll see, there’s a compelling case to be made for both sides of the coin.
How likely am I to hit the ballot?
The selection process for the Old Course at St. Andrews ballot is closely guarded state secret. The success rate fluctuates based on time of year, demand from other travelers, and how many days you have available to enter the ballot. If you’re early in the planning process, your H&B Expedition Planning Manager can guide you to the best range of dates based on our past experience to help maximize your chance of success.
Is a handicap required?
Yes. An official handicap of 36 or less is required to play The Old Course. You’ll need to have either a printed or digital copy of your handicap credentials with you as it will be checked by the Links Trust staff prior to play. Visit this guide to learn more about handicaps for your golf trip.
Are caddies available?
Yes, caddies are available at The Old Course. The cost is the prevailing Caddie Fee plus a recommended gratuity of £20-£30. Visit our Caddie FAQs page to learn more about caddies in St. Andrews and elsewhere across the pond.
Where is the closest airport for visiting St. Andrews?
Edinburgh is the closest international airport to St. Andrews with multiple daily non-stop routes from around the United States. The airport located approximately 50 miles from St. Andrews.
How far is St. Andrews from other golf regions in Scotland?
The drive times from each of the best regions for golf in Scotland are as follows:
What time should I arrive for the Singles Queue?
Like success on The Old Course ballot, the suggested arrival time for the Singles Queue will depend on the time of year and how many other golfers are seeking to play. For example, a member of the H&B Team arrived at midnight one day in early August and that was good enough for 14th in line. Other times of year, you may have success simply showing up when the door opens at 6am.
Our advice: Stop in to The Old Pavilion the day before you intend to try the Singles Queue and inquire as to how many golfers were in line the night before. Then pick your time accordingly.
Where is the best place to grab a post-round pint?
Ah yes, perhaps our favorite part of any round on The Old Course. There are so many fantastic 19th holes in St. Andrews, this question warranted an entire guide of its own.
Can I ship my clubs to The Old Course?
You can not ship your clubs to The Old Course directly, however all of the hotels recommended by H&B will gladly accept the delivery on your behalf.
Where is the best place to buy Old Course souvenirs?
As you walk the streets of St. Andrews, you’ll find no shortage of shops selling Old Course related swag. But only a handful of places offer officially licensed gear with the authentic Links Trust logo. The two best locations to pick up your souvenirs from The Old Course are located adjacent the 18th hole: A small shop immediately behind the 18th green and a much larger location just a few steps away at the corner of The Links and Golf Place.