Booking St. Andrews: The Playbook

~20%

The estimated success rate for the daily Old Course ballot during peak season. You need a better plan.

The Three Avenues

Securing a tee time at the Old Course without paying an exorbitant premium to an authorized tour operator requires utilizing one of three official channels.

1. The Advanced Tee Time Ballot

This is your best chance for a guaranteed time prior to arrival. Applications open for a specific 2-3 week window in late August/early September for the following year.

Requirement	Detail
Group Size	2 to 8 players.
Course Requirement	Must book one other St. Andrews Links course alongside the Old Course.
Selection Process	Random lottery drawn after the window closes.

2. The Daily Ballot

Drawn 48 hours in advance. You must provide names, home clubs, and handicaps. Success rates vary wildly based on the month, day of the week, and local events.

3. The Singles Queue (Now Digital)

Historically a physical line forming at 2 AM. St. Andrews has moved to a daily digital lottery for single golfers. You enter via a tablet at the starter's pavilion the day prior.

Common Mistakes

Booking Non-Refundable Flights First: Never book non-refundable travel until your Advanced Tee Time is confirmed.
Falsifying Handicaps: You will be asked to produce a digital handicap index. If you cannot produce one, you will be denied play, without refund.