For many golfers, playing the Old Course at St Andrews represents one of the most iconic experiences in the game. The history, the setting and the sense of occasion make it a centrepiece of many Scotland golf tour itineraries.
However, securing a tee time on the Old Course is often misunderstood. There is no simple booking system, and access is governed by a combination of ballot entries, authorised tour operator allocations, advance reservations and same-day opportunities.
Understanding how these routes work - and how they fit within a carefully planned tour - is essential. Without the right planning and timing, many golfers discover too late that access is far more limited than expected.
In this guide, we explain the realistic routes to playing the Old Course, when planning should begin, and what golfers should expect when building a Scotland golf tour around St Andrews.
Why Old Course Tee Times Are So Limited
The Old Course is one of the most in-demand golf experiences in the world. Unlike many championship venues, it remains a public course, which means access is shared between visitors and local residents.
A number of factors restrict availability:
- Local resident tee time allocations
- Visitor advance bookings
- Daily ballot entries
- Championship and event schedules
- Course maintenance periods
Because of these competing demands, visitor tee times are limited and highly sought after. Demand consistently exceeds supply, particularly during peak season from May through September.
This is why early planning and realistic expectations play such an important role in successful golf tour design.
The Four Main Routes to an Old Course Tee Time
There are several recognised pathways to playing the Old Course. Each has its own process, likelihood and timing considerations.
1. Authorised Tour Operator Allocations
For many international golfers, this is the most reliable route.
Authorised tour operators receive a limited number of advance tee time allocations each year as part of official visitor packages. These allocations are extremely restricted and are typically reserved many months - often over a year - in advance.
Because of the scarcity, these tee times are normally incorporated into a broader tour itinerary that may include other St Andrews Links courses or additional championship venues across Scotland.
This route offers certainty and allows the Old Course round to be planned into a carefully sequenced tour experience.
2. The Old Course Ballot
The ballot is the most widely known access route, but it is often misunderstood.
The ballot operates on a daily basis and allows golfers to enter a draw for tee times two days in advance. Groups of two, three or four players can apply.
Key points about the ballot:
- Applications are submitted online
- Entries close two days before play
- Successful applicants are notified the same day
- Demand is extremely high
While the ballot provides an opportunity, it should not be relied upon as the sole route when planning a once-in-a-lifetime golf tour.
Experienced tour planners often incorporate multiple attempts into the itinerary while ensuring the rest of the schedule remains strong regardless of the outcome.
3. The Singles Queue
The singles queue is another route that attracts significant interest.
Single golfers can present themselves early in the morning at the Old Pavilion and wait for open spaces that arise when groups of two or three leave a spare position in their tee time.
It requires patience and flexibility, and success is never guaranteed.
Some golfers enjoy the tradition of the experience, while others prefer a more structured itinerary. Either way, it is best viewed as a potential opportunity rather than a confirmed plan.
4. Advance Applications
The St Andrews Links Trust also releases a limited number of advance visitor tee times each year through an application process.
This system operates far in advance - often around 12 to 16 months before play - and demand is extremely high.
Applications are not guaranteed to succeed, but it is another possible route when planning early.
When to Start Planning an Old Course Experience
One of the most common misconceptions is that Old Course access can be organised just a few months before travel.
In reality, serious planning should begin well in advance.
For golfers hoping to secure a confirmed tee time through authorised allocations, planning ideally starts 12-18 months before travel. This allows:
- Access to limited allocations
- Better accommodation options
- Stronger overall routing of courses
- Less pressure on the rest of the itinerary
Even when the ballot or singles queue are part of the strategy, a well-designed tour should always include outstanding courses elsewhere in Scotland.
This ensures the overall experience remains exceptional regardless of the Old Course outcome.
Conclusion
Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is a remarkable experience, but it requires realistic expectations and thoughtful planning.
Understanding the different access routes - from authorised allocations and advance applications to ballot entries and the singles queue - allows golfers to approach the opportunity with clarity.
When incorporated into a well-planned Scotland golf tour, the Old Course becomes part of a broader journey through some of the world's finest links courses.
With the right planning, the experience can be both seamless and unforgettable.
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