What Handicap Do You Need for the Old Course at St Andrews?

Men need a handicap index of 24 or lower. Women need a handicap index of 36 or lower. This is a requirement for both the ballot and for advance tee time bookings. You must provide proof of handicap at the time of entering the ballot and may be asked to show it again at the first tee.

Why does the Old Course require a handicap?

The Old Course is a par-72 course measuring 6,721 yards from the white tees, with some of the most famous and consequential bunkers in golf (the Road Hole bunker, Hell Bunker, the Strath). At pace-of-play rates that allow the full schedule of tee times per day, slow play is a significant concern.

The handicap requirement is a proxy for ability — it ensures players have a documented level of golfing competence before stepping onto one of the busiest and most famous courses in the world. A 36-handicap player (women's limit) is still a beginner by most standards, but the limit screens out players who have never played a full 18 holes competitively.

What counts as proof of handicap

World Handicap System (WHS) index — the universal system now used in the UK, USA, Australia, and most other golfing countries. Your handicap index should be visible on your national federation's system:

• UK players: England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, GUI — handicap visible on the Golf Handicap Information System (GHIS/ICCMS) or the HowDidiDo app
• USA players: USGA Handicap Index via GHIN — accessible via the USGA/GHIN app or website
• Other countries: Check with your national federation for the WHS-registered platform

Handicap certificate from your home club — a letter or printed certificate from your club confirming your current WHS index. Most clubs provide these on request.

Screenshot of your handicap on a recognised app — generally accepted at St Andrews, but a physical certificate is more reliable if there's any doubt.

What doesn't count

• An informal estimate ("I play to about a 15")
• A handicap from a non-WHS-registered society or casual league
• A historical handicap from before WHS adoption (pre-2020 in most countries)

If you don't have an official handicap

Without a recognised WHS handicap, you cannot enter the Old Course ballot or book a tee time through the standard system. Your options:

1. Establish a WHS handicap before your trip. In the UK, you can join a golf club affiliated with Scottish/English/Welsh Golf and establish a handicap through three 18-hole rounds (or equivalent). The process takes a few weeks minimum. Ideally do this 6–8 weeks before your trip.

2. Play as a caddie or group addition. If a player in your group has a valid handicap and books a tee time for the group, you may be able to join as part of their booking. The Links Trust's rules on this vary — check directly with them.

3. Accept you won't play the Old Course this trip. And play Kingsbarns, the New Course, the Jubilee Course, and Carnoustie instead — all of which require no handicap for visitor booking. They're excellent courses.

Does the handicap requirement apply at the first tee?

Yes — starters at the Old Course first tee can ask to see proof of handicap. In practice, verification is more thorough at ballot registration and advance booking than at the tee. But carrying your handicap card or having the GHIN/HowDidiDo app on your phone with your index visible is sensible practice.

The Balgove Course

The Balgove — the 9-hole course adjacent to the Old Course — has no handicap requirement. It's open to all, walk-up, no reservation needed. If you're bringing a beginner or a non-registered golfer, the Balgove is the way to play in St Andrews.