- Can visitors play the Old Course at St Andrews?
- Yes. The Old Course is a public course owned by the St Andrews Links Trust, and any golfer with a valid handicap can play. Tee times are allocated by the Swilcan Package (applied for in an autumn window and drawn by lottery), the Daily Ballot (closes 2pm two days in advance, two to four players), or the Singles Daily Draw for solo golfers the day before. The course is closed to public play on Sundays.
- How does the Old Course Daily Ballot work?
- Enter the ballot before 2pm two days before you want to play — online, by phone or in person — with your group of two to four players, each with a name, home club and handicap. Results are out after 4.30pm the same day. The Links Trust publishes no success rates. The best independent count — Ginger Beer Golf Travel's analysis of the Trust's published daily draws — estimated the visitor ballot at 10.54% of applications across April–October 2024, under the rules then in force; treat it as a guide, not a forecast. Single players use the Singles Daily Draw instead, whose number of places the Trust does not publish.
- How do I get a guaranteed Old Course tee time?
- Through the Links Trust's Swilcan Package: apply in the autumn window before the season you want (23 September to 6 October 2026 for 2027), for up to four golfers, and a lottery drawn after the window sets the allocation. Successful applicants get two rounds on consecutive days, one on the Old Course and one on a second Links course. It is not a rolling year-ahead booking; the ballot hub has the current prices.
- What is the green fee for the Old Course?
- £355 in 2026 for the high-season rate (21 April to 18 October), £240 and £250 in the shoulder weeks either side, and £180 from November to March with fairway mats in use; under-16s pay the same. Winter play is on temporary greens during frost periods. The Old Course Experience packages (which bundle a guaranteed tee time, hotel and concierge) cost far more and are the easiest way for visitors to secure peak-season tee times.
- Is there a dress code on the Old Course?
- Smart golf attire is required — collared shirt, tailored trousers or proper golf shorts, golf shoes (soft spikes only). No T-shirts, denim, cargo shorts or athletic shorts. Jacket and tie is not required for the round itself but is expected at the Old Course Hotel and the Royal & Ancient clubhouse for non-members.
- Should I take a caddie at St Andrews?
- Strongly recommended for first-time visitors. The lines off the tee on the Old Course are not obvious — fairways are shared with parallel holes, and the famous bunkers (Hell, the Principal's Nose, the Road Hole bunker) are largely invisible from the tee. Book through the St Andrews Links caddie office at the same time as the tee time, and ask the office for the current fee; the gratuity is at your discretion.
- When is the Old Course closed?
- Sundays year-round (the course is open to the public for walking only, a tradition the Trust has maintained for 150+ years). The Old Course also closes for Open Championship preparation, the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October, and short maintenance windows in winter. Check the Trust calendar on standrews.com before booking.
- How much does it cost to play at St Andrews Old Course?
- A visitor round costs £180–£355, checked against the club's published rates on 26 September 2026.
- Can visitors play at weekends?
- Visitors are welcome but mid-week is markedly easier and quieter. Confirm a weekend tee time as far ahead as you can — popular Saturdays book up first.
- How early can I book a tee time?
- Visitor bookings open 365 days ahead via the club's online system. Group bookings of 8+ can usually be arranged further ahead.
- Is there a dress code?
- Smart golf attire; no scruffy or torn clothing. Soft only.
- Are buggies allowed?
- Buggies are not generally available — the course is walked. Hire a trolley at the pro shop if you'd rather not carry.
- What's the best time of year to play?
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep for full conditions. Late May and early Sep are quietest with fair value. Year-round, best Apr–Oct.
