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Birdie Brae

A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer

The Workshop · Tool № 01

Old Course Ballot Calculator

Tell us when you're visiting and we'll estimate your chances.

Group size
Flexibility

Pick your trip dates above to see the estimate.

How this works

The St Andrews Old Course holds a daily ballot. You enter the day before you want to play, between 8 am and 2 pm, via standrews.com. Results post at 4 pm. The ballot does not run on Sundays — the Old Course is closed.

St Andrews does not publish ballot success rates. Our model uses seasonal patterns drawn from published industry estimates, observed visitor experience, and the public booking calendar. It will be roughly right and occasionally wrong. Treat the number as a planning tool, not a promise.

Three things move the odds most: the time of year (peak June–August much harder than April or October), your group size (singles and pairs slot into spare places more easily than fours), and how many days of the trip you're willing to enter the ballot. Entering on four separate days roughly doubles your chance of getting on at least once compared to entering on one.

What the calculator does not account for

  • The Advance Reservation system (12 months ahead) — separate process, applied for once, paid in full at booking.
  • The walk-up single line at the Starter's Box from 06:00 — opportunistic, not balloted.
  • Tournament weeks. The Old Course closes for The Open and several smaller events. Check the published 2026 schedule before planning.
  • Weather. A round can be cancelled at no notice for storm or unplayable conditions. The ballot doesn't reroll.